Here are the basics:

With the Windows update to Vista, basiclly, Microsoft decided to leave briefcase in the OS (Operating system) for people who were so used to using it they would feel lost without it. That is the only reason it still exists.

Briefcase -

You can obviously still use Briefcase to keep files in sync between two different computers, even if the computers are not on the same network. If the computers are not on the same network, you can copy files from one computer to another by using removable media; (such as the cute little mobile disks that plug right into your port), then work on those files using the other computer, and then use Briefcase to sync the changes back to the original computer.

Here is how you do that:

To prepare Briefcase to sync:

1. You open the folder where you want to create a new Briefcase.

2. Right-click a blank area in the folder window and point to New and then click on Briefcase.

3. A new Briefcase appears. Now just type in the name you want for that Briefcase and copy any files you want to sync into the Briefcase.

4. Note

   • You can also create a Briefcase on your desktop by right-clicking a blank area on the desktop, pointing to new - then click Briefcase.

To sync using Briefcase over a network connection:

1. Move the Briefcase over the network to the second computer.

2. Make any changes you want to the files on either computer.

3. When you are ready to sync any changes you have made, right-click the Briefcase, and then click Update All.

To sync using Briefcase with removable media:

1. Move the Briefcase to any type of removable media.

2. Remove the media from the first computer and put it into the second computer.

3. Make any changes you want to the files in the Briefcase on the removable media. Do not copy the Briefcase from the removable media onto the second computer.

4. To sync your changes with the first computer you remove the media from the second computer and insert it into the first computer.

5. From the first computeryou then open the removable media folder; right-click the Briefcase and click "Update All" to Sync all the changes you have made.

6. Important Note:

   • When you use Briefcase with removable media, you never sync files in the Briefcase with the second computer. You simply gain the ability to work on these files using another computer and then sync those changes with the first computer.

You can sync with different types and brands of mobile devices by using Sync Center which is really handy. Here is how to do that.

1. Turn on the device you want to use and plug it into your computer. If it is a wireless device make sure that a wireless connection is established between the device and your computer or connect it by using a universal serial bus (USB) cable.

2. Click to open Sync Center.

3. In the left pane of Sync Center click set up new sync partnerships.

4. Click the name of the device in the list of available sync partnerships.

5. On the toolbar click Set Up.

6. Select the settings and schedule to determine how and when you want to sync your device with your computer.

7. To start syncing immediately(which is the only way I've ever done it), click on view sync partnerships and then click your device in the list of sync partnerships, and then, on the toolbar, click Sync.

If your device doesn't appear in the list, try connecting it again or turning it off and on. If that doesn't work, try clicking the refresh button in Sync Center. If the device still does not appear, I don't really know what to tell you except that...

• Some sync partnerships do not have any sync settings or a schedule that you can adjust.

If your device does not appear in the list of available sync partnerships and you have already tried connecting it to your computer again and turning it off and on, Windows might not detect the device or it might not work with Sync Center.

Before you ask the manufacturer if the device supports this version of Windows, try installing any software that came with your device. This is always the BEST thing to do in any event; that is why it COMES with software! lol This often includes a driver that allows Windows to recognize your device and Bingo! - hay, it's always nice when you follow directions and then it really works! This software might also even include sync capabilities.

You might have to sync your device using this program instead of Sync Center.

If no software came with your device, you should be able to download the needed driver and/or files from the manufacturer website. There are also a lot of websites that just have piles of drivers for a particular widget. Not all sync software works with Sync Center (how typical). If it doesn't, you will have to sync your device using software from the manufacturer rather than using Sync Center.

Notes:

• If you are unable to get a device to work with Sync Center, it may help to check if your device is even listed in Device Manager. Even if Windows recognizes your device, it still might not be compatible with Sync Center.

• It is often helpful to check the contents of a device before attempting to sync it with your computer.

• You can also sync your contacts with some mobile devices, allowing you to take your contacts with you wherever you go. To sync contacts with a mobile device it must be able to read the .contact file that Win creates for each individual contact. The device must also be compatible with Sync Center, which Windows uses to sync files between a computer and a mobile device. Obviously not everything is going to work, EVER - we ARE talking about computers. :}

• To sync a Win based mobile device with a computer running Vista, you HAVE TO use Windows Mobile Device Center Software (of course, right?). The first time you plug a Windows Mobile device into a computer that is connected to the Internet and running Vista, Windows Mobile Device Center will automatically download and install. After you set up your device to sync in Windows Mobile Device Center, the sync results will appear in Sync Center.

So syncing in my opinion is easier and better than briefcasing but if you are really used to briefcase - you'll be so glad MS left it in for you. As we all know, like it or not we all end up updating upgrading eventually because they make it so we really don't have a choice.

Unless you are running a linux sys and are a REAL techno-geek; you, like me, are pretty much stuck with what they throw at us and forever trying to sort it all out.