Quote - I like to se people try that trick on a linux or mac computer...

 

Linux:

1. plug in your backup media to computer with new (and empty) disk drive

2. load your linux cd as a "live" distro, and mount both the new disk and the backup media (takes a click or two, and Ubuntu automatically mounts them)

3. open a terminal and type:

dd if="/mounted/backup-media" of="/mounted/new-disk-drive"

5. reboot, remove backup media and live CD, and you're done.

 

Mac:

1. plug in backup media to computer w/ new disk drive

2. boot machine, then select Disk Utility to restore from backup.

ref: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1553

 

Note that both OSes include everything in the operating system to do this, without having to buy a third-party application suite (e.g. Acronis) or somesuch.

 

Done.