Did first stuff. Ready to try iTunes but is it safe and is your dada safe? Lot of work?
The iTunes “program” (not the iTunes Store or website) is something that resides on your own computer “privately”.
Anyone who has an Apple device (like iPhone, iPad, iPod) should always have that program on their computer for backups and restoring the device. That’s an essential and very important function of the iTunes program.
If you haven’t ever used it before, you should be sure you know that you’re getting a full and complete backup. If you need some good advice on that, use “other users” on this forum to get answers ...
Apple Spport Communities
https://discussions.apple.com/index.jspa
The iTunes “program” is safe and it resides entirely within your own computer. There are some settings that other people turn off, if they don’t want to use all of its functionality (for other purposes, other than backup) — but it’s essential for backup.
Your data is safe as long as you are careful to know how it works - namely the choices you make for the data you want to save. There are different choices. The user discussions would help immensely on that.