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!!