Backing Up Your Library
One problem with the iTunes Store since its inception (and, to a lesser degree, with any digital music library) is the risk of losing content in the event of a hard drive failure or similar catastrophic loss. Although this is a problem for any type of file, it’s particularly relevant when you’re talking about music, TV shows, and movies that you’ve spent money on. Up until now, Apple has pretty much left dealing with that issue up to consumers. You could back up your iTunes library like any other file, but doing so required a system-level backup utility or the presence of mind to copy files in your Music folder.
iTunes 7 includes its own backup tool that will create a backup of your iTunes content to CD or DVD. Located in the File menu, this tool can be used to back up your entire library, content that has been purchased from the iTunes Music Store, or recent additions since your last backup. This is a great feature that everyone should use.