creating an OS bootable disc

[Busker]

I just purchased my first MAC, a 24" IMac. I bought it used, had it about a month and the hard drive crashed on me. It was under warranty, so there sending me another one and should receive it in the next couple days.

While troubleshooting the first one, I kept getting a white screen upon start-up. Most stated that I should insert the OS and select First Aid option. Well, my computer didn't come with a OS dvd. Now I'll be receiving my fixed computer in the next couple days, I'd like to make an OS dvd from the hard drive. Is this possible?

 

[BlackViper]

Apple will send you a copy of the installation disks for your machine; I believe for a small fee. If you want to preserve your already installed/configured OS/user data then Time Machine is the simplest way to go.
For Lion, download the installer from the mac app store(you may have to Alt-click the installed label to re-download); right click the installer, "Show package contents", restore "InstallESD.dmg" to a disk, or(better) usb drive.