One useful and handy tool that is very underutilized with our computers is the Fax. Yes, you have the ability to send and receive faxes via your computer (if you have a modem...which most of us do).

With a scanner, your computer can be as functional as a stand-alone fax machine. Without a scanner, you can send anything you create on your computer via Fax and receive any faxes.

Faxing with your computer is accomplished via Fax software. If you use Windows 95, you already have Microsoft Fax installed. If you use Windows 98, the Microsoft Fax is not installed by default, but you can add it by:
1. Insert your Windows 98 CD
2. If the auto start screen pops up, Click on the browse option
3. If your CD did not "auto-start", then 4. double-click on "My Computer" then double-click on your CD-ROM drive icon
5. Double-click on the Tools folder
6. Double-click on the Old Win95 folder
7. Double-click on the Message folder
8. Double-click on the US folder
9. Double-click on the Awfax icon to install Microsoft Fax

You can also download numerous fax shareware programs from your favorite download site or buy commercial software such as WinFax Pro or Communicate.

Once you have your software installed, faxing is as easy as printing.
1. Create your fax document in any Windows program
2. Click on File
3. Click on Print (yes, print)
4. Choose your Fax program from the "name of printer" box at the top of this menu
5. Click on OK
6. Your fax software will pop-up and prompt your for the recipient's name and Fax number and you are on your way.

Receiving faxes is a simple matter of following the onscreen instructions provided by your particular software.