Windows Vista & Activesync

I have a Htc tytn11 and until recently used Activesync and Outlook with windowns XP. However, I recently upgraded my laptop and am now using Windows Vista and I have had a few problems since.

Firstly, I have learned that I apparently cannot download/use Activesync on Vista - is this correct? My Computer came with a pre-installed similar program called "sync Centre" and another program called "windows mobile device centre". Neither of these allow me to do anything near as much as Activesync did on XP, and they only seem to be driven towards sync'ing/transferring music/media files. Can anyone advise me on this?

Also, in addition to the above (and probably as I opted for the cheaper option when buying my office software), I now do not have Outlook. I have never used outlook for anything other that the callender and organiser aspect of it (between my PC and Phone). When I bought my laptop I was told that it came witha pre-installed package called "Windows Callender" which was inteded for exactly for this use. However, afrer various attempts my phone has never paired with this software. Any ideas/soloutions?

I would happily purchase Outlook software if I knew for certain that it wasn't going to be a waste of my time and money due to it syill not sync'ing with my phone due to this dreadful new software that I am apparently stuck with!

In summary, when using Outlook and Activesync together on XP I had absoloutely no problems, however, now I seen to be very restricted in what i can and cant do with regards to synchronizing both devices together.

Any help / advive with this matter will be very much appraciated!