1. Only plug in the phone line when you want to send, or when you are expecting a fax ????.
This works great for personal use , but if you have a business and get many faxes it wouldn't be an option...

I have a Panasonic all in one , but back & white only - laser printer.
I just get it out and plug in in when i need to send or receive a fax, make a copy of something, or print out b&w and not use my color ink jet.


2. Look at the system requirements on the box for the compatibility info -

If you have xp or vista, compatibility should not be a problem at all.
or if a Mac look for Mac software, or even a Linux OS should be compatible
unless your computer is very very old