There's been a number of questions regarding disk cloning tools (yes, I did search for it) :) and dd has been suggested at least once. I've already considered using dd myself, mainly because ease of use, and that it's readily available on pretty much all run of the mill bootable linux distributions.

To my question, what is the best way to use dd for cloning a disk. I don't have much time to go around, and no test-hardware to play with, so I need to be prepared, and it's pretty much a one-shoot chance to get it done.

I did a quick google search, and the first result was an apparent failed attempt. Is there anything I need to do after using dd, i.e. is there anything that CAN'T be read using dd?

Thanks!