What is a Dongle?

A dongle is a small piece of hardware that connects to a computer; it is often referred to as a security dongle. A dongle allows a user to access specific features of a program, and is most commonly used for providing access to paid for programs and software. Dongles are designed to be physically unplugged from a computer when not in use, rendering the program unusable. This is because the dongle contains a unique code which is recognised by the software, and therefore a dongle is a way of securing software from unauthorised use.

How Does a Dongle Work?

A dongle works by connecting to an available port on the computer; most commonly this is the USB port, but dongles can also connect via ethernet ports and serial ports. Once the dongle is connected, the hardware inside the dongle will respond to a specific set of instructions given to it by the software program. This response process is known as emulating, and the code contained within the dongle will verify the authenticity of the user with the software program.

What Are The Benefits Of A Dongle?

The primary benefit of using a dongle is that it ensures only authorised users have access to the program. This makes it a great option for companies that need to restrict access to their software, such as businesses with customer databases and confidential customer information. Additionally, dongles can provide an extra layer of security for users engaging in any sort of payments and transactions, as the dongle ensures only authorised users will have access to the program. Finally, a dongle can be a great way for software companies to combat software piracy, as the code contained within the dongle will be unique to the user, making it impossible for other users to access it.