email issues

I have wordpress 2.8.3 hosted by godaddy, but I host my own email at home.

I have been unable to get any email functionality in wordpress. I am really after registration notification, so I can set anyone can register.

I have tried al;l kinds of plugins but none seem to work.

Ist question; Is it possible to host site in one location and email in another, and make it work.

Qustion2; If so, How???

Andrew