LJAZ is absolutely correct
Most manual awnings can be set up with the support arms in the grounded position (usually referred as "patio mode") or with them remaining attached to the side of the trailer. I've even seen folks with them buried in a 5 gallon bucket of sand for a more "permanent" setup. One advantage of the patio mode; it gets the support arm verticle and out of "head banging" range
Most electric awnings don't have that option, but, most electric awnings have their support arms much higher and there is reduced chance of "head banging" with them. My old trailer had a manual and my new one an electric. For me the jury is still out...I liked some of the features of the manual (sturdier, more adjustment, much easier to attach our "tacky" lights to, etc.), but, I like the ease and some of the features of the electric (10 seconds out, 10 seconds in, can pull it in without even going outside, beams are well above our heads when out).
One caveat with using the awning in the "patio" setup...in the event of a sudden storm or strong wind gust, the patio position is the least "sturdy" and the hardest to take down in a hurry. I'm the lazy type and like to leave the awning out until the last second and hardly ever used it in the patio mode.