For data recovery software, I like using 3uTools for reinstalling iOS on devices and Wondershare for putting all of the data recovery files into neatly organized folders on a USB drive.  3uTools also works sometimes to fix a failed iOS update.  Wondershare is not cheap, but I have yet to find another tools that recovers takes binary files from an iTunes backup and neatly organizes them into folders, like Photos, SMS, Contacts, Videos, etc.

Also, you’ll want to invest in some USB drives: