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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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Stylus Noob (lemmy.today)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I setup a Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 for my Dad with Fedora 40 Kinoite. He wants a basic stylus but I don't know anything about them. All the info I can find on the product page is saying that you can use an "active pen." What am I looking for in a stylus to let me know if it'll work? The Dell and Wacom stylus' say they're for Windows. Do these stylus' need software to work and thus be stuck only working on Windows? Do they actually work on a firmware level? If you know of any that work I'm down for suggestions too.

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 5 months ago (1 children)

IN THEORY, any active pen device will work unless it's some crazy Bluetooth thing. Most of the more prominent makers use supported protocols (Wacom, MS, USI), but I'm sure there are some crazy cheap Amazon unknowns that use something else. Just stick to the major manufacturers, search what protocol they use, and if it's one of the major knowns, it'll work. How WELL it works is up to the pen and screen combination though.

Example: a pen may advertise 16k pressure sensitivity, or some tilt metric, but it may be that the screen will only be capable of X amount of capacitive touch. This shouldn't be a concern unless this screen is way old though. The pen does most of the advertised work for the input.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

What do you mean by "crazy Bluetooth thing"? Are you saying to avoid a stylus that only connects via Bluetooth? I wasn't able to find the screen's touch protocol even when checking Dell's owners manual. I guess I'll have to contact their support. I was able to find various stylus protocols however such as Wacom AES 1&2, WGP, in-cell panel support, and Microsoft Pen Protocol.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Crazy meaning some unknown protocol they call their own. If it's a well-known protocol, it's supported on Linux.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

Gotcha, thank you very much