Tip #3914 - Dongle Printer Friendly Version | E-Mail This Tip
Dongle
Recently, the term
"dongle" (pronounced DONG-uhl) has been making
its way around our office. Some of my co-workers have been seeing it on
certain Web sites, but they weren't really sure what it meant, so they've
been asking me to look it up and write a tip on it. Plus, I figured some
of you have probably heard it before as well, but maybe you don't know
what it is either. Either way, I'm going to take care of everyone's curiosity
today. Let's take a look!
A dongle is a basic
hardware device that was created to ensure that no unauthorized users
are able to copy or use specific software programs, especially high-end
applications. Some of the more common dongles are hardware keys, special
key diskettes and registration numbers. Most of them are mainly put in
place to require verification from users before they can access certain
software programs. The dongles are kept intact until the verification
is confirmed. Otherwise, the user won't be able to continue on with using
the software.
For example, if you've
ever purchased a piece of software that required a serial number (and
I know a lot of you have, because we sell several programs like that here
at WorldStart), you have come in contact with one type of dongle. Now,
just for some extra information, dongles are not used very often, because
a lot of manufacturers don't like having that type of limit on their products,
but as I said earlier, they are used a lot with the more expensive software
applications. So, if you've been wondering what a dongle is, now you know
all about it!
~ Erin
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