Q: how do i put photos onto my ipad from my computer without loosing what is already on my ipad?

I assume that you have never synced with iTunes before. IMO - a mistake if you don't sync right away when you set up the iPad - assuming that you want to sync at some point down the road.

Read this user tip on how to sync to a "new" computer.

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141

Another way. You can use a USB flash drive & the camera connection kit.

Plug the USB flash drive (works the same with an SD card) into your computer & create a new folder titled DCIM. Then put your movie/photo files into the folder. The files must have a filename with exactly 8 characters long (no spaces) plus the file extension (i.e., my-movie.mov; DSCN0164.jpg).

Now plug the flash drive into the iPad using the camera connection kit. Open the Photos app, the movie/photo files should appear & you can import. (You can not export using the camera connection kit.)

Using The iPad Camera Connection Kit

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4101

Secrets of the iPad Camera Connection Kit

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57401068-285/secrets-of-the-ipad-camera-conn ection-kit/

 Cheers, Tom