What is Fax?
[[Image:Samfax.jpg|thumb|300px|A [[Samsung]] fax machine]] '''Fax''' (short for '''[[wikt:facsimile|facsimile]]'''), or '''telecopying''', is the transmission of scanned printed material (both text and images), to a [[telephone]] number connected to a printer or other output device. The original document is scanned with a '''fax machine''' (or a '''telecopier'''), which turns the contents (text or images) into a [[bitmap]], then the bitmap is sent through the telephone system. The receiving fax [[machine]] reconverts the coded image, printing a [[paper]] copy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/fax|title=What is fax? - Definition from WhatIs.com|website=SearchNetworking}}</ref> Businesses usually have some kind of fax system, but the technology has faced increasing competition from [[Internet]]-based methods. Fax machines still retain some advantages, particularly in the transmission of sensitive material which, if sent over the [[internet]], may be intercepted. However, [[encryption]] (a secret coding system) can make internet messages secure. In some countries, because [[electronic signature]]s on contracts are not recognized by law while faxed contracts with copies of signatures are, fax machines enjoy continuing support in business. In many businesses, standalone fax machines have been replaced by [[fax server]]s which receive and store incoming faxes electronically. The servers route them to users on paper or via a secure [[email]]. Such systems reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary printouts and reducing the number of inbound phone lines needed by an office. == History == === Wire transmission === Scottish inventor [[Alexander Bain]] worked on chemical mechanical fax type devices and in 1846 was able to reproduce graphic signs in laboratory experiments. He received the first fax [[patent]] in 1843. [[Frederick Bakewell]] made several improvements on Bain's design and demonstrated a telefax machine. The [[Pantelegraph]] was invented by the Italian physicist [[Gi