How to Send Fax from Computer

Fax machines? They might seem old-school. But many places still use them. Good news: you don't need a big, clunky machine anymore. You can actually send a fax from your computer. It's easy! Let's walk through how to do it.

Why Fax From Your Computer?

Why even bother faxing from a computer? Well...

• Easy to Use: Fax from anywhere you have internet. No more fax machine!
• Saves Money: No paper, ink, or phone line costs. Online fax services are usually cheap.
• Good for the Earth: Use less paper!
• You Can Get to It Anywhere: Check your faxes on your computer, tablet, or phone.
• Safer: Internet fax services keep your info safe with special security.
• Keeps Things Neat: Your faxes are saved on your computer. Easy to find!

How to Fax From Your Computer

There are a few ways to do this:

1. Online Fax Services: Like having a fax machine online. You pay a fee to use it.
2. Email-to-Fax: Send a fax right from your email.
3. Fax Software: This uses a special device (fax modem) to send faxes. Not used much anymore.

1. Online Fax Services (Like eFax)

Using an online fax service is the most popular way. Why? They're easy! Here's what they offer:

• They give you a fax number.
• You can use their website.
• They work with your email.
• They have apps for your phone.
• They save your faxes.
• They show you reports about your faxes.

Good Online Fax Services

Need some names? Here are some online fax services you might like:

• eFax: Lots of people know this one. It has many features.
• RingCentral Fax: This is a big system for businesses that includes faxing.
• HelloFax: Easy to use, good for signing papers.
• MyFax: Cheap and works well for small businesses.
• MetroFax: Another cheap option if you don't fax a lot.

How to Use an Online Fax Service

It's pretty simple to send a fax with an online fax service:

1. Pick a Service and Sign Up: Find one you like. Make an account and pick a fax number.
2. Log In: Go to their website or use their app.
3. Start a New Fax: Click "Send Fax" or something like that.
4. Type in the Fax Number: Put in the number you're sending to. Don't forget the area code!
5. Add Your Files: Upload the files you want to fax. Like PDFs or pictures.
6. Add a Cover Page (If You Want): Write a note with your name and what the fax is about.
7. Send It! Check everything and click "Send." The service sends the fax for you.
8. Done! You'll get a message saying if it worked.

2. Send Fax Through Email

Some online fax services let you send faxes right from your email. Neat! But you need to have a subscription to a service that does this.

How to Fax From Email

1. Make Sure It's Turned On: Check your fax service settings. Make sure email faxing is on.
2. Write a New Email: Open your email program. Start a new email.
3. Put the Fax Number in the "To" Box: Type the fax number, then add the fax service's special address. It looks like this: [email protected]. So, if the fax number is 1-555-123-4567 and the service is efaxsend.com, you'd write [email protected].
4. Attach Your Files: Add the files to the email. They should be PDFs or something like that.
5. Add a Cover Page (If You Want): Type your note in the email.
6. Send It! Click "Send." The service turns the email into a fax and sends it.
7. All Done! You'll get an email saying if it worked.

3. Using Fax Software (Not as Popular)

Fax software isn't used as much anymore. It needs a fax modem (a special device) and a phone line.

How to Fax With Software

1. Put in the Fax Software: Put the fax software on your computer. Some computers already have it.
2. Hook Up a Fax Modem: Plug the modem into your computer and the phone line.
3. Set Up the Software: Tell the software about your modem and phone line.
4. Start a New Fax: Open the software and start a new fax.
5. Type in the Fax Number: Put in the number you're sending to.
6. Add Your Files: Add the files you want to fax.
7. Send It! Click "Send."

Note: This way is getting old because internet fax is easier.

Which Way Is Best?

It depends on what you need! Think about these things:

• How Often Do You Fax? If it's a lot, get an online fax service with a monthly plan.
• How Much Money Do You Want to Spend? Compare the prices of different online fax services.
• What Do You Need It to Do? Some services work with email or have phone apps.
• How Easy Is It to Use? Pick a service that's simple to understand.
• Is It Safe? Make sure the service keeps your info safe.

Why Use Internet Fax (Like eFax)?

Internet fax, like eFax, is better than old-fashioned faxing because:

• It Saves Money: You don't need a phone line, paper, or ink.
• It's Easy: Fax from anywhere with internet.
• You Can Get to It Anywhere: Check your faxes on your computers, tablets and smartphones.
• It Keeps Things Neat: Your faxes are saved on your computer. They are easy to find!
• It's Safer: Many internet fax services keep your info safe with special security.
• It Can Grow With You: As your business grows, you can fax more easily.

In Conclusion

Knowing how to send a fax from your computer is helpful. Whether you use an online fax service like eFax, email-to-fax, or fax software, you can save money and make faxing easier. Think about what you need and compare the options. Then, get rid of that old fax machine!