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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Still trying to figure out this Lemmy ordeal. lots of overlapping and not enough specific groups, so I feel this should belong here (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by borzthewolf@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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So I'm struggling to understand all the different types of usb standards like 2.0, 3.1, 3.2, 4.0, etc. I am interested in only USB c to USB c. I've read about higher data transfer speeds? I'm confused by what that actually means. Is that like transferring files from your laptop to an external drive? Basically sending files between devices in the network? I've read you can get 8k video resolution? I have no need for that.I just don't quite know what is best for me.

I have a dell xps 13 9310 laptop and the only two ports on the laptop are usb c. I've had major connectivity issues after the years of wear and tear. I just had a shop replace one port, so the major plan is to get a docking station with pass through charging capabilities.

But for now, I feel so foolish I don't even know what standard or protocol cables I need. Since all of the fancy features like video display don't appeal to me and I never do file transfers via usb, does that mean all I need is simple usb 2.0 cables for power delivery? Do the newer 3 series standards provide more power and or helpful features? What is the best sort of cable to link my main device, my laptop, to a docking station? I need to start there to reduce wear and tear on the new usb c ports on my laptop.

Any pointers would be great, thanks I RUN LINUX BTW SO THATS WHY I POSTED HERE lol

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[–] INeedMana@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Data transfer speeds can be understood as the speed of transferring files via the port but it is a broader term. It's how much data can be sent through at once. For a keyboard and mice it probably doesn't matter. For a printer, external sound card or external drive it does

AFAIK USB3 allows to pass more current than USB2. Whether you would observe a difference or not depends on the device on the other side of the cable, but there's no harm in being able to pass more than the device needs. You might need to plug in something more power hungry in the future

Get a docking station with ports at least the same version as your current ones (or better for the future), so you don't loose the capabilities.
You could also use an USB hub instead, so you wear out the ports in the hub, not in laptop. In such case, get one with option for external power. When you connect a lot of stuff, current from the laptop port might not be enough to power all the devices

USB A/B/C only names the physical form of the port. What you need to look at when it comes to power is USB 1/2/3.
There is a weak connection between the connector type and USB generation but it's rather customary than strictly defined

[–] borzthewolf@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Thanks a lot for this info. Even after getting one usb c port replaced on my dell xps 13 9310, but still, the sensitivity of usb c has been so frustrating! Its like the slightest little jerk or bump of a plugged in usb stick will cause it to disconnect or just the slightest movement of a charging cable will disconnect, it ughhh its annoying. I really need one nice, fortified usb type c connector cable to plug in and just leave it plugged into the dock. Then no more using the shoddy usb c ports on my laptop! But determining just exactly what cable would be best for the link from laptop to dock has been difficult for me to determine. I'm thinking a ugreen right elbow cable. I feel the 90 degree elbow would help in reducing strain and allowing a better connection