<b_jonas> slashlearn block device/Block devices are a concession made in Unix to make raw hard disks and magnetic tape have a similar interface to regular files and terminals. Since magnetic tapes can\'t write individual bytes, only entire blocks, the interface isn\'t exactly the same, thus the dreaded dd obs= option was born.

$target has been badly maimed!
*draws their sword*
I'll get the bears
Now where did I leave my jumper cables...
*grumbles something about a broken hacksaw*
$target just lost an arm!
$target just lost a leg!
$target just got fried by jumpercables!
$target just froze off their fingers!
$target just melted off their fingers!