Dongle

3 definitions found

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

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

From Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001) [jargon]:



  dongle /dong'gl/ n. 1. [now obs.] A security or {copy protection}
     device for proprietary software consisting of a serialized EPROM and
     some drivers in a D-25 connector shell, which must be connected to an
     I/O port of the computer while the program is run. Programs that use a
     dongle query the port at startup and at programmed intervals thereafter,
     and terminate if it does not respond with the dongle's programmed
     validation code. Thus, users can make as many copies of the program as
     they want but must pay for each dongle. The idea was clever, but it was
     initially a failure, as users disliked tying up a serial port this way.
     By 1993, dongles would typically pass data through the port and monitor
     for {magic} codes (and combinations of status lines) with minimal if any
     interference with devices further down the line -- this innovation was
     necessary to allow daisy-chained dongles for multiple pieces of
     software. These devices have become rare as the industry has moved away
     from copy-protection schemes in general. 2. By extension, any physical
     electronic key or transferable ID required for a program to function.
     Common variations on this theme have used parallel or even joystick
     ports. See {dongle-disk}. 3. An adaptor cable mating a special edge-type
     connector on a PCMCIA or on-board Ethernet card to a standard RJ45
     Ethernet jack. This usage seems to have surfaced in 1999 and is now
     dominant. Laptop owners curse these things because they're notoriously
     easy to lose and the vendors commonly charge extortionate prices for
     replacements.
  
     [Note: in early 1992, advertising copy from Rainbow Technologies (a
     manufacturer of dongles) included a claim that the word derived from
     "Don Gall", allegedly the inventor of the device. The company's
     receptionist will cheerfully tell you that the story is a myth invented
     for the ad copy. Nevertheless, I expect it to haunt my life as a
     lexicographer for at least the next ten years. :-( --ESR]
  
  

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:

  dongle
       
           /dong'gl/ (From "dangle" - because it dangles off
          the computer?)
       
          1.  A security or {copy protection} device for
          commercial {microcomputer} programs that must be connected to
          an {I/O port} of the computer while the program is run.
          Programs that use a dongle query the port at start-up and at
          programmed intervals thereafter, and terminate if it does not
          respond with the expected validation code.
       
          One common form consisted of a serialised {EPROM} and some
          drivers 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. for
          {backup}), they must buy one dongle for each simultaneous use
          of the program.
       
          The idea was clever, but initially unpopular with users who
          disliked tying up a port this way.  By 1993 almost all dongles
          passed data through transparently while monitoring for their
          particular {magic} codes (and combinations of status lines)
          with minimal if any interference with devices further down the
          line.  This innovation was necessary to allow {daisy-chained}
          dongles for multiple pieces of software.
       
          In 1998, dongles and other copy protection systems are fairly
          uncommon for {Microsoft Windows} software but one engineer in
          a print and {CADD} bureau reports that their {Macintosh}
          computers typically run seven dongles: After Effects, Electric
          Image, two for Media 100, Ultimatte, Elastic Reality and CADD.
          These dongles are made for the Mac's daisy-chainable {ADB}
          port.
       
          The term is used, by extension, for any physical electronic
          key or transferable ID required for a program to function.
          Common variations on this theme have used the {parallel port}
          or even the {joystick} port or a {dongle-disk}.
       
          An early 1992 advertisment from Rainbow Technologies (a
          manufacturer of dongles) claimed that the word derived from
          "Don Gall", the alleged inventor of the device.  The company's
          receptionist however said that the story was a myth invented
          for the ad.
       
          [{Jargon File}]
       
          (1998-12-13)
       
          2. A small adaptor cable that connects, e.g. a {PCMCIA}
          {modem} to a telephone socket or a PCMCIA {network card} to an
          {RJ45} {network cable}.
       
          (2002-09-29)