If your fax needs are simpler, try the aptly named Fax Machine. This $25 shareware utility sports an uncomplicated interface. You can send a fax by either printing from any application or by scanning paper documents. If your scanner includes an automatic document feeder, Fax Machine will scan all the loaded pages to create a multipage fax.
Click the program's Settings button; use the Scanner and Fax modem panes to configure your hardware. In the General options pane, choose your preferred cover page or disable the cover page to save transmission time. You can use the cover page editor to customize your fax's front page. The program is compatible with Windows 95's CPE format cover pages, but does not support COV files used in Windows 2000 and XP.
Fax Machine is picky about the format of fax numbers so you will need to read the documentation page that describes its preferred format. You can set the program to print out a fax as soon as you receive it, or you can elect to view it onscreen first.
If you're going to leave your computer on day and night to receive faxes, why not go the extra step and turn it into a full-fledged phone attendant, complete with voicemailboxes, fax, and caller ID? CallAttendant Pro, a $129.95 shareware application, is up to the task. CallAttendant Pro supports any combination of two phone lines, faxes, or voice messages simultaneously.
The program works with Windows 95 and 98 but does not yet support Windows NT, 2000, or Me. You'll also need a voice-compatible TAPI (telephony application program interface) modem (or two if you want it to handle two phone lines). A voice-compatible modem is just a regular phone modem that is capable of playing and recording audio over a telephone line, a feature built into many low-cost modems. A list of compatible modems is available.
The program can route messages based on the time of day and caller ID information. For instance, messages received between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. can be forwarded to your cell phone, but a pesky business associate who calls too often can be sent into voicemail hell. CallAttendant is powerful but takes time to set up. The program includes extensive documentation and tutorials to get you started.
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eFax Messenger Plus |
View faxes and voicemail messages received through your e-mail address.
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iPrint2Fax |
Send faxes from your Windows PC to any fax machine or e-mail address worldwide.
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