[dwizzy130]

1) What are the first steps i need to take in order to get this stuff flashed to 6.1 and with the most upto date ROM?

i would suggest not flashing to an unofficial rom if u don't know what u are doing..there is a failsafe for flashing to custom roms and its called a hard spl. look int the titan upgrade forum for it. that being said, here is a ink to the newest official rom. just dl it...run it on ur computer with an actve activesync connection and it will guide u through it.
ftp://up.ppcgeeks.com/Titan/RUU/RUU_...CS_AM_Ship.exe

2) I have an 8GB card on its way from newegg due monday but i know i need the update, how do i install it? do i throw it onto the card and then have the phone open it? how does that driver work? Is this process similar to all other programs i will need in order to get cool stuff on it?

if u upgrade to the newest official rom, it has sdhc support built in. otherwise here is a link to the drivers.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/atta...3&d=1194986892


3)I also want to backup my data, how can i do this before i flash?
The file i linked here is probably ur best bet for backing up personal data...just dl it...place the exe anywhere on ur phone and run it and it will guide u through the backup process.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/atta...1&d=1200914604

Aso if u ever need any help with anything about ur titan feel free to pm me, id be glad to help!
hope this gave u some better direction,
dwizzy130