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Fax capability...do I need a modem?
Is a modem required in order to use a fax machine and send/receive faxes?
My desktop dimension 2350 computer of 8 years died (it had the phone jack modem hookup). I had a fax/scanner/copier hooked up to it that did well, until I got rid of the cable company phone service, and got that magic jack phone service.
Aside from that I have been computer shopping (desktop) off and on for the last several months, and have looked away from computers without modems, because I want my ability to fax back. I know that some have options to get a modem, but not all of them do.
I also don't want to have to buy a separate modem unless I absolutely have to, and I don't want to get one from the Cable company. I would like to have my own, preferably on the computer, if that is what I need to do in order to fax.
I have heard there is a wireless modem? What would I need on a computer (like slots, ports, cards, etc.) or what equipment would I need extra? Is this the new way of being able to fax?
I would appreciate any valid input. Thanks!
Alexandra_P
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December 31st, 2009 17:00
There are 2 traditional ways to send a fax:
1) From one fax machine to another through a phone line
2) From a computer with faxing software, with a dial-up fax/modem, to a fax machine somewhere else - through a phone line.
Note the key is the phone line - fax is a phone technology, not an internet technology. Modem is just a generic term for an interface between your computer and the internet - it could be for dial-up, or cable, or DSL, but the different kinds of modems aren't interchangeable. Most wireless modems refer to wireless broadband (cable or DSL) - not phone - and phone is what you need to fax.
The key question is - do you still have a phone line, or are you only using the Magic Jack? If you don't have a standard phone line anymore, then you MIGHT be able to hook either a fax machine or a computer with a fax/modem to the Magic Jack and use it that way, but I have no idea if it will work (I don't have one).
RChris
370 Posts
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December 31st, 2009 17:00
Another option that you might want to consider are the online FAX services (some are free). With these, you don't need a modem, FAX machine, or even a telephone line.
This article discusses a couple of these services. (Look near the end of the article for the section "Ditch Your FAX Machine.")
http://www.pcworld.com/article/161887/article.html?tk=nl_sbxhow
VikingSong9
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January 3rd, 2010 19:00
Just want to say thanks to those of you who responded. I'm thinking I'm probably going to have to buy a seperate modem... like it or not. Thanks again.