SGI Developer Toolbox 6.1/SGI Developer Toolbox 6.1 - Disc 4.iso/FAQs/netfaqs/fax-faq

Text File | 1994-08-01 | 65KB | 1,628 lines

Newsgroups: comp.dcom.fax,alt.fax,news.answers,alt.answers,comp.answers
From: [e-mail] (George E. Pajari)
Subject: Fax (comp.dcom.fax) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) [Part 1/2]
Followup-To: comp.dcom.fax
Summary: Frequently asked questions about fax communications, protocols,
    standards, modems, products, and publications.
Keywords: fax faq
Sender: [e-mail] (George Pajari)
Reply-To: [e-mail] (FAQ Comments)
Organization: Faximum Software, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 1994 03:15:15 GMT
Approved: [e-mail]
Lines: 658
Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu comp.dcom.fax:4527 news.answers:14610 alt.answers:1738 comp.answers:3600

Archive-name: fax-faq/part1

comp.dcom.fax FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) -- Part 1 of 2
-------------------------------------------------------------

January 1994

This article contains the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
often seen in the USENET newsgroup comp.dcom.fax relating to facsimile
standards, software, and hardware.  It will be posted approximately monthly.

If you would like to make any submissions or corrections to the FAQ, please
contact [e-mail].  Your input is greatly appreciated.  Suggested
questions need not be accompanied by suggested answers.  Areas that are in
particular need of contributions are marked "<Need more information>".
Flames and other comments (constructive or otherwise) are also welcomed.

Note that this FAQ is primarily concerned with fax standards in general
and computer-based fax in particular.  It contains little information on
commercial fax machines and related paraphenalia.  If someone else would
like to start and maintain such a section (or separate FAQ) they are more
than welcome to do so. Otherwise, please send contributions to this FAQ.

regards
g.
                              [e-mail]
George Pajari / Faximum Software / Tel: [phone] / Fax: ... [phone]
     1497 Marine Drive, Suite 300 / West Vancouver, BC / Canada  V7T 1B8


Std. Disclaimers:
----------------

The content of this article is the sole responsibility of the author(s) and
contributors, and does not necessarily represent the opinions or policies
of their employers or other companies mentioned.

The information provided herein is believed to be correct but the author and
contributors cannot accept any liability for errors and omissions.  Readers
are cautioned to verify any information before making decisions or taking
action based upon this information.

While every reasonable effort has been taken to maintain an objective and
unbiased approach in the collection and presentation of this information,
readers are advised that the author and possibly some of the contributors
work for or have an interest in commercial organisations involved in the
fax and/or computer industry.


=================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
=================

Note that this FAQ has grown to the point where it has been split into two
parts.  Part 1 contains the front matter (introduction, disclaimer, etc.)
and the glossary.  Part 2 contains everything else (questions and answers,
sources of information, and information on products).

----- Part 1 of 2  [This part] -----

G.    Glossary and Background Information

----- Part 2 of 2  [The other part] -----

Q.    Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1    Can I use my * data modem to send/receive faxes?
Q.1A    Can my fax modem transmit data?
Q.2    How can I fax PostScript or PCL documents using computer-based fax?
Q.3    How can I view incoming faxes on my computer?
Q.4    How can I print incoming faxes on my computer?
Q.5    Can fax modems also handle data or voice calls?
Q.6    What resolution are fax images?
Q.7    Can I take a fax file and edit it?
Q.8    Is there a standard program interface (API) for fax communications?
Q.9    How can I share my single phone line with voice, fax, data, etc.

I.    Sources of Information
I.1    Standards Related to Facsimile Communication
I.2    Where to Obtain Standards Documents and Related Information
I.3    Magazine Reviews of UNIX Fax Software
I.4    Magazine Reviews of DOS/Windows Fax Software
I.5    Magazine Reviews of Mac Fax Software
I.6    Magazine Reviews of Fax Modems (see also O/S specific reviews)
I.7    Magazine Reviews of Fax Machines
I.8    Publications Devoted to Fax and Telecommunications
I.9    Books on Fax
I.10    Other Sources of Information on Fax
I.11    Conferences on Fax
I.12    Associations Related to Fax Technology
I.13    Fax-on-Demand Phone Numbers

P.    Product Information
P.1    List of UNIX Fax Software
P.2    List of MS-DOS Fax Software
P.3    List of MacIntosh Fax Software
P.4    List of Windows Fax Software
P.5    List of OS/2 Fax Software
P.6    List of Fax Modem Vendors
P.7    List of Fax Board Vendors
P.8    List of Vendors of Secure Fax Equipment


===============================================================================
Subject:    G.  GLOSSARY and BACKGROUND INFORMATION
===============================================================================

ANSI/AIIM MS53-1993
  The American National Standard File Format for Storage and Exchange of
  Images - Bi-Level Image File Format: Part 1 (ANSI/AIIM MS53-1993) was
  approved in 1993.  The standard defines a format for a file containing
  one page with one image.  Page sizes and image sizes can be specified.
  Both definite length and indefinite length are supported.  Clipping of the
  image can be specified.  Image coding may be according to ITU-T Recs. T.4
  (one- and two-dimensional) and Rec. T.6.  Bitmap may also be specified.
  Both facsimile style least significant bit and industry style most
  significant bit mapping are supported.
  (Definition courtesy of [e-mail] (herman.r.silbiger))

BFT or
Binary File Transfer
  A method of transferring files using fax modems (as an extension to the
  fax protocol).  This standard, which will be approved shortly, will be
  referred to as T.434.

Brooktrout Patent (taken from a press release from Brooktrout)
  Brooktrout's patent (number 4,918,722), issued by the US patent office
  in 1990, covers generally any method for the selection of facsimile messages
  and their deliver to a particular telephone number under control of commands
  entered through a telephone, for example in the form of signals generated
  from the telephone's touch-tone keypad.  This method is employed in many
  fax-on-demand systems, which provide business users and service providers the
  ability to offer automated fax delivery of specified information in response
  to requests from customers, subscribers or other callers.
  [Editor's note: this patent is the subject of litigation and the current
   status or validity of this patent is not known.]

CAS
  An API for fax devices invented by Intel and DCA and tied to the Intel
  and MS-DOS architectures.


CCITT
  Comite Consultatif International Telegraphique et Telephonique (a.k.a. The
  International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee).  The old
  name for ITU-T, the body responsible for setting the international
  standards for telecommunications equipment.  See ITU below.


CED or
Called Station Identifier
  The distinctive tone generated by a Group III fax machine when it
  answers the phone (2100 Hz).


Class 1
  The Class 1 fax modem standard describes an extension to the "Hayes Modem
  Command Set" to permit computers to send and receive faxes using fax modems.
  The Class 1 standard is a low-level specification in which most of the
  protocol work (i.e. T.30) as well as image generation (rasterising and T.4
  compression) must be done by the computer (in software) while the modem only
  handles the basic modulation as well as converting the asynchronous data
  from the computer into the synchronous packets used in fax communications.

  The primary advantage of Class 1 modems is that fax protocol is implemented
  in software which means that new extensions to the fax protocol standard
  (i.e. T.30) can be implemented without requiring a ROM change in the modem
  (or without waiting for the modem manufacturer to get around to supporting
  the new feature). Also software developers are not dependent on the quality
  of the T.30 firmware in the modem (as are developers who use Class 2 modems).

  The primary disadvantages are (a) the software vendor has to handle the
  complexity of the T.30 protocol and (b) Class 1 is very sensitive to timing
  and multi-tasking operating systems (such as *IX) have great difficulty in
  reliably meeting the tight timing constraints and maintaining the fax
  connection.  Lifting this timing limitation is the primary motivation
  behind the new proposed Class 4 standard.

  The official standard for Class 1 is EIA/TIA-578.

  Although the official standard is copyright EIA/TIA/ANSI, a draft version
  has been published electronically by Supra and is available from their
  BBS (see section I.10 for the number) and from Sam Leffler at SGI (retrieve
  his FlexFax package, described in section P.1).


Class 2
  The Class 2 fax modem standard describes an extension to the "Hayes Modem
  Command Set" to permit computers to send and receive faxes using fax modems.
  The Class 2 standard is a higher-level specification in which most of the
  protocol work (i.e. T.30) is done by the modem while the computer is
  responsible for managing the session and providing the image data in the
  appropriate format (i.e. T.4).

  The primary advantage of Class 2 is that the low-level detail work is
  handled by the modem.  Not only does this mean that software developers
  do not have to be burdened with having to support the T.30 protocol, it
  also relieves the host computer of all of the time-critical aspects of
  fax communications, making support of Class 2 modems under *IX systems
  possible.

  The biggest headache for software developers is that the Class 2 standard
  took a long time to be approved (more for political than technical reasons,
  IMHO) and many companies did not wait for the final version to be approved
  before shipping modems.  As a result we have a situation (as of 93Q4) in
  which all shipping Class 2 modems adhere (more or less) to the first draft
  of the TR29.2 committee (document SP-2388) and not to the standard as it
  was approved. To compensate for this, the "new" Class 2 is referred to as
  Class 2.0 and the "old" as plain Class 2.

  (Warning - flame from a frustrated fax programmer on...)
  Even more disconcerting is the fact that most companies who have implemented
  (the old) Class 2 have done one or more things wrong (they must have been
  smoking *and* inhaling) so we have a further division of the standard into
  "true, old Class 2" (which includes the Everex 24/96D and MultiTech modems)
  and everything else (mostly based on the Rockwell chip which differs from
  SP-2388 in a number of ways, although some other chip makers, such as EXAR,
  have found even more ways than Rockwell to depart from SP-2388).  It's so bad
  that most modem companies now implement the Rockwell version of Class 2 just
  because so many of the *%#& things have been shipped (i.e. Multitech has a
  special command which switches their modem from proper Class 2 operation to
  Rockwell-like operation just so they can interoperate with DOS software that
  expects Rockwell-like operation).  And of course no one at Rockwell or EXAR
  or the other companies bothered to write down the difference between their
  version of Class 2 and the TR29.2 document. (Flame off.)

  The draft standard for the "old" Class 2 is SP-2388, Document
  TR-29/89-21R8, dated March 21, 1990.  This is available by contacting the
  EIA/TIA directly.  This is the standard implemented by all Class 2 modems
  on the market prior to the end of 1993.

  The official standard for the "new" Class 2 (also referred to as Class 2.0)
  is EIA/TIA/ANSI-592.  This document is available from Global Engineering
  Documents (see below).  There are rumours of 2.0 modems shipping but as
  of January 1994 none of those tested by the editor of this FAQ were ready
  for prime time.

  Note that although many modems that implement Class 2 also support Class 1,
  Class 1 is *not* a subset of Class 2. Also, there are some modems that only
  support Class 2 and many that only support Class 1.

  Although the official standard is copyright EIA/TIA/ANSI, a draft version
  has been published electronically by Supra and is available from their
  BBS (see section I.10 for the number) and from Sam Leffler at SGI (retrieve
  his FlexFax package, described in section P.1).


Class 3
  A class number reserved for a project to define a standard for fax modems
  that would, in addition to handling the T.30 protocol (i.e. Class 2), also
  handle the conversion of ASCII data streams into images (i.e. T.4). Although
  there are a couple of fax modems that handle the ASCII to fax conversion,
  no draft document has been circulated and the future of this project is in
  doubt.


Class 4
  Class 1 with intelligent buffering to reduce the need for the host
  computer to respond instantly to the fax modem. This standard is expected
  to go out to ballot in 94.


Class 8
  Not a fax standard at all but an extension to the Hayes command set to
  support voice.


CNG or
Calling Tone
  The distinctive tone that a fax machine ought to generate when placing
  a fax call (1100 Hz on for 1/2 second, off for 3 seconds). Note that the
  Group 3 fax standard only requires fax machines in "automatic operation"
  to generate this tone so that machines which require you to dial the
  number (either on the keypad of the fax machine or using an attached
  phone) need not generate this tone.  The lack of CNG can cause some
  fax switches (see Q.9 below) problems.

  There has ben a proposal to change the Group 3 standard to mandate CNG
  on all fax calls.


CSI or
Called Subscriber Information
  The "name" of the answering fax machine.  An optional frame of information
  sent to the calling fax machine during Phase B (see T.30 below). Although
  many fax machines permit ASCII information, the T.30 standard states that
  this is to contain the international phone number of the fax machine,
  including the plus symbol, the country code, the area code, and the
  subscriber number using only digits, the plus symbol, and a space.
  (i.e. the North American fax number [phone] ought to be programmed
  into the fax machine as [phone]).


ECM or
Error Correcting Mode
  An extension to T.30 to permit the receiving fax machine to request that
  portions of an image that were received with errors be retransmitted.

  Normally the T.4/T.30 protocol is error detecting but not error correcting.
  The receiving fax machine can usually tell when an error has impaired the
  image but cannot selectively request retransmission of the damaged portions
  of the image.  The only options are to (a) ignore the errors (if few in
  number), (b) request that the page be resent (ignored by most fax machines),
  or (c) give up.


EIA/TIA
  The Electronics Industry Association and the Telecommunications Industry
  Association.  The U.S. bodies responsible for the development of standards
  related to telecommunications in general and for fax in particular.


EIA/TIA-465
  The US version of T.4 (will probably be accepted as T.4 in the near
  future).


EIA/TIA-466
  The US version of T.30 (will probably be accepted as T.30 in the near
  future).


EIA/TIA-530
  The US version of something or other related to fax.
  <Need more information>.


EIA/TIA-578
  See the definition of Class 1 (above).


EIA/TIA-592
  See the definition of Class 2 (above).


EIA/TIA-602
  The ANSI/EIA/TIA standard for the "Hayes Command Set" for modems.


FaxBios
  An industry consortium (including companies such as Everex, HP, WordPerfect,
  etc.) that has published a specification for a FAX API.  Versions for
  DOS and WINDOWS have been developed and discussions continue on adapting
  this API to other operating systems.

  With the demise of Everex the association seems to have collapsed leaving
  WordPerfect as the only significant company supporting and promoting the
  FaxBios standard.


Group I Fax
  An old (now obsolete) standard for fax machines in which a page was
  transmitted in about six minutes at a resolution of 98 scan lines/inch.
  Group I devices frequently worked by attaching the page to be transmitted
  to a rotating drum (at 180 rpm) along which a photocell moves.  Either
  amplitude modulation (the blacker the pixel the louder the tone) or
  frequency modulation (the blacker the pixel the higher the tone) can be used.
  The gory details may be found in ITU-T Recommendation T.2.


Group II Fax
  An old (now almost obsolete) standard for fax machines in which a page was
  transmitted in about three minutes at a resolution of 100 scan lines/inch.
  Group II uses vestigial sideband amplitude modulation with phase shifts.
  A white pixel is represented by a louder tone.


Group III
  One of the current standards for fax machines in which a page is transmitted
  in about one minute.  See the definition of T.30 (below) for more details.


Group IV
  A standard for fax transmission using ISDN at 64kbps.


ITU and
ITU-T
  The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations
  specialized agency dealing with telecommunications.

  The purposes of the ITU as defined in the Convention are:
        - to maintain and extend international cooperation for the improvement
      and rational use of telecommunication of all kinds;
        - to promote the development of technical facilities and their most
      efficient operation with a view to improving the efficiency of
      telecommunication services, increasing their usefulness and making
      them, so far as possible, generally available to the public;
        - to harmonize the actions of nations in the attainment of those
      common ends.

  The ITU works to fulfil these basic purposes in three main ways:
        1. international conferences and meetings;
    2. technical cooperation;
    3. publication of information, world exhibitions.


  The ITU is an organization, a union, of Member countries. As of 1993 there
  were 166 Members.  The Union's headquarters are in Geneva, in the Place des
  Nations.

  Before 1993, the ITU consisted organizationally of five permanent organs:
  the General Secretariat, the International Frequency Registration Board
  (IFRB), the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR), the
  International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) and
  the Telecommunications Development Bureau (BDT).

  In early 1993, the ITU was reorganized into the General Secretariat and
  three Sectors: Radiocommunication, Telecommunication Standardization and
  Telecommunication Development.  The standards-making activities of the
  CCITT and CCIR have been consolidated into the Telecommunication
  Standardization Sector (ITU-T).  The remainder of CCIR activities were
  integrated with the activities of the IFRB into the Radiocommunication
  Sector (ITU-R).  The Development Sector (ITU-D) facilitates
  telecommunications development by offering technical cooperation and
  assistance.  The ITU General Secretariat supports the activities of the
  three Sectors.

  (This description has been taken from material published by the ITU.)


  The standards promulgated by the ITU-T are called Recommendations and
  the recommendations of relevance to the fax world are the T series which
  govern the fax protocols and the V series which govern modem operation.
  (See also T.*, and V.*, below.)

  For more information on the ITU and the publications available from
  them, see the description of ITUDOC in section I.10 in Part 2 of
  this FAQ.


MH or Modified Huffman compression
  Also known as Group III one-dimensional compression.  See T.4.


MR or Modified READ compression
  Also known as Group III two-dimensional compression.  See T.4.


One-Dimensional Compression
  See T.4


SP-2388
  The first draft standard for Class 2 that was implemented by many
  companies while waiting for the final standard to be approved
  (see also the definition for Class 2 above).


T.1
  See Group I Fax.  Not to be confused with T-1, a digital telephony
  standard that runs at 1.544 Mb/s (at least in North America).


T.4
 One of the <ITU-T> recommendations (i.e. standard) for Group III fax.
 In particular, this recommendation covers the page size, resolution,
 transmission time, and coding schemes supported for Group III fax.
 (See also the definition of T.30 below.)

 The basic coding scheme (called in the recommendation "One-dimensional coding
 scheme" but also known in the industry as MH or Modified Huffman) takes each
 scan line of pixels and compresses it by (a) converting the raster in a
 sequence of run lengths (the number of white pixels followed by the number
 of black pixels followed by the number of white pixels etc. and etc. until
 the entire raster has been converted into runlengths) and (b) encoding each
 run length into a unique variable-length bit string.  The code words used
 for white and black runlengths are different and have been chosen in order
 to do a reasonable job of compressing a "typical" fax page.

 For example, in one dimensional encoding the following raster:

         OOOOOOOOOO****OOOOOO**OOOOOOO*OOOOOOOOO***...
    converted into run lengths:
         10 4 6 2 7 1 9 3 ...
    encoded into MH bit strings:
         00111 011 1110 11 1111 010 10100 10
    (spaces have been added for readability and are not part of the
     MH bit string)


    Since our example has unusually short white run-length it does
    not accurately illustrate the degree of compression which can
    be achieved.  For example, a normal fine resolution fax image
    contains about 3,800,000 pixels (464K).  Using one-dimensional
    encoding this can be reduced to between 20K - 50K.

  In two-dimensional encoding, the first line of a group of lines is compressed
  using one-dimensional coding (see above) and subsequent lines are compressed
  using an algorithm that describes line n in terms of line n-1.  Since there
  is usually a high-degree of correlation between the pixels of adjacent scan
  lines, this usually results in significant compression.

  Since the basic fax protocol (T.30) is error detecting (but not error
  correcting), there is a limit on the number of two-dimensionally compressed
  scan lines that can follow a 1-D line.  This is to limit the propagation
  of errors through an image.  This limit is referred to as 'k' in the
  standard and is 2 for standard-resolution faxes and 4 for high-resolution
  faxes.

  Unfortunately, this method of compression is computationally intensive and
  most (inexpensive) fax machines do not support it.


T.6
  The recommendation that covers the image compression algorithm used for
  Group IV fax machines.

  T.6 is essentially the two-dimensional compression algorithm from T.4 (see
  above) except that 'k' is infinite (i.e. all lines are two dimensionally
  compressed). This can be done because Group IV fax machines operate over
  an error-free communications channel.


T.30
 One of the <ITU-T> recommendations (i.e. standard) for Group III fax.
 In particular, this recommendation covers the protocol used to manage
 the session and negotiate the capabilities supported by each fax machine.
 The details of the image format are covered by the T.4 recommendation
 (see above).

 The protocol describes each fax call as proceeding through five phases:

    A:    Call Set-Up

    This phase covers the placing of the call on the PSTN and the
    distinctive tones the calling and called stations are to emit.


    B:    Pre-Message Procedure for Identifying and Selecting Facilities

    During this phase the two fax machines:
      - agree on whether to use tones or binary codes to exchange
        information on capabilities (most current fax machines use
        binary codes)
      - (optionally) the called machine sends a CSI frame identifying
        it to the calling machine.
      - the called machine sends a DIS frame telling the calling
        machine what capabilities it has (i.e. resolution, page
        size, receiving speed, etc.)
      - (optionally) the calling machine sends a TSI frame identifying
        it to the called machine.
      - the calling machine sends a DCS frame telling the called
        machine what capabilities are in effect for this document
        (based on the calling machine's capabilities and the information
        received in the DIS frame).
      - the two machines determine the maximum baud rate that the
        communications link will reliable sustain (training & phasing)


    C:    Message Transmission

    The fax is sent.  The end of the last scan line is marked by a
    RTC code (return to control).


    D:    Post-Message Procedure including End-of-message, Confirmation,
    and Multi-Page Procedures

      - the calling machine indicates what it wants to do next
        (send another page, terminate the call, request operator
        intervention, etc.).
      - the called machine indicates its response to the page and command
        just received (o.k., o.k. but retrain, not o.k., give up, etc.)

    At this point the machines go to one of phase B, C, or E depending
    on the exchange of commands and responses during phase D.


    E:    Call Release

    Hang up the phone.

T.434
  The standard for Binary File Transfer Format (a method of encoding documents
  and sending them by fax without converting them to image format first.


T.611
  A standard for high-level fax API.
  <More information needed>


TSI or
Transmitting Subscriber Information
  The "name" of the calling fax machine.  An optional frame of information
  sent by the calling fax machine during Phase B (see T.30 above).  See
  CSI (above) for details on the recommended format.


Two-Dimensional Compression
  See T.4.


V.17
  The ITU-T recommendation for 14,400 bps *synchronous* half-duplex
  modems.  Used during the image transmission phase of fax
  communications. Optional (most fax machines do not support V.17).


V.22bis
  The ITU-T recommendation for 2400 bps asynchronous full-duplex modems.
  (Not used in fax but frequently supported by modems that handle fax.)


V.27ter
  The ITU-T recommendation for 2400 and 4800 bps *synchronous*
  half-duplex modems.  Used during the image transmission phase of fax
  communications.


V.29
  The ITU-T recommendation for 7200 and 9600 bps *synchronous*
  half-duplex modems.  Used during the image transmission phase of fax
  communications.


V.32
  The ITU-T recommendation for 9600 bps asynchronous full-duplex modems.
  (Not used in fax but sometimes supported by modems that also handle fax.)


V.32bis
  The ITU-T recommendation for 14,400 bps asynchronous full-duplex
  modems.  (Not used in fax but sometimes supported by modems that
  also handle fax.)


V.42
  The ITU-T recommendation for error-checking and correction.
  (Not used in fax but sometimes supported by modems that also handle fax.)


V.42bis
  The ITU-T recommendation for data compression.
  (Not used in fax but sometimes supported by modems that also handle fax.)


X.5
  The ITU recommentation for a Fax PAD facility in a public data network.


X.38
  The ITU recommentation for a Group 3 fax equipment/DCE interface for
  equipment accessing the fax PAD facility in a public data network.


X.39
  The ITU recommentation for procedures for the exchange of control information
  and user data between a fax PAD facility and a packet mode DTE.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1994 Faximum Software Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Permission is granted to copy or distribute this faq (in whole or part)
for non-commercial purposes as long as the copyright notice is reproduced
and acknowledgement given.  Requests for permission for commercial
reproduction or distribution (if you are uncertain if it is commercial, ask)
should be mailed to the author: [e-mail]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------





Newsgroups: comp.dcom.fax,alt.fax,news.answers,alt.answers,comp.answers
Path: bloom-beacon.mit.edu!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!news.kei.com!yeshua.marcam.com!zip.eecs.umich.edu!destroyer!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!cs.ubc.ca!merlin!reynard!pajari
From: [e-mail] (George Pajari)
Subject: Fax (comp.dcom.fax) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) [Part 2/2]
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Followup-To: comp.dcom.fax
Summary: Frequently asked questions about fax communications, protocols,
    standards, modems, products, and publications.
Keywords: fax faq
Sender: [e-mail] (George Pajari)
Reply-To: [e-mail] (FAQ Comments)
Organization: Faximum Software, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 1994 03:16:22 GMT
Approved: [e-mail]
Lines: 931
Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu comp.dcom.fax:4525 news.answers:14604 alt.answers:1736 comp.answers:3599

Archive-name: fax-faq/part2

comp.dcom.fax FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) -- Part 2 of 2
-------------------------------------------------------------

January 1994

This part of the FAQ (part 2) contains lists of:
    - questions and answers;
    - sources of information; and
    - information on products.

Part 1 contains the introduction to the FAQ, the disclaimer, and the
definitions of common terms and various background information on fax.

=================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
=================


----- Part 1 of 2  [The other part] -----

G.    Glossary and Background Information

----- Part 2 of 2  [This part] -----

Q.    Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1    Can I use my * data modem to send/receive faxes?
Q.1A    Can my fax modem transmit data?
Q.2    How can I fax PostScript or PCL documents using computer-based fax?
Q.3    How can I view incoming faxes on my computer?
Q.4    How can I print incoming faxes on my computer?
Q.5    Can fax modems also handle data or voice calls?
Q.6    What resolution are fax images?
Q.7    Can I take a fax file and edit it?
Q.8    Is there a standard program interface (API) for fax communications?
Q.9    How can I share my single phone line with voice, fax, data, etc.

I.    Sources of Information
I.1    Standards Related to Facsimile Communication
I.2    Where to Obtain Standards Documents and Related Information
I.3    Magazine Reviews of UNIX Fax Software
I.4    Magazine Reviews of DOS/Windows Fax Software
I.5    Magazine Reviews of Mac Fax Software
I.6    Magazine Reviews of Fax Modems (see also O/S specific reviews)
I.7    Magazine Reviews of Fax Machines
I.8    Publications Devoted to Fax and Telecommunications
I.9    Books on Fax
I.10    Other Sources of Information on Fax
I.11    Conferences on Fax
I.12    Associations Related to Fax Technology
I.13    Fax-on-Demand Phone Numbers

P.    Product Information
P.1    List of UNIX Fax Software
P.2    List of MS-DOS Fax Software
P.3    List of MacIntosh Fax Software
P.4    List of Windows Fax Software
P.5    List of OS/2 Fax Software
P.6    List of Fax Modem Vendors
P.7    List of Fax Board Vendors
P.8    List of Vendors of Secure Fax Equipment
===============================================================================
Q.    Frequently Asked Questions
===============================================================================

Q.1    Can I use my * data modem to send/receive faxes?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a word, no.  Unless your data modem has specific additional support for fax,
you cannot communicate with fax devices using a data (only) modem.

Simply put, the problem is that the modulation methods (tones) used to
communicate data are different from those used to communicate faxes.

Typically the modulation schemes used for fax are synchronous half-duplex
while those used for data (at least by most UNIX and PC people) are
asynchronous and full-duplex.

Also, data modems, once they have negotiated a modulation scheme, tend to
continue with the same one through out the session.  Fax modems switch
before and after each page between a high-speed modulation scheme used
to transmit the image data and a lower (300 or 2400 bps) scheme to exchange
control information.

The following table outlines this briefly  (see also part 1 of this FAQ
for definitions of V.*).

  Data Rate                   Data Modulation Std.       Fax Modulation Std.
  ========================+==========================+========================
   9,600 bps              |            V.32          |       V.29
  ------------------------+--------------------------+------------------------
  14,400 bps              |            V.32bis       |       V.17
  ========================+==========================+========================


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.1A    Can my fax modem transmit data?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a word, maybe.  There is a standard proposed by the EIA/TIA/ANSI called
Binary File Transfer (BFT) that extends the fax Group III modulation and
protocols for bulk data transfer.

The problem, of course, is that few fax modems or software packages provide
support for this mechanism.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.2    How can I fax PostScript or PCL documents using computer-based fax?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition to the basic software to drive your fax modem/board, you will need
specific software that can convert PostScript or PCL files into a raster image
format compatible with your fax software package.

GhostScript, for example, is a publically available software package that
can convert PostScript into raster image format (although there are varying
opinions on the quality of the font support).

In the commercial world, most of the vendors of fax software provide software
that can handle PostScript and/or PCL.

When purchasing such software (a) check how many different fonts are supported
(it's a pain to be able to use, say, NewCentury on your laser printer only to
find it is not included in your fax package), and (b) in the case of PCL, check
which level of the language is supported (PCL-4 does not support scalable
fonts, PCL-5 does).


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.3    How can I view incoming faxes on my computer?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the PD world, there are a number of image-viewing packages available for
X (such as xv).

In the commercial world, most fax vendors provide support for the commonly
available devices (in the case of UNIX, X; in the case of PC-UNIX, VGA
and HGA support. Some vendors support other graphics-capable terminals such as
the Wyse WY-160.)


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.4    How can I print incoming faxes on my computer?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most fax software packages include software to convert fax images into print
data streams compatible with dot matrix, HP PCL, or PostScript printers.

Also the publically available (where?) pbmplus filter kit will handle most
image formats.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.5    Can fax modems also handle data or voice calls?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not all fax boards can handle data (some are fax only).  Most (all?)
external fax modems can handle data as well as fax.

Some (but not all) fax modems and software can automatically distinguish
between data and fax calls and answer them appropriately

Some DOS/WINDOWS based products can automatically distinguish between voice and
fax/data calls and operate as a digital answer machine as well as a fax machine.

Also, several companies sell devices which can switch incoming calls between a
fax machine, a telephone answering machine, and a modem.

[Suggestions anyone?]


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.6    What resolution are fax images?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The standard resolution for faxes is 3.85 scan lines/mm (approx. 98 dpi
vertically) with 1728 pixels across a standard scan line of 215 mm (approx.
204 dpi horizontally).

The optional "fine" resolution is 7.7 scan lines/mm (approx. 196 dpi
vertically) with the same horizontal resolution.

Many Group III fax machines use non-standard frames to negotiate higher
resolutions (typically 300x300 dpi and 400x400 dpi) with other fax machines
by the same manufacturer.

Two fax machines (or modems) must negotiate a common resolution, page width,
and page length before sending each page.  The standard requires that all
Group III fax machines suppport at least standard resolution and A4 size
so that common ground can always be found.

Extensions to the Group III standard to support these higher resolutions
in a standard way have been proposed.  Their current status is not known
<Need more information>.

<Need more information on resolutions supported by Group IV>.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.7    Can I take a fax file and edit it?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When faxes exchange information, it is done in the form of compressed images
(with the exception of BFT).  If you wish to edit or otherwise manipulate a
received fax file you have two options:

 1 - edit the file using a "paint" program that will accept the fax file
     (unfortunately there is a wide range of file formats for image files
     and you may have to work to find a format that is common between your
     fax application and your paint program).

 2 - pass the file through an OCR program that will attempt to convert the
     image into ASCII (or word processing file format).  The problem here is
     that most OCR programs are tuned to work with 300x300dpi images and faxes
     are either 98x204 or 196x204.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.8    Is there a standard program interface (API) for fax communications?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are many API's that are used for fax communications. Words marked by
-word- are further explained in the glossary in Part 1 of this FAQ.

At the hardware level, the two standards that govern the exchange of commands
between a host computer and a fax modem are EIA-578 (-Class 1-) and EIA-592
(-Class 2-).

At the software level there is one "official" standard and a number of
"industry standards".  The one "official" standard is ITU-T T.611
(<need more information on this standard>).

The most widely known industry standards are -CAS- (Communicating Applications
Standard (?)) invented by Intel and DCA and tied closely to the Intel
architecture, and -FaxBios- (developed by an industry consortium) which is less
machine-dependent (implementations for MS-DOS and WINDOWS have been published
and sporadic work on UNIX and other bindings is underway).


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.9    How can I share my single phone line with voice, fax, data, etc.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are a number of devices on the market (suggestions from happy campers
welcome) that will try to distinguish between an incoming voice, fax, or
data call and route the call appropriately.

These fax switches attach to the phone line and then the other devices (your
normal voice phone/answering machine, fax machine, data modem, etc.) are
attached to the fax switch).

All devices work on one of two general principles: listening for CNG or voice,
or listening for distinctive ring patterns (cadences).

In the first case the device will answer the phone and try to guess what it
should do based on what it hears.  Some machines play back a sound of a
phone ringing so that humans dialling in think the phone is still ringing
when in fact the fax switch is listening to see if the call is from a fax
machine or a human.  If the CNG tone (see Part 1 for a definition of CNG)
from the calling fax machine is heard, then the switch connects the call to
the fax machine, otherwise the call is deemed to be a voice call and is
connected to your phone/answering machine.

A slightly more sophisticated approach is for the fax switch to answer the
phone and play a short recorded announcement.  If, during the announcement
the CNG tone is heard, then the call is switched to the fax machine. If no
CNG tone is heard but sound is heard after the announcement, then the call
is assumed to be voice and switched appropriately.  If nothing is heard then
the switch either considers the call a data call and switches it to a modem
or considers it a fax call from a machine that does not generate a CNG and
switches it to the fax machine.

The other approach relies upon an optional service available from some telcos
called "SmartRing", "Distinctive Ring", "RingMaster", "Ident-a-Ring", etc.
This feature allows one to have more than one phone number associated with
the same phone line.  Incoming calls using the different phone numbers can be
differentiated by the different ringing patterns (i.e. one long ring, two short
rings, three short rings, etc.)  The fax switch distributes the call based on
the ring cadence it detects.

The advantage of the first approach is that one does not have to send more
money to the phone company (or depend upon the availability of the "SmartRing"
feature being available).  The disadvantage is that it is not always reliable
(especially in the face of fax machines that do not generate CNG tones).

The advantage of the second approach is that it is very very reliable. The
disadvantage is that it requires the availability of the "SmartRing"
feature from one's telco as well as sending more money to the telco every
month.


===============================================================================
Subject:    I.  Sources of Information
===============================================================================


I.1    Standards Related to Facsimile Communication
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CCITT (now renamed ITU-T)
 The Blue Book, Volume VII - Fascicle VII.3 Recommendation T.0 - T.63

EIA/TIA/ANSI
 EIA/TIA-602 Data Transmission Systems and Equipment-Serial Asynchronous
 Automatic Dialing and Control
     "This is the standard for the basic Hayes command set."

 TIA PN-2388 Asynchronous Facsimile DCE Control Standard (DRAFT), Service
 Class 2, (also known as Document TR-29/89-21R8, March 21, 1990)
     "The first draft of the Class 2 standard, voted down, but the basis for
     all current (93Q1) Class 2 modems."

 EIA/TIA-578 Asynchronous Facsimile DCE Control Standard, Service Class 1

 EIA/TIA-592  Asynchronous Facsimile DCE Control Standard, Service Class 2


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.2    Where to Obtain Standards Documents and Related Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


EIA/TIA
 [phone] (Yvette Bottoms)
 Source of draft EIA/TIA standards (final stds available from Global)

Global Engineering Documents
  [phone]  fax: [phone]
  Distributor for published EIA/TIA standards, as well as ITU-T (CCITT) and
  standards docs from 400 other organisations and institutions.
  EIA catalog of standard available at no charge

National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
  [phone]

Philips Business Information Inc. (has acquired assets of OMNICOM)
    [phone] or 1 [phone], FAX: [phone]
    Source of ITU-T (CCITT) and ISO publications

UN Bookstore
  ITU-T (CCITT) Publications
  [phone] or [phone]

Action Consulting
  Source of draft communications standards

Human Communications
  [phone]   FAX: [phone]
  Source of draft communications standards

International Telecommunications Union electronic document distribution
  service (ITUDOC)
  For more information, send a message with the line HELP in the body to:
  [e-mail]



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.3    Magazine Reviews of UNIX Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UNIX WORLD, August 1991, pp. 52-60, "Four Fitting Fax Packages", Rick Farris
    Reviews DigiFax, Faximum, TruFax, and VSI-Fax

UNIX REVIEW, V10n11, Nov 1992, pp. 63-76,  "Just the Fax, Ma'am", Tim Parker
    Reviews ArnetFAX, DigiFax, Faximum, FaxLink, FaxTrax, VSI-Fax


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.4    Magazine Reviews of DOS/Windows Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PC Magazine, 8 Dec 1992, v11n21, p275-342, "The Fax Solution", by Joel Dreyfus
    Reviews BitFax, DosFax Pro, Eclipse FAX, FAXability Plus, Faxit for DOS
    Faxit for Windows, FaxMaster, Fax Talk Plus, The Fax Window,
    Mirror III Fax, MTEZ Standard with ExpressFax, PaperWorks, and SuperFax
    for Windows.

PC World, Feb 1993 v11n2, "Windows Fax Software", by Bryan Hastings
    The article discusses: Bit Software Bit Fax/OCR for windows v2.05;
    Caere Fax Master 1.01; Delrina WinFax Pro 3.0; Ellipse Fax 1.2;
    Intel Faxability plus/OCR 1.0; Softnet Faxit 2,.15e; and
    Zsoft Ultrafax for Windows 1.0.

BYTE, Jan 1993, v18n1, p62-64, "First Impressions", by David Andres
    Discusses Delrina's WinFax Pro 3.0

BYTE, Jan 1993, v18n1, p68, "First Impressions", by Dick Pountain
    Discusses Trio's Datafax

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.5    Magazine Reviews of Mac Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<Need information>

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.6    Magazine Reviews of Fax Modems (see also O/S specific reviews)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PC Magazine, 8 Dec 1992, v11n21, p343-361, "Negotiating the Fax Modem Jungle"
    by Rick Ayre
    Reviews Computer Peripherals, Hayes, Intel, Practical Modem, Supra,
    U.S. Robotics, and Zoom.

NeXTWorld Magazine, Winter 1992, v2n4, p59-60, "Just the Fax"
    by Simson L. Garfinkel
        Reviews Dove, HSD, and ZyXEL.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.7    Magazine Reviews of Fax Machines
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consumer Reports, Nov. 1993, v58n11, p722-728, "Fax machines"
  A general consumer product review of various fax machines.  The article
  reviews in detail 13 lower-end (i.e thermal paper) fax machines and comments
  on a couple of higher-end (i.e. plain paper) machines.  The Panasonic KX-F230
  and the Brother 600 were rated "Best Buys".  Get the article to see where the
  rest ended up and why (reprinting the entire list of ratings would exceed my
  interpretation of "fair use" w.r.t. copyright).


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.8    Publications Devoted to Fax and Telecommunications
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Communications Standards Review [10-12/year, $695/year in N.A.; partial or
                shorter subs avail., contact publisher]
  757 Greer Road,
  Palo Alto,
  CA 94303-3024 USA
  Phone: [phone]  Fax: [phone]  e-mail: [e-mail]
  Communications Standards Review is a journal providing current technical
  information on work in progress on communications standards (including
  fax) in US and international standards forums.


EMMS  [Bi-weekly, $595 per year]
  published by Telecommunications Reports
  1333 H Street, 11th Floor
  Washington DC 20005
  Phone: [phone]  Fax: [phone]


Human Communications Digest, [Quarterly, $195 per year within US,
                contact publisher for outside US]
  published by Human Communications
  12 Kevin Drive, Danbury CT, 06811-2901
  Phone: [phone]   FAX: [phone]
  A digest of recent developments with fax and related standards.


NetFax News, published by Davidson Consulting [Monthly, $contact publisher]
  530 N. Lamer Street, Burbank, CA, 91506
  Phone: [phone] FAX:   [phone]
  Also publishes Scouting Reports and Buyers' Guides

Fax Focus [weekly, $250, free with membership in the AFA)
  published by the American Facsimile Association
  Phone: [phone]  Fax: [phone]


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.9    Books on Fax
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"FAX: Digital Facsimile Technology & Applications", 2nd Ed. 338pp.
  by Kenneth R. McConnell, Dennis Bodson, Richard Schaphorst
  1992, Artech House, Norwood, MA. ISBN: 0-89006-495-5
  (Order Book No. H04495, $78, Phone: [phone] or 1 617 769-9750)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.10    Other Sources of Information on Fax
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


More detailed information on image file formats and compression may be
obtained from the comp.graphics FAQ.  The latest version of this FAQ is
available on the archive site pit-manager.mit.edu (alias rtfm.mit.edu) as
pub/usenet/news.answers/graphics/faq.


Information on the Microsoft Windows Telephony API spec may be obtained by
ftp ftp.uu.net /vendors/microsoft/tapi-spec
    or
ftp ftp.uu.net /vendors/microsoft/telephony


Information on the Internet/fax gateway project may be obtained by sending
e-mail to [e-mail]
A mailing list related to the Internet/fax gateway project may be reached
through: [e-mail]


ZyXEL Modem FAQ Archived at: ftp.cs.psu.edu in /pub/fenner/ZyXEL


Digicom FAQ Archived at ftp.rahul.net /pub/wolfgang


ZyXEL BBS: [phone]


Supra BBS: [phone]


Intel BBS: [phone]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.11    Conferences on Fax
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BIS Strategic Decisions runs several conferences on fax and related
technologies.  Every spring (May 12-14, 1993) they hold the
"Facsimile and Image Communications Conference" and every fall
(Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, 1993) they hold the "Annual Computer Fax Conference).

For more information call [phone] (Fax: [phone]).


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.12    Associations Related to Fax Technology
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Facsimile Association
  Phone: [phone]  Fax: [phone]

International Computer Fax Association
  Phone [phone]


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.13    Fax-on-Demand Phone Numbers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a list of collected fax-on-demand numbers for various major computer
companies.  Please email any additions or corrections to [e-mail]

Hewlett-Packard        1 800 333 1917    All Products (?)
Intel            1 800 525 3019    All Products (?)
WordPerfect        1 801 228-9923    WordPerfect Solutions Guide

===============================================================================
Subject:    P.    Product Information
===============================================================================

P.1    List of UNIX Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMMERCIAL
==========

<company>        <product>
    <voice #>    <fax #>        <e-mail>
--------------------------------------------------
               - North America -

Alembic Systems International    Dfax
    [phone]            [e-mail]

Arnet            ArnetFAX
    [phone]            [e-mail]

Black and White Software    NXFax
    [phone]    [phone]    [e-mail]


COS Inc.        TruFax
    [phone]    [phone]    [e-mail]

DigiBoard        DigiFAX
    [phone]            [e-mail]

Faximum Software    Faximum ELS, Faximum PLUS
    [phone]    [phone]    [e-mail]

ICSW
    800.486.7274 or 602.998.8623

Intuitive Technology    FaxLink
    [phone]

Siren Software        Siren Fax
    1 800 45-SIREN

UniSal System        FaxTrax
    [phone]

V Systems        VSI-Fax
    [phone]            [e-mail]

Company Unknown        FaxFX
    [phone]

Company Unknown        FAXSMART
    Phone Unknown

Company Unknown        Fax*Starx
    [phone]



               - Europe -

comFax            Com-M-Tex
    [phone]

i link GmbH        mix fax
    [phone]

netCS GmbH        netFAX
    [phone]

QUEST systems GmbH    FaxX
    [phone]    [phone]    [e-mail]

Signify Software Products    i(F)x Faxsoftware for UNIX
    [phone]    [phone]     [e-mail]

smoFax            SMO GmbH
    [phone]



PUBLICALLY AVAILABLE
====================

FlexFAX
=======

    Overview
    --------
    FlexFAX is a facsimile system for UNIX systems.  It supports:

    o sending facsimile
    o receiving facsimile
    o polled retrieval of facsimile

    Facsimile can be any size (e.g. A4, B4), either 98 or 196 lpi, and
    transmitted/received as either 1D-encoded or 2D-encoded facsimile data
    (2D-encoded data is frequently more compact and hence takes a shorter
    time to communicate).

    Outgoing documents can be any format; the sendfax program uses a
    rule-based definition file similar to the System V /etc/magic file
    to deduce document types and to decide how to convert each document
    to a form suitable for transmission (either PostScript or TIFF/F).
    Automatic cover page generation is supported and users can easily
    tailor cover pages to their environment.  A simple text-based
    phonebook database is supported by sendfax.  Information is also
    provided on how to trivially setup an email to fax gateway service.

    Incoming facsimile are stored in a receiving area as TIFF/F files and
    may be automatically delivered by mail and/or printed.  A fax server
    status program, faxstat, can be used to monitor the send and receive
    queues, as well as the state of facsimile servers.

    The system supports a wide variety of fax modems.  Any Class 1 or
    Class 2 modem should work with the system.  The following modems have
    been used successfully with the software:

    Class 1 modems:
        Digicom Scout+        (firmware revision 2A19/2931 or newer)
        Nuvo Voyager 96424PFX    (firmware revision AF-C2500-E0)
        SupraFAX v.32bis    (firmware revision V1.200-H or newer)

    NOTE: SEE THE SECTION "Class 1 Modem Support" FOR IMPORTANT INFO ON THE
          CLASS 1 MODEM SUPPORT

    Class 2 modems:
        Boca M1440E        (firmware revision V1.270 or newer)
        Dallas Fax <something>    (no longer sold, not recommended)
        Everex 24/96D        (no longer sold)
        Hayes Optima 24+Fax96   (firmware revision TR00-J260-001 XXX or newer)
        Multi-Tech 1432BAI    (firmware revision 0307 I or newer)
        SupraFAX v.32bis    (firmware revision V1.200-C or newer)
        Telebit WorldBlazer    (firmware revision LA7.01)
        Twincom 144/DF        (firmware revision V1.200 or newer)
        ZyXel U1496E        (firmware revision 5.01 or newer)

    Other modems:
        Abaton InterFax 24/96    (no longer sold)

    Note however that some modems perform better than others.  The file
    MODEMS included in the distribution provides information about each
    modem that has been tried.


    Supported Systems
    -----------------
    The software has been ported to the following systems:

    sgi        Silicon Graphics 4D machines w/ AT&T C++ compiler or gcc 2.3.3
    sun        Sun3/Sun4 w/ SunOS 4.1.X and GNU gcc 2.3.3
    bsdi    BSD/386 1.0 w/ GNU gcc 2.3.3
    386bsd    386bsd 0.1 on an Intel 486 w/ GNU gcc 2.3.3+patches
    svr4    System V Release 4 on an Intel x86 w/ GNU gcc 2.3.3 (incomplete)
    solaris2    Solaris 2.x on a Sun4 with GNU gcc 2.3.3 (incomplete)
    sco        SCO ODT 2.0 (incomplete)

    Systems that are marked (incomplete) compile properly and can be used
    to send and receive facsimile, but may have known problems or may be
    lacking some utilities such as the faxaddmodem installation script.

    Porting the software is usually straightforward provided there is a
    working C++ compiler (e.g. gcc), PostScript imaging facility (e.g.
    ghostscript), and support for a limited subset of the POSIX system call
    interface.  System requirements are described more fully in the source
    code distribution.


    How to Obtain the Distribution by FTP
    -------------------------------------
    The source code is available for public ftp on
    sgi.com            sgi/fax/v2.1.src.tar.Z
        (192.48.153.1)

    You can also obtain inst'able images for Silicon Graphics machines from
    sgi.com            sgi/fax/v2.1.inst.tar
        (192.48.153.1)

    For example,
    % ftp -n sgi.com
    ....
    ftp> user anonymous
    Password: <use mail address as password>
    ftp> cd sgi/fax
    ftp> binary
    ftp> get v2.1.src.tar.Z
    ....
    ftp> quit

    In general, the latest version of the 2.1 release of the software is
    always available as "v2.1.src.tar.Z" or "v2.1.inst.tar" in the ftp
    directory.  This file is a link to the appropriate released version (so
    don't waste your time retrieving the linked file as well!) Any files of
    the form v2.1.*.patch are shell scripts that can be used to patch older
    versions of the source code.  For example, the file v2.1.0.patch would
    contain patches to update v2.1.0.tar.Z.  Patch files only work to go
    between consecutive versions, so if you are multiple versions behind
    the latest release, you will need to apply each patch file between your
    current version and the latest.


GNU NetFax (a.k.a. fax-3.2.1)
=============================

on uunet.uu.net as systems/gnu/fax-3.2.1.tar.z (gzip format)
    To answer all the queries on NetFax:

    - I have taken over maintenance of NetFax.
    - I am currently integrating numerous fixes provided by various
      people which include:
        - support for Zykel Modems
        - Use more standard Class 2 commands
        - Setup configuration files for modems
        - support for Xenix
          (This isn't a priority, except that I'm already doing it
           for a client)
        - Better compilation and installation
    - There are a lot of problems with the current release, I don't
      expect that it will work on the majority of modem/system combinations
      without work.
    - If you have any fixes, or improvements please send them to
      me [e-mail] or [e-mail]
    - I hope to have a new release out in a few weeks.

    Following are some hints on getting the current version of
    NetFax working (for the impatient :)  I haven't tried all of these
    but they may help.

    - Use GNU make
    - It won't work on Xenix
    - If when you send a fax, it gets received twice as long as it
      should (22 inches instead of 11) try:
        - Use dfaxlow driver with Ghostscript (easiest) or
        - Change the source to use the +FDCC=xxxx/+FDCS=xxxx instead of
          +FDT=xxx

    The following modems are reported to work with NetFax 3.2.1

    Supra FaxModem 14.4 (v. 1.20C or later)
    Vivi 2496ef FaxModem (Has the resolution problem described above)
    Everex 24/96 D

    If you'd like to help me testing the new version, especially if you
    have something other than Supra Faxmodems, drop me a line.

    Jim
    --
    Jim Mintha                       Home: [phone] or 737-6094
    [e-mail]               Work: [phone] or 465-5074

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.2    List of MS-DOS Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <Need more information>

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.3    List of MacIntosh Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <Need more information>

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.4    List of Windows Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <Need more information>

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.5    List of OS/2 Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <Need more information>

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.6    List of Fax Modem Vendors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company               Classes    Phone        Fax
=====================  =======    ==============    ==============

    -- North America --

AT&T Paradyne        1    [phone]    [phone]
Computer Peripherals    2    [phone]    [phone]
Hayes            1    [phone]    [phone]
Intel            1    [phone]    [phone]
MICC            2    [phone]    [phone]
Macronix        2    [phone]
MultiTech Systems    2    [phone]    [phone]
Practical Peripherals    1,2
Supra Corporation    1,2    [phone]    [phone]
Telebit            2    [phone]    [phone]
The Complete PC        1,2    [phone]    [phone]
U.S. Robotics        1    (800) DIAL-USR    [phone]
Zoom            2    [phone]    [phone]
ZyXEL USA        2    [phone]    [phone]

    -- Australia  (courtesy of [e-mail] )--

Supplier            Model          Class     Phone/Fax
==================  =============  ========  ==================

NetComm             M4F, M7F        2,2.0    [phone]
Dataplex            DPX-223         2        [phone]
            DPX-225         2
Interlink           Fax Modem 3     2        [phone]
Maestro             9600XR          2        [phone]
Banksia             BitBlitzer      2        [phone]

    -- Europe --

Dr. Neuhaus         ?               ?        [phone]/[phone]


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.7    List of Fax Board Vendors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This lists companies that produce intelligent fax boards typically intended
for high-volume and multi-line operation.  Reliability and functionality
rather than price are the consideration here.


Company                 Operating System
======================  =====================
Brooktrout Technology   dos,unix,OS/2,others
Needham, MA
617-449-4100

Dialogic                dos,unix
201-334-8450

Gammalink               dos,OS/2
408-744-1400


  <Need more information>

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.8    List of Vendors of Secure Fax Equipment
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The only reference so far (courtesy of Jean-Bernard Condat) is to:
    Mr David COHEN
    SKTT Henry Kam Technologies & Telecommunations
    2d rue de l'Epine Prolongee
    93541 Bagnolet Cedex
    Phone: [phone]
    Fax:   [phone]

  <Need more information>

--------------------------------------------------------------
Contributors to and/or Sources of Information Used in this FAQ
--------------------------------------------------------------
[e-mail] (Adam Donnison)
[e-mail] (Daniel I. Rosenblatt)
[e-mail] (Gerard Huysmans)
[e-mail] (herman.r.silbiger)
[e-mail] (Jean-Bernard Condat)
[e-mail] (Jeff Freeman)
[e-mail] (Jim McCormack)
[e-mail] (John M Hughes)
[e-mail] (Joe Richmeyer)
[e-mail] (Rob McKeever)
[e-mail] (Jim Mintha)
[e-mail] (Christian Weisgerber)
[e-mail] (Paul O'Fallon)
[e-mail] (Lennart Regebro)
[e-mail] (KlausRosenauer)
[e-mail] (Sam Leffler)
[e-mail] (Toby Nixon)
[e-mail] (Udo Klimaschewski)
[e-mail] (Uli Zug)
[e-mail] (Wes Chalfant)
[e-mail] (Robert Wong)

and of course, the author/editor of this FAQ:
    [e-mail] (George Pajari)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1994 Faximum Software Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Permission is granted to copy or distribute this faq (in whole or part)
for non-commercial purposes as long as the copyright notice is reproduced
and acknowledgement given.  Requests for permission for commercial
reproduction or distribution (if you are uncertain if it is commercial, ask)
should be mailed to the author: [e-mail]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------