The Home versions of Vista do not include the Fax & Scan software that XP
included.
Some people have said that Snappy Fax works well for them. They have a 30
day trial period. http://www.snappysoftware.com/
I used a older USRobotics modem and downloaded phone tools from their site.
Very basic fax, but all I need to the few faxes I send each year.
Link to software is http://www.usr.com/bvrp/bvrp.asp
I am using Home Premuim so I don't know about basic version..