efax-gtk

     Been a long time since I used that TYPE of configuration, though I still have my old modem. First thing I had to realize for this was that the serial port(s) in Linux are denoted as something like TTYS0, TTYS1, and so on. If it is the only thing connected to a serial port, your modem should be at TTYS0 if I'm not mistaken. I don't have efax anymore, let alone efax-gtk, so can't follow along or see what is available, but try that and if you need more let us know.

     Also note that efax-gtk has it's own forum at http://sourceforge.net/projects/efax-gtk/forums if things get really difficult.

The answer that worked for me was to NOT use the GTK version frontend, but rather the Gnome version, Gfax for efax, since I'm using the Gnome GDM in Ububtu.

  The following is an excerpt from the FAQ bundled with Gfax:

4) (Q) How do I send faxes from OpenOffice programs?
     (A) To create a printer so you can fax via OpenOffice follow these steps:
         1) Run the OpenOffice printer admin program "oopadmin or oopadmin2"
         2) Choose "New Printer"
         3) Choose "Connect to a fax device"
   4) Choose "A specific driver".
         4) Choose "Apple LaserWriter" as a printer (see note 1)
         5) In the "Choose a command line dialog" enter "gfaxlpr"
         6) In "Choose a name" enter "Gfax - Fax sender".
   8) Make sure "Remove fax number from output" is checked.
         9) Click "Finish"

         You can now use Gfax from OpenOffice. You can ignore the popup
   from OpenOffice requesting a fax number, just click OK.

         Note 1: You can choose any printer other than the Apple LaserWriter
                 as long as it is a postscript printer. Gfax will only work
                 with postscript printer drivers. I have always had good luck
                 with the Apple LaserWriter. Other choices might be the HP
                 LaserJet with postscript.

The README also has info for howto use the application with word processors, modems, and efax.

"GFAX provides the familiar "pop up" window and phone book support
when one "prints" to a "fax" printer.

This is a GNOME-2.x port of Gfax.

This version has the following features:

      - Works with Hylafax and Efax
   - View status of Hylafax server, send, done and receive queues.
   - Delete jobs in send queues.
   - Modify jobs in send queue. Number, time to send etc.
   - Download, view, print and delete received faxes on the Hylafax server.
   - Delayed sending of Hylafax jobs, up to 30 days in the future.
   - Both IP and username/password authentication for Hylafax.
   - Cancel partially sent jobs, (while sending file to Hylafax server).
   - Retrieves and displays total number of jobs in queue.
   - Number of jobs in send queue displays in icon in task bar.
   - Auto timed refresh of server and queue status can be toggled on or off.
   - Complete list of jobs in queues with status and time to send." -README

I use abiword, efax, and Gfax on my Hardy upgraded system, and it works. Modem serial port assignments can be found in the config file for the modem. Often just /dev/modem will be sufficient depending on the symlinks in the configuration during the install of the packages.

I learned the hard way about trying to configure my system without knowing enough. Had to reinstall many times to keep a stable system up and running. Good luck and happy coding.