Outlook and AS

I'm unclear on a few basic points about the relationship or
inter-dependency (if any) between Outlook and AS. My Outlook 2002
originally came with my iPAQ 2210 Pocket Computer many years ago. That's
long since been replaced by an HTC Touch Pro 2 running under Windows
Mobile 6.1, supplemented by ActiveSync 4.5.0.

1. Must Outlook always be running for AS to work?

2. I assume it must always be running for Tasks and Appointment reminders
to be displayed (because occasionally, when deliberately starting it, I
get several out-of-date messages). Is there any way around that?

3. Assuming not, is the CPU and memory resource significant?

Any advice would be much appreciated please.

--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK