5.17. Work with a fax modem

When exchanging information, not only with other computers, but also between PCs and facsimile devices, modern modems are used. Using a modem, it is possible, for example, to send a message from a computer to a fax machine and vice versa. A modem operating in this mode is called a fax modem. Work with this device is performed using special switching programs or universal organizer programs. The installation of the fax is carried out after the installation of the modem or during the installation of fax programs, or during the first access to the fax. The Fax icon is placed in the Printers group, and the fax itself, like the printer, is connected to a special “logical” port. After installing a fax to this port, it is possible to access from other applications as a printer. One way to send a document created by an application to a fax is to print it out using the Print command. In this case, the installed fax is specified as a printer. Changing fax settings and setting it up in the Properties window for the corresponding fax in the Printers group.

A fax message can be sent using:

1) the program in which the document is prepared. This method is the easiest if there are Print or Send commands in the File menu of the program that prepared the document. The appropriate fax machine is installed as a printer and a comma *** is printed;

2) organizing programs;

3) switching programs that have the ability to send facsimile messages.

When sending a message, a window appears in which you must fill in the message header, containing the following fields:

• To - with one or several recipients of the message;

• Copy - with the addresses of recipients of copies, while in some systems the main recipients can be either notified or not notified about the presence of copies;

• Subject — A summary of the message.

To simplify the assignment of addresses, there are address books that include a list of frequently used addresses, as well as forms of messages that contain entire headers of various types.

Messages may contain text that is directly typed in a special window, and an attachment (text, graphic and other files or a spreadsheet). A message can include attachments only. It looks like this if it is sent from an application program using the Print or Send command. Messages are protected from illegal access in various ways: with a password, keys, an electronic signature, etc.

When sending a message, you can specify:

• urgent delivery - immediately, precisely at the specified date and time, at a certain time interval at a “cheap tariff”;

• the presence and type of title page separating one message from another;

• print quality and paper size;

• the need to confirm receipt of the message and the method of protection;

• the number of repeated attempts to send a message when this cannot be done immediately;

• the need to save the message.

You can receive messages automatically and manually. The modem and the computer during automatic reception must be turned on, and the communication program is started when the message is transmitted (if the mail server does not participate in the exchange process). Fax with automatic reception must be set to Receive fax automatically.