Who has FAX machines anymore?

Michael Z

Michael Z

Senior Member
Location
Northern Wisconsin
Tried to get my latest eye prescription. Two choices: Paper mail, or FAX. Can not email?

I thought FAX's were something more from the 80's and 90's. I guess I don't get it as I would think my email would be more secure than some random fax number that anyone could provide.

So I had it paper mailed.
 

I needed a copy of prescriptions file from Doctor.
I don't have fax machine so asked the office to convert the file to PDF , attach to email and I would print it.
They were a bit fussy about it mainly because no one knew how to convert but they did eventually get it done and did thank me for the suggestion.:LOL:
 
I was super impressed when I saw my first mobile fax machine. 😉🤭😂

dfpa38081_1200x.jpeg
 

Michael Z said:
Tried to get my latest eye prescription. Two choices: Paper mail, or FAX. Can not email?

I thought FAX's were something more from the 80's and 90's. I guess I don't get it as I would think my email would be more secure than some random fax number that anyone could provide.

So I had it paper mailed.
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FAX is really archaic, never understood the attraction that some IT services people had for it. Email isn't secure either, but at least it can be screened for malware, I don't think FAX can be.
 
I do vehicle repos for a large Toronto area G.M. leasing company. My repo files are sent to my home fax machine . When I complete a vehicle recovery, I fax my invoice to the client's office. They do an Interac bank transfer to pay my company which does not cost either side any fees to use. I haven't been physically in their office for months.

When I visit my Doctor, they use a fax machine to send my prescriptions to the pharmacy that I use. The prescription form is completed by the Doctor on their computer, printed and scanned into the fax machine in under 2 minutes. No Canadian Doctor hand writes a prescription anymore. JIM.
 
Facsimile machines have one advantage, they don't send private communications over the Internet. In the past there were all kinds of networks but TCP/IP has sadly displaced almost all of them.

Be afraid, even elevators are using the leaky and very hackable TCP/IP today.
 
dobielvr said:
I have a fax machine, it's part of my "all in one" printer, and I love it.
In fact, I'll be using it later to fax over some ppwk to one of my providers.
It comes in really handy at times.
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@dobielvr Yes, my last printer had a fax, scan, photocopy, and print, just replaced it with an HP which only prints, scans, and photocopies... I hadn't used the fax part for years, everybody I faxed with prefers emails now... go figure... We need to stop being trained by BIG companies and government agencies... Now looking at everything, we seem to buy what they need us to do their files... I just sent a letter to CRA here in Canada by registered mail and was blown away when it was $17... It would have been only long-distance charges to fax it... and NO, I have NO idea where I am going in this conversation... Sorry bout that...
 
You can download fax options. Generally the first few are free. I go to the bank or the doctor's office when I need to use a fax.

TwoStep was a kitty. We had a fax machine at the house. One Sunday morning she helped me dial and hopped around on the key board. Two blinks of an eye later two patrol cars with lights running and sirens pulled into the drive way. The cutest cops with uniforms spraypaint tight assured me that all will be fine and they are here to rescue me. Limited conversations before coffee please! What is going on? Here comes TwoStep. Bushy tail up and checking out the boys. We all had a good laugh. All was well. She "dialed" 911 which cannot be reversed apparently.
 
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mike4lorie said:
@dobielvr Yes, my last printer had a fax, scan, photocopy, and print, just replaced it with an HP which only prints, scans, and photocopies... I hadn't used the fax part for years, everybody I faxed with prefers emails now... go figure... We need to stop being trained by BIG companies and government agencies... Now looking at everything, we seem to buy what they need us to do their files... I just sent a letter to CRA here in Canada by registered mail and was blown away when it was $17... It would have been only long-distance charges to fax it... and NO, I have NO idea where I am going in this conversation... Sorry bout that...
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That's the problem for me...emailing ppwk. I don't know how. I'm guessing you hve to scan it to a folder, attach it?, then download it, then email.. 🤷‍♀️ faxing is so much easier and quicker!
 
Prepping for my knee surgery, and I've discovered they all use fax machines. Blood test results, swabs, etc. Fax this to so and so, fax that result to this office., etc.

I guess, maybe a fax spitting out in the middle of an office isn't as easy to miss as an email buried on someone's computer.
 
Dave03 said:
Prepping for my knee surgery, and I've discovered they all use fax machines. Blood test results, swabs, etc. Fax this to so and so, fax that result to this office., etc.

I guess, maybe a fax spitting out in the middle of an office isn't as easy to miss as an email buried on someone's computer.
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It is HIPPA related.
 

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