Q: is there an easy way to copy a cd or a dvd? Spent 2 hours with Apple Support and they have no idea. I have the apple ext drive. I am unfamiliar with the iMac (first time owning a mac) and it was so simple on a pc.

You can do exactly the same thing on a Mac using Roxio Toast!

Or use Disk Utility:

How to copy previously-burned DVD-R video discs

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2059

To create an image file, launch Disk Utility and select File: New: Disk Image From Folder. In the window that appears, navigate to the desired folder and then click on Image. Give the image file a name, and click on Save when prompted. That’s it.

I'd really love to know with whom at Apple you spent 2 hours on the phone. Don't mean a name. That raises tech support incompetence to a new height.

That makes two of us!

I forgot to mention that if the original CDs or DVDs are commercial and copy-protected you may run into a few problems - but we cannot discuss those here!

I'm sure I don't need to say this, but next time get a Senior Adviser right away. I've run into some serious  incompetence with those as well, with more complicated issues, but I think they will all be be able to answer basic questions like the one you asked. Level 1 tech is usually  mediocre for any manufacturer.

Since you're a newcomer to the Mac, see these:

Switching from Windows to Mac OS X,
Mac Basics—Tutorials on using a Mac,
Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts,
Anatomy of a Mac,
MacTips,
Switching to Mac Superguide, and
Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Mountain Lion Edition.

Additionally, *Texas Mac Man* recommends:

Quick Assist,
Welcome to the Switch To A Mac Guides,
Take Control E-books, and
A guide for switching to a Mac.

If you want to have music from a CD on your computer and burn a CD too. Import the CD into iTunes and burn a copy (CD) from there... Or use Disk Utility as described above.

If you want to have music from a CD on your computer and burn a CD too. Import the CD into iTunes and burn a copy (CD) from there...

You might want to check with your attorney first.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,319276,00.html