Faxing the Windows 2003 Way

Windows 2003, like Windows XP, includes native support for faxing. This means you can now send and receive faxes using your computer without third-party software. The capabilities of Windows 2003 faxing are controlled through (you guessed it) the Printers and Faxes folder.

Faxing is not enabled by default. First, you must have a fax modem already installed and properly configured (that means the driver is installed and things are working properly). Then to enable faxing, open the Printers and Faxes folder from the Start menu or Control Panel, and choose File Set Up Faxing. A wizard launches and installs the necessary components for faxing. After a few moments, you're returned to the Printers and Faxes folder where a new Fax icon appears.

The Properties command for the fax icon reveals a multitabbed dialog box that looks a lot like a printer dialog box. In this dialog box, you can do the following:

• Define the fax device name and location

• Share the fax device with the network

• Define access and control security

• Set document tracking

In fact, faxing is like printing, but instead of sending the document's print job to a physical print device where the results are on paper, the print job is digitized and sent over the phone line to a receiving fax device (which can be a traditional fax machine or a fax-enabled computer). Other than needing to provide a phone number and the occasional cover sheet, faxing a document is just like printing a document. To send a fax, just select the fax device from the list of printers in the dialog box that appears when you choose File Print.

The first time you attempt to send a fax, the Fax Configuration Wizard is launched. This wizard is used to define information about your fax system, such as the phone number, area code, and sender information.

Double-click the Fax icon to open the Fax Console, which is used to track and manage incoming and outgoing faxes, in much the same way as you might manage e-mail in Outlook. If you want to change your sender information, choose Tools Configure Fax from the Fax Console. To receive faxes, you have to enable incoming faxes and set the answer after rings control.

Keep in mind that you can have only one answering service per modem device. So, if you need a telecommuter to call in to connect to your system, don't set up that modem to wait for faxes. The device that is waiting for incoming faxes can still be used to send faxes or even for normal dial-out connections. If you find that you need more help with the fax capabilities of Windows 2003, check out the help file and the Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit.