PHP mail() vs PHP PEAR:mail

[angelcool]

Hello,

 

I want to create a script to send an e-mail to a given address using PHP.

I have been reading I can use the PHP's built-in mail() function, but in order to do that I have to specify the sendmail path (or whatever SMTP in used)

 

a) Does that mean I have to be running my MTA in the same machine where I have my LAMP?

 

I have also read that another solution to send mail is using the PHP PEAR's mail(http://pear.php.net/package/Mail)

 

b)If I use the latter, will I be able to use a remote MTA rather than a local one?

 

Any comments, suggestions,solutions, answers will be greatly apreciated.