Can you copy your purchased software cds?

[any ANONYMOUS forum user]

Help! I have never burned a cd or even backed up my HP laptop successfully onto dvds. I need to make copies of my software programs I purchased to keep in a seperate , safe location in case of a disaster. I assume they are protected, can you do this. If so, which software is the best and least expensive to use? I would be very grateful for anyone's input as I need to do it tonight if possible. Keep in mind, I don't know what I am doing or what the abbreviations mean when copying protected dvds, cds, etc. is discussed. PLEASE HELP?? THANK YOU!!

I don't really understand what exactly you are trying to do. Do you want to copy CDs with software? Do you want to backup your OS with all software installed?

If you have CDs and DVDs with software, you should be able to copy them with any software. I've seen games on protected CDs and DVDs, but most other CDs / DVDs with software doesn't have any protection.