Using a computer as a fax is fairly convenient because of the advanced fax message processing capabilities. In addition, considerable resources may be saved this way by converting to paperless technologies. An automated receiving server may be set up, for example, to handle incoming messages using a fax modem, to convert them to PDF files, and to send these files out by email or to store them in a special network folder.
However, this cannot be done using Windows operating system features alone. The solution to this problem may be found in the Universal Document Converter software. This is a product that works as a virtual printer and converts source files into PDF and the most common graphics formats (such as, TIFF, BMP, JPEG, etc.). It may also be used to set up a paperless incoming fax handling process.
So, what is required to have incoming faxes converted to PDF? First, you need to make sure that your computer is equipped with a fax modem and connected to a telephone line. Then, you need to install the Microsoft FAX services. To do that, open your Control Panel and select "Add or Remove Programs". Select the "Add/Remove Windows Components" tab in the resulting dialog, check "Fax Services", and start the installation (this might require your Windows disk).
Then, you proceed to the Universal Document Converter installation. We are not going to describe that procedure because it is very simple. This product is installed the same way as any other software. Then, you start the
Fax Console (Start->Accessories->Communications->Fax->Fax Console). This will run the
Fax Configuration Wizard. It will sequentially ask for several pieces of information. One of the steps will require you to activate automatic receipt of faxes. This will enable you to select a printer to be used to print messages. Select the Universal Document Converter as the printer.
The only thing remaining at this stage is to set up the conversion procedure.
Open the Printing Preferences window of the Universal Document
Converter printer.
Use the File Format tab in the resulting window to select and configure
the format that messages are to be saved to. Then, proceed to the Output
Location tab and set fax target directory and file naming rules (such as, time and date).
Advanced Fax-to-PDF Universal Document Converter features may be used as needed. For example, a watermark may be used in the form of a translucent "Fax" string applied to the entire page. This will be a visible indication that the document had been received as a fax. Other Universal Document Converter configuration settings may be used as well: paper format, post-processing, etc. Now, you have only to save the settings to be able to load them quickly in the future.
Therefore, the Universal Document Converter may be used to convert faxes to PDF and use the Windows fax services to advantage.
