(PHP 5 >= 5.2.3)
mysql_set_charset — Sets the client character set
Sets the default character set for the current connection.
A valid character set name.
The MySQL connection. If the link identifier is not specified, the last link opened by mysql_connect() is assumed. If no such link is found, it will try to create one as if mysql_connect() was called with no arguments. If by chance no connection is found or established, an E_WARNING level error is generated.
Returns TRUE on success or FALSE on failure.
Note: This function requires MySQL 5.0.7 or later.
Note: This is the preferred way to change the charset. Using mysql_query() to execute SET NAMES .. is not recommended.