I want to get rid of my big bulky fax machine. I've been searching my computer trying to find the feature that let's me fax from my laptop and have given up. Can I fax from my laptop (I have Vista) or do I need to keep the fax machine?

Ok, here's another question - why is it that an hour after posting this question it still shows 0 comments on the main Unplugged page? How ironic that the section on the latest tech. issues is lagging behind in the basic issue of posting posts.

anne:

I'm not sure if it's exactly what you had in mind, but I used eFax (email fax services - http://www.efax.com) about a year ago, and it worked well for me.

Anne is right about software being available for Apple and Windows machines. Before you recycle the old fax, ask yourself if you need to send documents* stored on your computer (either fax or E-mail attachments) or if you need to fax documents you receive in the mail or pick-up. E-mail or computer-based fax is fine for the former, but will not work for the latter. Documents you can hold in your hand will have to be scanned into the computer before sending. Look at eBay, etc. for less expensive fax machines or invest in a "three-in-one" (copier-fax-printer) as applicable.

* documents is used to imply text, pictures, forms, etc.