| Fax machines are electronic devices capable of | | | | to the other. The first one is in terms of speed. The |
| transmitting and receiving copies of different | | | | speed rate determines how fast a fax machine can |
| documents to any place through the use of a | | | | transmit one whole page of document. The most |
| telephone line. This communication advancement | | | | common rates are between 4,800 bps to about |
| enabled people around the world to exchange | | | | 28,800 bps. Typically, a fax machine with a speed of |
| documents in real time in contrast to a postal mail. | | | | 9,600 bps can transmit one page of document for |
| This equipment is equipped with a scanner which | | | | about 10 to 20 seconds. |
| copies or digitized documents which can then be | | | | Another feature is the type of printer. The most |
| transmitted to its built-in modem. The scanner equipped | | | | common among fax machines is the thermal printer. |
| with fax machines is not of the same quality in | | | | This type needs a special paper for printing. The |
| resolution compared to stand-alone scanners. It also | | | | printout easily fades over time. To remedy this |
| has a printer which prints documents that have been | | | | problem, faxed documents are photocopied |
| sent by other parties. Fax machine uses thermal paper | | | | immediately after being received. More advanced fax |
| in printing documents. | | | | machines have improved to address this issue and are |
| Devices capable of transmitting documents | | | | capable of using ordinary bond paper in printing. |
| electronically have been used during the 19th century | | | | These are also equipped with paper cutters since |
| but it was only in 1970 that the fax machines we know | | | | thermal papers usually come with rollers attached to |
| today were recognized as a great innovation. | | | | the rear of the machine. Older models do not have a |
| These were first popularized in Japan because of their | | | | paper cutter. |
| advancement in electronic technology. In later years, | | | | Additional features include a paper feeder for |
| the market cost decreased and paved the way for | | | | continuous sending of multiple documents and |
| easier accessibility until it became a fixture in homes | | | | autodialing. Some can be programmed to send a |
| and offices. | | | | document at a certain time. |
| The demand for fax machines significantly increased in | | | | The introduction of the Internet was a major |
| the 1980s especially among the business sectors. This | | | | competition for the faxing technology. However, many |
| was due to its great feature that effectively transmits | | | | of the business sector still use fax machines due to its |
| documents in a fraction of time. It was recognized as | | | | distinct feature. Fax machines can transmit highly |
| an economical, reliable and time saving method of | | | | sensitive documents in accordance to the Health |
| communication. | | | | Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) |
| In 1983 the standard protocol for faxing has been | | | | and the Sarbanes Oxley which mandates the privacy |
| adopted with the rate of 9,600 bits per second, | | | | of information of an individual. Sending such information |
| officially called as Group 3 standard. There are two | | | | through the Internet is not secured. |
| classes of resolutions supported by the Group 3 | | | | Another major advantage is its capability of copying |
| protocol, the 203 x 196 dpi and 203 x 98 dpi. These | | | | the exact signatures of contracts or other documents |
| were developed by Comite Consultatif International | | | | which make it still a popular choice in the business |
| Telephonique et Telegraphique or CCITT, the | | | | sector. This is an important feature in other countries. |
| organization responsible in setting international | | | | Electronic signatures in documents are not considered |
| standards for communications. | | | | valid unlike fax transmitted documents. |
| There are certain features that differentiate one model | | | | |