Communication Methods : Fax

A fax machine can be used to send copies of documents from one location to another. A fax machine consists of a scanner, printer and modem all built into one device. The document that is to be sent is inserted into a fax machine. It scans the pages and sends them via the telephone network to another fax machine. The receiving fax machine then prints a copy of the document.

A fax machine can be connected to the telephone network just like a telephone. A fax machine is identified by a number which you must dial to send a document to it. Few people have fax machines at home but most businesses have a fax machine. Charges for sending faxes are set in the same way as for making telephone calls.

Advantages
  1. Documents can be sent very quickly to another fax machine anywhere in the world. Faxing is much quicker then using the post.
  2. There is a permanent record of any communication by fax.
Disadvantages
  1. The quality of the printed copy of the document is not usually very good.
  2. Fewer people have access to a fax machine than to the post or a telephone.
  3. Parcels can not be sent by fax.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004