Working with block devices: dd and pv

Sometimes, you just need a stone axe. Let's say you want to put a SSD in your PS3...

you@box:~$ sudo dd if=/dev/sdb bs=8M of=/dev/sdc

Awesome! But that might take hours :(

you@box:~$ sudo apt-get install pv you@box:~$ sudo dd if=/dev/sdb bs=8M | pv -s 60G | sudo dd of=/dev/sdc bs=8M 5.52GB 0:04:08 [ 103MB/s ] [=====> ] 42% ETA 0:05:02

INSTANT PROGRESS BAR IS MADE OF WIN.