superoneclick root do I need to factory reset 1st ?

[BERN-ie5]

I have a Captivate with 2.2. ~ I want to root it trying the superoneclick root method. What precautions do I need to take ? I have probably over 200 apps installed & NO, I dont have them backed up ( I dont know how ~ yet ) Will I lose everything & then have to re~install it all again & im also afraid of my phone reverting back to 2.1 ?