Things You Need For Faxing Online

Getting started with online faxing doesn’t involve a long shopping list of equipment and supplies. In fact, only six things are necessary for sending and receiving web faxes. And you most likely have five of the items already. Here’s a look at the things needed for faxing over the Internet:

Internet Access. A good broadband or DSL connection is preferred. Although faxes can be sent over the Internet with a dial-up connection, transmitting is very slow.

Browser. Any browser will do in sending and receiving web faxes. Most Internet service providers include a web browser with their services, or you can download one for free from the browser’s website.

Computer or Other Device With Internet Access. Most people use their computers for creating, sending and receiving fax documents. But any type of device with Internet access makes online faxing possible. This means you can send and receive faxes with your mobile phone or PDA if they have Internet access capabilities.

Online Fax Service. If you send or receive a lot of faxes, an online fax service provides fast transmittal service, fax document management services and storage options for a low monthly price. Since an online fax service is not equipment dependent, you can send and receive faxes from your web-based account or email account at your convenience, from anywhere in the world. People who do minimal faxing on a monthly basis may find the fax option on their computer adequate for their needs and go without an online fax service. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to keep your computer on at all times in case you receive a fax and faxes can only be accessed from that computer.

Fax Phone Number. You can use the existing phone number that you have with your local telephone company or obtain a new one for free through an online fax service. With an online fax service, you can have as many phone numbers as your needs dictate, a major plus for many businesses. It is important to note that you do not need to install a dedicated fax line since web faxes are transmitted through your broadband or DSL connection. The phone number is simply an identifier for where the fax is being sent to or received from. It is also necessary for sending faxes to or receiving faxes from a traditional fax machine.

Email Account. When using an online fax service, an email account gives you the option to have faxes sent to an existing email account. Online fax services work with all web-based email programs (Gmail and Yahoo, for example) and most email software programs (for instance Outlook and AOL).