DO NOT plug ipod into your computer you will loose the songs!
You said "or do I need a piece of software I've heard about to be able to upload my ipod tunes onto itunes in order for me to play them again"
Yes you do.
check this link and ignore the post that says it can't be done!
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...highlight=ipod
googling gives
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&h...rieval&spell=1
and others