9-7-94
     Faxing  to/from  a  FAX machine is more reliable than  trying  to  fax
between  two faxmodems. The faxmodem and software is a relatively new  idea
and  hasn't evolved to the point fax machines have. And even  fax  machines
sometimes fail between each other.

     If  you  have two computers, 99% of the time there is no need  to  FAX
between  you.  When you FAX, you get a GRAPHIC file that you can  VIEW,  or
PRINT,  but  cannot  actually use on the other  computer  (except  a  PAINT
program).  You  can  try OCR software to convert the fax to  text,  but  it
misses a LOT of the text which you then have to type in by hand.

     >>>  If you are going from Computer-Computer  (faxmodem-faxmodem)  you
will  be best off transferring files, (you can USE the file in your  WP  or
spreadsheet  and  edit or print it on the receiving computer)  rather  than
trying to fax-fax. File transfer is faster, saving time & money. Also  when
transferring  a  plain  text file, V42bis (compression)  can  increase  the
effective  speed 2-3 times the modem speed. Time may be as little  as  1/10
the time for a fax of the same file ($aving a lot of long distance charge$)

File transfer is also more accurate.
     To  transfer files....
     A:>  You call a BBS or Host machine. The logon asks for your name  and
password.  (the  1st  time you call you have to answer  more  questions  to
register).
     B:>  Then  you  get menus and prompts. You goto the  FILE  menu  (some
systems have the file menu built-in to the main menu) and enter the command
for  file transfer. The usual command is 'D' to download a file or  'U'  to
upload a file. Usually you then press [Enter].  then.....
     C:> The BBS will ask which FILE(s) to transfer and which protocol  for
the transfer (some use the default protocol you named when you registered).
The best protocol to use if you can is Zmodem, Ymodem, or Ymodem-Batch. You
type  in the full name of the file to transfer. (If you are  not  connected
with MNP or V42x you cannot use the '-G' protocols).
     D:> When the BBS says WAITING (or READY or START NOW) only THEN do you
goto YOUR software file transfer screen (menu) to do the transfer from your
end. (commonly <PgDn> <PgUp> keys get your transfer menu in your  software)
and  then  make sure your transfer Protocol matches the BBS  protocol,  and
enter your file name (and PATH where needed). Once started the transfer  is
automatic.  All software has a place to put a name for your  Download  (and
upload) directory. If you type it in   C:\dir\filename.ext    is the format.
     E:>  Even when transferring an ASCII (text) file you still use one  of
the  above mentioned protocols. ASCII transfer is normally only  used  when
you Upload to a message (ie when you are writing a message online).

     There  are different kinds of files you can download. The most  common
from a BBS are ZIP or LZH or other COMPRESSED files. You need to uncompress
these with a utility (PKUNZIP  LHARC) before you can use them.
     NOTE: Never use ASCII or TEXT as the transfer protocol... Also if  you
don't  have  an error-correction connection, then you are not able  to  use
either   of '-G' modem protocols, which are not recommended anyway.  ZMODEM
is the best protocol most of the time.
     If  the  transfer  is slow, perhaps you are actually  connected  at  a
slower BPS. Try S95=1 to see the modem-modem CONNECT speed rather than  the
computer-modem connect speed.


                                   Don Hinds - Zoom Tech
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