What Is a Dongle? How Does It Work?
What is a dongle? A dongle is a compact device that attaches to a computer or other electronic equipment to enhance functionality or provide security. Typically, it operates as a plug-and-play accessory, connecting through a universal serial bus (USB) port. How does a dongle work? When you plug a dongle into a universal serial bus (USB) port on your computer, it establishes a connection and communicates with the software or hardware it is designed to work with. The dongle acts as an interface between the computer and the device or software, allowing them to interact and exchange data. What are some common uses of dongles? Dongles serve a variety of purposes across multiple domains. One common application is in hardware protection, such as software license dongles, which are used to prevent unauthorized software usage. For instance, a software license dongle ensures that only licensed users can access specific software by requiring the physical presence of the dongle. Dongles are