dongle

don·gle

D0337350 (dôn′gəl, dŏng′-)n. A hardware device that renders inoperable certain software on a computer if the device is not attached to the computer.

[Probably arbitrary coinage.]

dongle

(ˈdɒŋɡəl) n (Computer Science) computing an electronic device that accompanies a software item to prevent the unauthorized copying of programs

don•gle

(ˈdɒŋ gəl, ˈdɔŋ-)
n. a hardware device attached to a computer without which a given software program will not run: used to prevent unauthorized use. [1980–85]

Thesaurus

Noun

dongle - (computer science) an electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected softwareelectronic device - a device that accomplishes its purpose electronicallycomputer science, computing - the branch of engineering science that studies (with the aid of computers) computable processes and structures

Translations

dongle

[′daŋ·gəl] (computer science) A hardware device that plugs into a computer or printer port and serves as a copy-protection device for certain software, which must verify its presence in order to run properly. Also known as hardware key.

dongle

(hardware)/dong'gl/ (From "dangle" - because it dangles offthe computer?)

1. A security or copy protection device forcommercial microcomputer programs that must be connected toan I/O port of the computer while the program is run.Programs that use a dongle query the port at start-up and atprogrammed intervals thereafter, and terminate if it does notrespond with the expected validation code.

One common form consisted of a serialised EPROM and somedrivers in a D-25 connector shell.

Dongles attempt to combat software theft by ensuring that,while users can still make copies of the program (e.g. forbackup), they must buy one dongle for each simultaneous useof the program.

The idea was clever, but initially unpopular with users whodisliked tying up a port this way. By 1993 almost all donglespassed data through transparently while monitoring for theirparticular magic codes (and combinations of status lines)with minimal if any interference with devices further down theline. This innovation was necessary to allow daisy-chaineddongles for multiple pieces of software.

In 1998, dongles and other copy protection systems are fairlyuncommon for Microsoft Windows software but one engineer ina print and CADD bureau reports that their Macintoshcomputers typically run seven dongles: After Effects, ElectricImage, two for Media 100, Ultimatte, Elastic Reality and CADD.These dongles are made for the Mac's daisy-chainable ADBport.

The term is used, by extension, for any physical electronickey or transferable ID required for a program to function.Common variations on this theme have used the parallel portor even the joystick port or a dongle-disk.

An early 1992 advertisment from Rainbow Technologies (amanufacturer of dongles) claimed that the word derived from"Don Gall", the alleged inventor of the device. The company'sreceptionist however said that the story was a myth inventedfor the ad.

dongle

Originally slang for a plug-in module to copy protect software (see hardware key), the term is used for any small module that plugs in and sticks out of a socket; for example, USB flash memory drives and other USB devices such as a wireless mouse receiver or cellular air card. If it uses a very short cable, it may still be called a dongle. See HDMI dongle, cellular dongle, PC Card dongle and USB drive.

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Words related to dongle

noun (computer science) an electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected software

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