Fax servers are relatively easy to set up. A fax server is set up in a local area network server which allows users to send and receive faxes. Any computer which can access the computer which houses the fax server can send and receive faxes.
A fax server consists of four things. The modem or fax board (installed on the central computer), a fax engine or software allowing drivers to work with the modem. With the Mainpine board, this software uses the Windows drivers. A print driver, and the local GUI software on the clients. This comes free with Windows OS and has different names. With WIN 7, it is Windows Fax and Scan. The Windows Fax and Scan uses the print driver (fax driver) to access and use the fax board or modem.
There are many types and brands of fax servers. Some are very expensive. Others are very cheap. One can set up a fax server using something like Snappy Fax.
A lot of MFCs have fax servers in them. The Muratec, Brother, Xerox, etc. all have fax servers over and above the walk-up fax. In these fairly expensive MFCs, if they don't have a fax server, you can sometimes add one on.
Sandeep and I would definitely advise a fax board. It is easy to see that the lower entry fax board for Mainpine or Brooktrout is around $600, while you can get a USRobotics modem for $30.00. The fax boards are just superior in every way. You can look at like an Intel i7-2600k vs a Celeron processor. If you are going to use it for heavey use at all, then I would go with the fax boards. Also, the support is incredibly better for the boards.
One piece of advice. No matter what fax server you set up or what fax server you use in an MFC, make sure you look at the GUI on each client first. It can make or break the deal. Fortunately, Windows Fax and Scan is very good.
