Best way to convert string a to utf-*

[Oliver Kurz]

Hello,

could someone tell me the best way to convert a string to utf, for example
to utf-8?

The problem: I have no controll about the source where the string comes
from. It could have any possible characterset. And I have to convert it for
example to utf-8.

Is there a good way to do this? And when, how?

Is there a function which tell me, what is the characterset of the string at
the moment?

Would be create, when someone could help me!

cu
Oliver