Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the british and the colonists as the american revolutionary war began? what would britain have to do to win? what would the colonists have to do to win?

Britain's first action would have to take all of their arms away long before July 4th, 1776. When they did come to disarm the population, on April 18th, 1775 it was far too late. 
"To conquer a nation, first disarm its citizens." Adolf Hilter
Britain would need to have done so before the heavy taxations, punishments, and other abuses. When many of the colonists were loyal to the crown. The colonist had created a bond with there countrymen and was well organized, armed and regulated in militias. 

Second, stop the French Sponsors. Without support from the French, the American Revolution would not have been as successful as it would have been. And may very well have cost them the war.

Whilst Both had very well armed infantry, the British had much more naval warships, and heavy arms, as well as funding. The colonist was independent of the British as they were on their home turf, whilst the British had to mostly rely on shipments, royal colonists, or pillage for supplies. Of which the Colonist raided and sabotaged.