I am trying to figure out how to set up my email for the BB. I figured out how to get the email from my (pop3 account) to go to the BB fine. However, how do you get it to sync with the Outlook on the laptop and put the sent messages that I sent from the BB to now show in Outlook on my laptop?
Also, how do you find updates for the BB software? Do you get to it through the desktop software that was installed on my laptop?

First, to get it to sync, you need to install the Blackberry desktop application. then, set it up to sync with outlook.
The sent messages do not sync on a web client handheld.
The easiest way for me to find updates is to click on the stickies in this forum (Thanks to Mark for those!). To install the updates, you use the Blackberry desktop

Where are the stickies you are talking about?

Read this first:
Newcomers! Welcome! Please read this thread!

Then this:
UPDATED! FAQ, Software, Upgrade, Ringtones, Themes, Internet, IM, Modem, Tips, Tricks