                      ķ
                         FAXit for DOS v2.50    
                       FAXit for Windows v2.15e 
                      Ľ

                             by Tony Curro


    After looking at fax modems, I review some fax software. Faxit comes
    bundled with both the Windows and DOS versions in the same box.

    Faxit supports over 80 fax modems, including Class 1 and Class 2. I
    use a Class 1 modem, and to use it, I must have a TSR installed.

    I preferred the DOS version of this software over the Windows
    portion. Installation is not that hard. You MUST know what type of
    modem or fax card you have. If your modem is not listed you must
    know if it is Class 1 or which level of Class 2 to install the
    software. The software, does not, as some others do, detect your
    hardware and auto-select it. This hopefully will be added in a
    future release. You also do not see what is happening when you send
    a fax. If you have an internal unit, such as a fax card or modem,
    you cannot see the progress. Only way you know that you are on-line
    is by seeing if your phone is lit up. I like to see a visual
    progress report. I have an external modem that gives me digital
    readout so I do see what is happening. But, those who do not have
    the readout, have no way of knowing.

    When installing the Windows portion, it does go in and alter your
    SYSTEM and WIN.INI files. It changes the comm. driver in the
    SYSTEM.INI file. It does make a backup of these files, so you can
    return to your prior configuration if anything goes awry. It also
    installs itself as your default printer. You can change this, but it
    should be an option, rather than a foregone conclusion. I like to
    select the driver when I AM going to send a fax.

    Output from both versions was a bit discouraging. I sent it to a Fax
    machine and the quality, while the selection was in fine mode from
    Faxit, was very light and hard to read in spots. Faxes usually are
    very good when sent to this machine, even from the modem I used for
    Faxit.

    Faxit comes with separate manuals and installation disks for DOS and
    Windows. The books run under 100 pages. Neither has an index, which
    makes finding a specific topic complicated. The Table of Contents is
    helpful, but you have to go through headings for each chapter and
    its subsections. An index would be much easier. I also found that
    the page numbers in the Faxit for Windows manual were off. A section
    that is listed on page 40 is actually on page 42.

    Another thing I came across is the inability to rotate a page. I
    received a fax in landscape mode. I could not view or print it in
    portrait mode. It was a 5"x7" piece of paper. I also have to view
    faxes upside down if that is how I receive them. A final problem I
    had was with my communications software. With Faxit installed, as it
    MUST install the TSR portion for my modem, I could not use my
    communications program to phone a BBS. Don't know if this is because
    of the TSR, or that Faxit changes the comm.drv line in SYSTEM.INI as
    mentioned above.

    When you install the DOS version you are asked to insert the Faxit
    disk containing the Windows version. However, it does NOT install
    the Windows version. This is accomplished by starting Windows, and
    running the install program. Since both versions are bundled in the
    same package, I cannot see why there is not a universal installation
    for both. Of course not all DOS users use Windows, but it should be
    an option for the many who do. I prefer the simple way of doing
    things.


                    ķ
                         Product Information       
                    Ķ
                         FAXit for DOS v2.50       
                       FAXit for Windows v2.15e    
                        (both in one package)      
                    Ķ
                           List Price $119         
                    Ķ
                                SofNet             
                     380 Interstate North Parkway  
                              Suite 150            
                          Atlanta, GA 30309        
                             404-984-8088          
                          404-984-9956 (FAX)       
                    Ľ
