First Time Sync with New PC - Data Backup?

[rayward]

My girlfriend has an iPhone 3GS and doesn't have the computer on which it was originally set up (actually, she says that it's never been set up on a computer, but I'm not sure that's possible unless they can do a temporary set-up in an Apple Store).

So, now, it's way behind on software updates and it needs to be synced/updated. There is very little added content over the basic apps it comes with, but there is the not insignificant matter of all her contacts.

What happens when she hooks this iPhone up to an unknown computer? Will it automatically wipe and reinstall everything? Or can she back up the contacts prior to a reinstall (which is all she's worried about)?

Appreciate any help. TIA.

 

[rayward]

Bump.

(I guess I picked the wrong week to ask this question).

 

[rayward]

Once last time. And to clarify, I just want to be sure that contacts on the iPhone are preserved when going through the set-up process on a new laptop (which will be the permanent host for this iPhone).

Thanks again.