basic Fax question

Is it possible to send a fax from my pc to another fax in another city 1
hour away (would be long distance ) whether or not either machines have
seperate stand alone fax machines nor distinctive ring? does this have to be
done online or not.
both pc's have win xp home edition. If it is possible, will it be billed to
the sender as long distance. And how will the recipient know that they
received a fax from me (sender) unless I told them. remember, neither
machine has a standalone fax machine. just pc's. thanks