Hard drive died

[tvanveen]

Hi there, first time poster, newish mac user, first time with an apple hardware failure.

I have a late 2009 27" imac that has a dead hard drive. I don't have applecare.

What's my best option for replacement? Apple store? 3rd party repair? DIY?

I'm fairly handy, but getting at the drive seems a little iffy, plus there might be a fan noise issue?

Any recommendations on a third party vendor in the Maryland 'burbs?

I'm also a little confused on software. Will I be able to download all the Apple software I've bought?

Sorry, I still sorta have a microsoft mindset.

Thanks for your help!!

Tom