Fax capability...do I need a modem?

[VikingSong9]

Is a modem required in order to use a fax machine and send/receive faxes?

My desktop dimension 2350 computer of 8 years died (it had the phone jack modem hookup). I had a fax/scanner/copier hooked up to it that did well, until I got rid of the cable company phone service, and got that magic jack phone service.

Aside from that I have been computer shopping (desktop) off and on for the last several months, and have looked away from computers without modems, because I want my ability to fax back. I know that some have options to get a modem, but not all of them do.

I also don't want to have to buy a separate modem unless I absolutely have to, and I don't want to get one from the Cable company. I would like to have my own, preferably on the computer, if that is what I need to do in order to fax.

I have heard there is a wireless modem? What would I need on a computer (like slots, ports, cards, etc.) or what equipment would I need extra? Is this the new way of being able to fax?

I would appreciate any valid input. Thanks!

[Alexandra_P]

There are 2 traditional ways to send a fax:

1)  From one fax machine to another through a phone line

2) From a computer with faxing software, with a dial-up fax/modem, to a fax machine somewhere else - through a phone line.

Note the key is the phone line - fax is a phone technology, not an internet technology.     Modem is just a generic term for an interface between your computer and the internet - it could be for dial-up, or cable, or DSL, but the different kinds of modems aren't interchangeable.   Most wireless modems refer to wireless broadband (cable or DSL) - not phone - and phone is what you need to fax.

The key question is - do you still have a phone line, or are you only using the Magic Jack?   If you don't have a standard phone line anymore, then you MIGHT be able to hook either a fax machine or a computer with a fax/modem to the Magic Jack and use it that way,  but I have no idea if it will work (I don't have one).

[RChris]

Another option that you might want to consider are the online FAX services (some are free). With these, you don't need a modem, FAX machine, or even a telephone line.

This article discusses a couple of these services. (Look near the end of the article for the section "Ditch Your FAX Machine.")

http://www.pcworld.com/article/161887/article.html?tk=nl_sbxhow

[VikingSong9]

Just want to say thanks to those of you who responded. I'm thinking I'm probably going to have to buy a seperate modem... like it or not. Thanks again.