serialization???

[utlg]

I need help guys and gals.
I'm in the process of learning windows programming and mfc, and I am stuck on the subject of serialization.

I looked over the msdn online library, but got more confused by following links all over the place.

could someone explain to me only what I need to know about serialization.
I guess I am also asking it is/isn't better to just create a .txt file and store data that way.

I would really appreciate a tutorial on this if possible.

Thank you.