hmmm ... i have to admit, i really don't get this article, imho. its not very well written:

why using these "oldschool" if / of parameter

how its meant to be used

dd < /dev/zero > /dev/sdx

like others already mentioned: parameter "bs" ~ block-size

dd < /dev/zero bs=1M > /dev/sdx

or parameter "count" ~ number of blocks of specified size

dd < /dev/zero bs=1M count=100 > /dev/sdx

show progress ~ utility "pv"

dd < /dev/zero bs=1M | pv > /dev/sdx

etc.etc.

why do people write such articles w/o at least consulting the manpages!?

and why is such a mediocre article on the frontpage of HN!?

just my 0.02€