Microsoft Customer NO Service, NO Support , Internet

". Eventually I learned that supposedly one can send free faxes via the computer with the Windows Fax and Scan program."

  You didn't "learn" correctly.  You cannot do that with the operating system you are using. 

  Linux will eat you alive.

Windows Fax and Scan is NOT supplied with any HOME version of VISTA.  Someone told you wrong.  VISTA Business and Ultimate include the Fax and Scan software.

Tried a THIRD time with MS support--ridiculous to have to do that, but got a response from someone who actually is qualified for his job (and also not silly enough to share inaccurate views of other peoples' intellgence or provide inaccurate responses). To all Rip-off Report users who are legitimate, it can pay to read through the posts because you CAN find useful information--like what I'm sharing here from someone actually familiar with the product:

"Thank you for contacting Microsoft Customer Service.

I understand that you would like to send faxes by using Windows Fax and Scan application on your Compaq Presario CQ5210F Desktop PC. I would be glad to assist you with your concern.

As a Customer Service Representative, I am here to assist you in finding the right place to get help with your questions and provide resources to resolve your concern.

I would like to inform you that Windows Fax and Scan is an integrated faxing and scanning application included in some versions of the Windows operating systems like Windows Vista, and all the versions of Windows 7. Windows XP includes Fax Console instead.

To send a fax using your computer, you can use Windows Fax and Scan or other programs that you run on Windows. Before you try sending a fax, however, make sure that your computer is connected to a fax modem or fax server.

For more information on how to set up your computer to send and receive faxes, please click on the link given below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Set-up-your-computer-to-send-and-receive-faxes

To know more about how to send a fax from your Windows computer, please click on the link given below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/send-a-fax

Please visit the link given below to know more about how to install, configure, and send faxes in Windows Vista and Windows XP:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd700982(WS.10).aspx

To use Windows Fax and Scan on Windows 7 computers, please visit the link given below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-fax-and-scan

Additionally, I have provided you with the link which may help you on how to scan a document or photo with Windows Fax and Scan, please click on the link given below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Scan-a-document-or-photo-with-Windows-Fax-and-Scan

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other customer service related questions, please feel free to contact us.

Thank you,"

So, as usual, you just have to be persistent to get accurate information--or worthwhile comments.

Tried a THIRD time with MS support--ridiculous to have to do that, but got a response from someone who actually is qualified for his job (and also not silly enough to share inaccurate views of other peoples' intellgence or provide inaccurate responses). To all Rip-off Report users who are legitimate, it can pay to read through the posts because you CAN find useful information--like what I'm sharing here from someone actually familiar with the product:

"Thank you for contacting Microsoft Customer Service.

I understand that you would like to send faxes by using Windows Fax and Scan application on your Compaq Presario CQ5210F Desktop PC. I would be glad to assist you with your concern.

As a Customer Service Representative, I am here to assist you in finding the right place to get help with your questions and provide resources to resolve your concern.

I would like to inform you that Windows Fax and Scan is an integrated faxing and scanning application included in some versions of the Windows operating systems like Windows Vista, and all the versions of Windows 7. Windows XP includes Fax Console instead.

To send a fax using your computer, you can use Windows Fax and Scan or other programs that you run on Windows. Before you try sending a fax, however, make sure that your computer is connected to a fax modem or fax server.

For more information on how to set up your computer to send and receive faxes, please click on the link given below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Set-up-your-computer-to-send-and-receive-faxes

To know more about how to send a fax from your Windows computer, please click on the link given below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/send-a-fax

Please visit the link given below to know more about how to install, configure, and send faxes in Windows Vista and Windows XP:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd700982(WS.10).aspx

To use Windows Fax and Scan on Windows 7 computers, please visit the link given below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-fax-and-scan

Additionally, I have provided you with the link which may help you on how to scan a document or photo with Windows Fax and Scan, please click on the link given below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Scan-a-document-or-photo-with-Windows-Fax-and-Scan

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other customer service related questions, please feel free to contact us.

Thank you,"

So, as usual, you just have to be persistent to get accurate information--or worthwhile comments.