There are three kinds of Fax Software that can easily turn your PC into a station for sending and receiving fax messages. Only one of these methods requires you actually to have a landline that can transfer fax data (no VoIP connections), the other two are relying on you having a stable internet connection and nothing else.

Type 1: Installed Fax Software

When you have a fax modem (internal or external) for your computer, all you need to do to use it as a fax station is install the drivers for it, and you're good to go. Windows Vista, 7, 8 and ten let you send and receive messages immediately, through basic Windows interface, but you may want to use one of the dedicated software suites for it – they're easier to use, and their interface is much nicer looking.

All you need to do is make sure your fax modem is connected to the land line, set up the fax software and you'll be able to send easily and receive messages. You can see the most popular fax software suites for Windows here and linux here.

One thing to note is that Max OS X and onwards does not support fax software – you'll have to rely on Windows or Linux fax software

Type 2: Fax Servers

This is a more serious solution typically used in enterprise environment. You don't require a landline, all you need is an internet connection, and all of your faxing needs will be managed remotely by a company specialized for that. Sending and receiving faxes through Fax Servers does not differentiate much from sending and receiving e-mail messages – all of the fax management is outsourced to the company hosting the fax server.

Type 3: Online Fax Services

Last, but not least, one of the most popular methods lately for sending and receiving fax messages from the PC is using Online Fax Services. Strictly speaking, they aren't the kind of software that is set up on your PC so you can send and get faxes, they are typically controlled through the browser interface, but they are one of the simplest methods to use – they work just like e-mail, allowing you to receive faxes as PDF documents

Matt Gerchow

Matt Gerchow is an author, marketer, inventor, husband, father and yoga enthusiast. He enjoys travel to distant lands , fine wine, time with his family and dinner with friends.