Fax Software
Save time, money and the environment without leaving your desk
With the worldwide community recently focused on eco-conscious living, homes and offices have been searching for solutions to cut down on paper consumption. While the Internet and email have always contributed significantly to this cause, fax software has made faxing not only simpler but also more environmental.
Fax software allows for easy sending and receiving of faxes without leaving the comfort of your desktop. Computer fax software can make faxing as convenient as email. It doesn't require a fax machine, though it does require a fax modem. Documents for fax can be printed directly to the fax software and then sent through the modem, negating the need to print out a copy of the document and physically copy it to the fax.
Other benefits of computer fax software include attaching multiple files together to send in one fax, changing the faxed image into editable text and adding a bitmap stamp of your signature to the document.
Faxes can also be sent over the Web or through email by obtaining Internet fax software or a subscription to an Internet faxing service, which works basically as a fax server. Though the average user or organization can develop their own fax system from an individual computer, a server subscription is often more convenient for smaller groups or single persons.
In either case, sending an Internet fax is relatively simple. Using your email program, attach the file for fax to a message addressed to the desired fax number followed by an extension; altogether, the address will look similar to an email address. The service accepts the attached document, converts it into a fax and sends it to the recipient over a phone line. To receive faxes, you are assigned a number by the service through which senders may fax you. However, when the fax data reaches the service, it is converted to an email attachment, which can be read by opening it as you would any other attachment.
Free fax software can be found available for download, but generally these only include one or two features. For the full faxing package, you might have to spend a fair amount of money. However, fax software not only saves money in paper, ink and toner, but also saves time and the environment. That being the case, it is usually worth the cost.
Features and Benefits
Fax software:
- Allows faxing straight from your desktop, cutting down on time away from your desk.
- Saves paper in both the sending and receiving of faxes.
- Uses already familiar applications to send and receive faxes.
Top Choices
- Equisys ZetaFax
- Fax Wizard 2000
- Snappy Fax Network Server
- VentaFax & Voice
- Symantec WinFax Pro
Major Considerations
- What kind of faxing software is best for my needs?
- Do I want to run my own faxing system or use a subscription fax service?
- Is free downloadable software adequate for my needs, or do I need to pay for more features?
Price Range
Some very basic fax software is available for free download online. As well, some operating systems come with basic fax applications already installed. However, an investment in the full advantages of fax software can be well worth it. A program such as Symantec's WinFax Pro sells for about $100, whereas a fax server used for organizations can range from around $100 to as high as $5,000. Internet fax services vary depending on the amount of faxing per month, ranging from less than $5 per month to around $40 per month for high-volume plans.
Summary
If your business requires sending and receiving faxes on a fairly regular basis, faxing software is a worthwhile investment. Using the Internet or email to send and receive faxes saves time, money and the environment. A fax software package sells for less than the average fax machine, and monthly subscription services can be substantially cheaper than the paper, toner, ink and long-distance phone charges associated with traditional fax machines.
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