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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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[–] x3i@lemmy.x3i.tech 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You are totally right to be confused, the USB naming is a total mess. A quick Google search told me that your two ports are Thunderbolt4, another thing to mix in. TB4 to my knowledge integrates USB4, so you can basically connect anything that is USB2,3,4 or Thunderbolt3 or 4. Luckily, none if that matters for your use case, pretty much all proper docking stations support charging (usually the functionality is listed explicitly on the docking station description), so you can probably choose almost any. If you go with one of the big laptop manufacturer's product (Dell, HP) it is pretty much guaranteed to work. Personally, I use HP's Thunderbolt 3 dock for my gf and HP's universal Thunderbolt Dock for myself across my work and private devices. Even works on my android phone!

[–] borzthewolf@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thanks a lot! So to be clear, the cable that links my laptop to a dock isn't as important as I'm thinking it may be? Or are you saying I'd be best off investing in a nice thunderbolt 4?

[–] x3i@lemmy.x3i.tech 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It is only important when you want to connect displays to the dock, if that is not your use case, any travel dock for 40 bucks will do :)

[–] borzthewolf@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Man I get stingy and always have to go for the nicer products, even if I dont need them lol I've been eyeing thinkpad, dell, anker, and pluggable docks mostly. There's a brand called wavlink too that has great deals but can seem to find much info on them