Phil Moseley yes iTunes is a bit of a hog, but you can set it up so that your iPod does not sync automatically etc. After all it is free software and made for your iPod. To use it on a PC vs Mac, you will have to restore it. Again, easiest with iTunes. Restoring will erase and reformat the iPod's hard drive, reload the software with the Windows version and put it back to default settings, so if you have songs on your iPod that aren't on iTunes you will lose them if you have no back up. Restore your device:
Connect your device to your computer using the cable that came with it.
Select your iPod when it appears in iTunes.
In the Summary panel, click Restore.
Click Restore again to confirm that you want to restore your device to factory settings and delete all data and content.
There are some [http://www.ilovefreesoftware.com/27/featured/8-free-alternatives-to-itunes-for-windows.html|iTunes alternatives], but that will be personal preference. So give it a try and see what you like.