Why are there USB Devices and Data(Block)Devices?

User Support General
1

I have wondered why there are two when backing up data on a USB stick.
It doesn’t make any difference which one I connect to a qube.
Does anyone know why?

2

Simple answer - because a USB block device is still a USB device.
As such you can choose to attach it either as a USB device, or as a
block device.
If you choose the former, the target qube will process it as attached
USB device, and parse the file systems. lsusb in the target qube will
show the device.
If you attach as a block device, the target will not see it as a USB
device. You have the choice of attaching the whole block device or
individual partitions, (better).

I never presume to speak for the Qubes team. When I comment in the Forum or in the mailing lists I speak for myself.
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