Q: i've gone into ganeral an there's no software update symbol option

The option to update without the computer (Over the air) was made available with iOS 5. If your iDevice is using a version of iOS lower than 5, you will need to use iTunes on your syncing computer to perform the upgrade. Use the Apple link below as a guide for the upgrade.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4972

Also read the instructions from the section entitled "Update your device using iTunes" at the link below.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4623

Information regarding transferring purchases from your iDevice to iTunes on your syncing computer can be found at the link below.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1848

To update

The Settings>General>Software Update comes with iOS 5 and later.

Connect the iPod to your computer and update via iTunes as far as your iPod model allows

iOS: How to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

A 1G iPod can go to iOS 2.2 via iTunes and iOS 3.1.3 via

Purchasing iOS 3.1 Software Update for iPod touch (1st generation)       

https://buy.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZFinance.woa/wa/touchLegacyLandingPage

- A 2G to 4.2.1. Requires iTunes version 1o or higher. If a Mac it requires OSX 10.5.8 or later.

- A 3G to 5.1.1  Requires iTunes version 10.5 or later

- A 4G to 6.1.5  Requires iTunes version 10.7 or later. For a Mac, that requires a Mac with OSX 10.6.8 or later

Identifying iPod models