pros & cons of fax machine vs XP fax utility

[Kevin]

Hello,

I'm a newbie. I have Windows XP Home Edition and a very old color
printer. Now I need the ability to fax, copy, print and scan.

Will Windows XP's "fax" utility meet all my FAXing needs if I
buy a multi-function device that prints, scans, and copies (but
does not FAX)?

Or does XP's "fax" utility have shortcomings such that I
should buy a multi-function device that FAXes, as well as
prints, scans and copies?

What file formats does XP's "fax" utility support? Can I send
faxes with files of the following formats: MS Word (.doc), .txt,
..pdf (Adobe Acrobat), .xls (MS Excel)? .html? Any others?

Thank you very much.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Windows XP fax is a very limited fax program that is somewhat cantankerous
with many modems in common use. There is ample information on it readily
available to you:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306550
HOW TO: Enable and Configure the Fax Service in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306657
HOW TO: Send a Fax in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306661
HOW TO: Fax a Document from a Windows Program in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306662
HOW TO: Receive a Fax in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306663
HOW TO: Fax a Scanned Document or Image in Windows XP
http://www.slipstick.com/addins/services/winxpfax.htm
Windows XP Fax