The easiest way to make a duplicate of a partition or device is:

dd < /dev/hdX > /dev/hd(X+1)

You don't need propietary software. This is simple and works on most Linux systems.
You don't need to install Linux to make this work. The only thing you need is a boot/root floppy from: Debian, RedHat, Suse or any of them ...

I thing this is safe (when the user knows what is doing), and works on every PC, HPPA, Sparc, ARM, ...
Why to use propietary obscure and unversatile software???

Linux is enjoyable, Have a lot of fun!!