How to Fax over the Internet

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You never know when you need to send a fax until you have to do it. Of course, you can use the fax machine at work to send a quick form to someone. However, what if you don't have a fax at work to fill that same need? Even if you don't have a fax machine, you probably do have the Internet! So even if the person you're faxing is insisting on bringing back 1997, you don't have to.

Steps

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    There are plenty of free services that will allow you to send a fax to a remote fax machine. Search for "Free internet faxing" in a reputable search engine for some free services. Research how many faxes you can send within a given period.
    • Here is how a free internet faxing service might work:
      • You provide your name, your email address, the message or files you wish to fax, along with the recipient's name and fax number.
      • Follow the instructions on the page. Type in any relevant information they ask for, including any confirmation codes.
      • Know that your free internet faxing service may come with ads, limits on how many pages you can fax, as well as daily quotas.
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    Be able to send and receive faxes using only your email, without a fax modem. The recipients of your faxes will never know that you're not using traditional faxes.
    • You need to install a file onto your computer to make the faxing possible. This piece of software is provided by the fax service when you sign up.
    • Access your fax program account from any computer to send a file to someone. All you have to do is call up the program, log in and you're ready to go.
    • Convert the file you want to fax to a .pdf or .txt format. There are many other formats that work as well. The fax service will provide instructions on how to access the file, send it to "print" to the program and enter the recipient's fax number.
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    Conexant sells a fax modem, as do other online companies and retail store locations. This is not as convenient as the online fax services, but is easier to use. You just need to send the file straight to the designated printer.
    • A fax modem is like a data modem, but it's designed to send out data to and receive data from a fax machine nearby.
    • Many, but not all, fax modems work as data modems. These dual-process modems can either be external or internal.
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    If you need to fax an already-printed document and you don't have a printer or fax machine, you can try scanning the document and then sending it via one of the services listed above.
    • Scan the document into a .pdf or .txt file, using a multifunction printer or a scanner.
    • Use one of the services listed above to send a fax out to a physical fax machine.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you recommend sites that offer free faxing services?
    Brandon Phipps
    Technology Specialist
    Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.
    Brandon Phipps
    Technology Specialist
    Expert Answer
    To send a fax for free on a computer, you can use online services or apps that offer free faxing options. One popular option is Google Fax, which allows you to send faxes directly from your Gmail account using the "Compose" email feature. Another method is to use online fax services like HelloFax or FaxZero, which often provide a limited number of free fax pages per month. Simply upload your document, enter the recipient's fax number, and follow the instructions provided by the chosen service to send the fax without incurring any costs. Keep in mind that free fax services may have limitations on the number of pages or the frequency of use.
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  • Question
    Is a fax secure?
    Community Answer
    That depends. If you're sending a fax to an individual, then yes, it's fairly secure. If you're faxing something to an office, it's much less secure as anyone could see it.
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      Tips

      • You can also fax from a PDA or cell phone if it is equipped for this capability. Discuss capabilities with your retailer or check on the Internet.
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      Warnings

      • Fax modems only work with phone lines, not Internet call receipt services. Check this out before committing to an Internet phone service.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about office equipment, check out our in-depth interview with Brandon Phipps .

      Things You'll Need

      • Fax modem, if you go this route
      • Internet connection

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