should I be using an email service

such as:

• Amazon SES
  
  
• Postmark
  
  
• SendGrid
  
  
• SocketLabs
  
  
• MailJet
  
  
• ElasticEmail
  

The reason i ask is that I am trying to set up using smtp from optimum. BTW, I am trying to use php's send mail, not CI's mail functionality. But my application while being developed on localhost will reside on a public server (knownhost for now) so why am I using optimum? 

I am truly confused.

proof that an old dog can learn new tricks

It's best to use the secured SMTP protocol.

Like I tell everyone if your test at home use you internet providers SMTP mail.

I' am have Comcast ( Xfinity ) and I use their SMTP server for testing.

I just send the email through a loop back to my email address for checking.

What did you Try? What did you Get? What did you Expect?

Joined CodeIgniter Community 2009.  ( Skype: insitfx )