why do i need to backup my information to iCLoud? Can I backup my information on my computer?

You can backup on the computer using iTunes or Finder if using a Mac. See the information here, How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support The advantage to the iCloud backup is the ability to set it up to backup daily without any additional action by you after you configure it.

Sure. I've never relied my iCloud backup (only have the standard, free 5GB for multiple devices), although I don't know of any way to turn off saving what's supposedly the most important information on iCloud.

I much prefer the ability to use my Mac along with the ability to control when I want a backup to occur along with the ability to archive backups. iTunes on Windows doesn't have the ability to archive though.