[Beginner] CareAce Class 02: Synchronizing your Data

In the age of information overload, we are no longer just a spectator but plays active roles in creating and storing data and information in many different means. It is no longer uncommon to see a family with more than 1 or 2 computers. And with the continuous progress in mobile technology, more devices are becoming tools of data storage.

The question now is how then, do you synchronize all of your information such contacts, calendar events, notes, and etc? It would be ridiculous to expect a user to check each of their dozens of devices to find a friend’s phone number, or check out a day’s agenda.

ActiveSync let’s you synchronize data on your device with your computer(s) in an attempt to create a sharing relationship, so your information is in one place, but also everywhere.

To get started, we will break the lesson down to 3 parts:

• What can ActiveSync do for you
• How can you get ActiveSync
• Other uses of ActiveSync

01. What can ActiveSync do for you

---

ActiveSync’s main purpose is to be able to synchronize everything from your device to your computer. These items includes contacts, calendars, tasks, emails and other selected data. On top of these, it also allows you to transfer files (without synchronization) as well as control when the synchronization will occur.

So in summary, ActiveSync can:

• Sync Contacts, Calendar, Tasks or Emails through Outlook
• Allows you to access and copy files between your mobile device and your computer
• Ability to set synchronization schedule
• Select other data formats to be synchronized

Screenshot

02. How you can get ActiveSync

---

ActiveSync is available to both Windows XP and Windows Vista (Windows 7 should work fine too). Here’s how:

• Windows Vista (or Windows 7): Good news! Windows Mobile Device Center is preinstalled with these OS under Control Panel. To activate ActiveSync, simply plugin the cable and you’re good to go.
• Windows XP: You can either download ActiveSync from Microsoft or install it from the CD that came with your WM device.

Video Guide

03. Other functions of ActiveSync

---

There are many variation that you can get by using ActiveSync with its compatible cable. Some of these steps are relatively advance, but you can still try them out. Here is a few for you to consider:

• Setup your ActiveSync to sync up with your Google account (link) (video)
• Perform ActiveSync using Bluetooth rather than using a cable (link)
• Setup Microsoft Exchange Server
  • Launch ActiveSync on your mobile device
  • Click on Menu and Select Add Server Source (screenshot)
  • In the Email address field, enter your email address
  • Select the Attempt to detect Exchange Server settings automatically field and check the checkbox
  • Enter the Server address and Select This server requires an encrypted (SSL) connection to use a SSL protocol for server access. Then Press Next
  • Enter your Microsoft Exchange’s username, password and domain. Select Save password if needed. Then press Next.
  • Select data types to be synchronized. Press Menu to access the following options:
    • Settings: You can set the option to handle each data type
    • Advanced: You can set how to handle a data conflict between your device and the computer, with the option to set an event log
    • Back: You may return to the previous step.
  • Press Finish to complete the process

Excluding #3, these are the basics for using ActiveSync. With ActiveSync, you can now easily sync up your contacts, calendar events, etc without missing anything. Now it’s time for you to put everything you’ve read to the test.

04. Practice!

---

Practice makes perfect, and here are a few practices that can hopefully sharpen how you handle ActiveSync and keeping your overloading information in check.

That is it for lesson #2 on the CareAce.net’s Beginner’s Guide. Please check back for more lessons and updates!