Easily cloning SATA DOM?

I've tried once or twice VIA bootable USB drive images (Clonezilla)to create an image--in case the SATA DOM dies, and I need a new one made.
So far I've had no luck.. Which software package fits the bill and is relatively easy to use? I'd like to clone hardrives, and/or create a burnable OS image for later use.
I'm not sure if it would "fit" but I've considered buying a cheap hardrive duplicator, and doing it that way--as sometimes "finding" the right way is too time consuming. However, I figured I'd ask here and see what everyone uses--as I bet somebody knows of a straightforward and effective way of doing this.

I normally use a bootable USB pen (debian, ubuntu, ....) with a live image to have a working OS.
With the two hard disks connected and recognized, a simple DD command will do the job (full clone of the disk).

See for example
www.computerhope.com/unix/dd.htm

I never did a ISO or a clone to a file (only for another equal hard drive), but it seems that it also works.

I never dared the USB pen drive--so you can run the whole thing from it, and you're set?
Then within linux I will look up the dd command--as it's been a while but it sounds reasonable... Could probably even Clone USB to USB. Partition wise DD also handles it?
Pardon the ignorance--I am running files from 5 years ago, and I am realizing it could go flush if I don't backup "everything" as it sits.

Ah I don't have an network connection yet... Soon I'm graduating, will have three routers online, documentation, etc.. For now it's a total mess--I'll give the link a looking through, and perhaps it'll be "tolerable"--anything but these last two finance courses tolerable

I've used www.system-rescue-cd.org/ with great success if you can boot from a cd or usb......it can also be booted over a network

dd is great but I would boot from a live cd or other media, not a great fan of cloning a "live" device/disk/partition, but this is just my own opion and idea . dd is also a fine way for young players to trash a system......but as long as you don't get your of & if devices confused you're all good.

Some good info for using dd wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/disk_cloning

I have no idea what a SATA DOM is nor do I feel I should know cos I will need one, having managed all this time without.
However I do know a bit about creating cd's and backing up my Hdd an easy and very good facility is available from old school Linux.
Synaptic will install bootcd on your system, open a shell and type "bootcdwrite", follow the few simple instructions, go put the kettle on.
By the time your brew is ready to drink your backup will be ready to burn, don't come any easier than that does it?