Finally Going to Root

[Vassago]

Okay, I'm finally ready to root and try other roms and open this thing to its full potential. I've unlocked and flashed Windows on my HTC Touch Pro, so I'm not entirely new to this. I have a couple of questions though before I start though...

1. I currently have all of my contact and links set up how I want them. Is there a way to back up the contacts and links so I don't lose the information after flashing? What programs, etc, should I use? Is there also a way I can see this information on my PC?

2. I've read through the guides and it all seems pretty basic and similar to Windows flashing. I am confused on the difference between a kernal and rom though. Can someone shed some light?

Thanks!