Using Slackware 12.2
Also using live CDs Slax 6.1.1 and knoppix 6

Is there a program I can use to send a fax from my computer
with Slackware or any of these live CDs?

Is there any special hardware that I would need?

Thanks

There are probably much simpler solutions but you can use hylafax and a modem.

Does your ISP have a mail-fax gateway?

Read my tutorial on Efax

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ffice.-637143/

hope this helps

Thanks okos for the article.
I read the man page for efax-gtk as well.

I'm unsure about what I need for a modem.
I have a modem from Shawcalble that I use for internet. Is this ok for faxes:
Motorola: Surfboard Model SB5101
Or do I need something more than this?
I'm not that familiar with computer hardware.
How do I find the device the modem is connected to in /dev?

My computer is a Compaq evo D500

Thanks

I'm trying to ser up efax-gtk for sending faxes.
How would I find the modem device in /dev?

I'm unsure about what I need for a modem.
I have a modem from Shawcable that I use for internet. Is this ok for faxes:
Motorola: Surfboard Model SB5101
is connected to: Ethernet controller: Macronix, Inc. [MXIC] MX987x5 (rev 25)

Or do I need something more than this?

My computer is a Compaq evo D500

Thanks

I may be wrong, but I don't think you can send faxes over the 'phone line using a Motorola SB5101.

On the datasheet for that modem (http://www.m1.com.sg/broadband/pdf/SB5101_datasheet.pdf) there's no mention of fax support. I can't say I'm surprised, since sending a fax involves sending AT commands to the modem, and the whole point of Ethernet modems is to give you an instant network connection without messing around with AT.

You have two options: send the fax over the network, or get a second modem.

To send over the network:

There are plenty of companies who will let you send faxes over the Internet. These are often cheaper than sending a fax directly over the 'phone (according to their websites!) and needs no extra hardware. The first one I found on Google was http://www.tpc.int/

For a second modem:

The modem device is usually called /dev/modem (which is often a symbolic link to another file under /dev/).

There are three types of modems: Ethernet (not much use for fax), hardware modems and software modems (winmodems). Hardware modems connect to a serial port (and are often physically hard-wired together), they are basically plug and play (so long as you know which port they're plugged into), but are getting hard to find. Winmodems are a pain, because they require special drivers to get working, which often aren't available for Linux or only work with obscure kernel versions. http://linmodems.org/ gives advice and instructions for many software modems under Linux.

Detailed advice on choosing modems and getting them to work can be found at http://tldp.org/HOWTO/Modem-HOWTO.html

I don't know the Motorola device you mention, but while rjlee is correct, that usually Ethernet modems don's support fax, there are exceptions, e. g. some Devolo devices. Not sure, if they are availalble in your area, though, EDIT: and also I don't know, if the fax functionality is available under Linux or if a special Windows software is required.

If you should decide to get yourself a faxmodem (or is the correct spelling fax modem, I don't know), I can recommend Acer, but would like to warn you of U. S. Robotics/3Com. Their hardware fax capabilities are rather limited, but with the included software they can be quite nice --- under MS Windows. For Linux, choose something else (such as Acer, as I said).

/dev/modem is often used as a hyperlink to the real device name, which is typically something like /dev/ttyS0 (COM1 in Windows jargon) or /dev/ttyS1 (COM2).

Good luck

gargamel

Please post your thread in only one forum. Posting a single thread in the most relevant forum will make it easier for members to help you and will keep the discussion in one place. This thread is being closed because it is a duplicate.

I've asked for your two threads to be merged together.

To elaborate on rjlee there are several different types of MODEMS (which is an acronym for MOdulator/DEModulator). In a nutshell a MODEM is a signal converter that can change data from one form to another and vice versa. Cable, DSL and fiber modems are what rjlee calls ethernet MODEMs. Hardware and software MODEMs are analog MODEMS. These are called analog because they connect to the telephone line and convert digital data into an audible frequency. Analog MODEMs can also transmit FAX (facsimile) which is a similar format to transmitting data. Ethernet MODEMS are not compatible with FAX MODEMs. It is possible that your computer has a analog MODEM which is probably a softmodem and can be difficult or impossible to setup in linux. If your computer has an expansion card with one or two phone jacks it is an analog MODEM. You need to post the output of the lspci command so we can see the type of chipset.

A FAX MODEM can be several different device names but as stated it is usually linked to /dev/modem.

This is the information I got on my modem:
bash-3.1$ lspci
02:0b.0 Modem: PCTel Inc HSP MicroModem 56 (rev 02)

Can I get drivers for this. I am using Slackware 12.2?
I need a fax for personal use.

I checked around where I live: Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
I found a limited number of modems. There are a few software modems,
but I thought I would try to get a hardware modem if I was going
to purchase one to avoid problems with drivers. If these are
not suitable, can someone recommend some that I can order online?

This is the only ones I could find beside US Robotics:

Askey V1456VQH-T2 56k PCI fax/modem Hardware based, bare unit only
Condition: Used

Aopen FM56-PX V.92 Fax/Voice Modem

I am also getting phone with Shawcable: digital phone. Is this a
problem with a fax modem?

Thanks

I don't know any of the devices you mention, and cannot answer your question about drivers for them.
Regarding fax via digital phone: Usually it works. However, I don't know your provider or the technology you mention, but with A-DSL it works quite well.
Regarding fax modems, as I said: Years ago, U. S. Robotics/3Com wasn't supported well (but this may have changed...). I don't know the other devices you mention, but if I was you, I'd try to get me and Industry Sector Jour Fixe.

Grüße
gargamel

Moved to Slackware pending merging with another similar thread by OP.

JosephS: please don't create threads on the same topic in different fora. Threads merged.

That's a dirty trick that work like charm...have a fax modem plugged to your serial com port, and plug it behind your net modem, where your VOIP telephone is...even together with your phone...you can then send faxes..for free! the fax modem port must be configured at 9600 speed, and it "passes" through the internet modem..

I set up Hylafax, and I send merryly free faxes...

But I need help to have a nice mail to fax gateway, I don't know how to do it..