A small plug-in device (often like a USB stick) that you can add to your computer to do a set function, such as to provide access to a wireless connection (wireless dongle).

A dongle is a small electronic device that plugs into another electronic device to expand the latter's capabilities or functions. Once used as a term to describe software-protecting add-ons, the word dongle now is applied to miniature devices that plug into a smartphone to enable it to accept credit cards.

/dong'gl/ n. 1. A security or copy protection device for commercial microcomputer programs consisting of a serialized EPROM and some drivers in a D-25 connector shell, which must be connected to [..]

Internet Glossary A device that attaches to a computer to control access to a particular application. Dongles provide the most effective means of copy protection. Typically, the dongle attaches to a PC's parallel port. On Macintoshes, the dongle sometimes attaches to the ADB port. The dongle passes through all data coming through the port so i [..]

A device that attaches to a computer to control access to a particular application. Dongles provide the most effective means of copy protection. Typically, the dongle attaches to a PC's parallel [..]

The pigtail attachment to a PCMCIA (PC Card) that allows connection to an outside service, such as a network, direct connection to another computer or to a telephone service. The connector can be for a coax, RJ-11, RJ-45 or other similar device.

This term is often used to refer to devices, such as Chromecast or Roku Streaming Stick, that allow consumers to “beam” media from one device (often a laptop, mobile phone or tablet) to another (often [..]

In terms of mobile broadband, 'dongle' is the word that has been almost universally adopted to describe the small device that receives a mobile broadband signal. These devices contain [..]

A hardware device to make pirating a program difficult. It may fit on a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, a serial port or a parallel port, often piggybacking on some actual device. The basic idea is t [..]

Another word for USB or stick. More commonly used in European countries.

A small device, usually a USB stick, that you can plug in to your computer to gain access to internet anywhere there is a mobile phone network.

 A portable mobile broadband adapter connected to a laptop or PC via a USB port.   What a weird word!  

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

A small hardware device used for copy protection with some software. The dongle must be plugged in to a port on the computer, often the printer port, or the software won't function. They are often unpopular with users because if the dongle gets lost or broken, the software won't function.

A small hardware device used for copy protection with some software. The dongle must be plugged in to a port on the computer, often the printer port, or the software won't function. They are unpo [..]

a small device that plugs into a computer I/O port. The most common purpose is for security -- the dongle allows a commercial software application to run. When you launch the application, it queries a [..]

  A mechanical device used by software developers to prevent unlicenced use of their product. Typically, a Dongle is a small connector plug, supplied with the original software package, which fits into a socket on a PC - usually a parallel port, also known generally as the LPT1 Printer port. Without the Dongle present, the software will not run. So [..]

Any small piece of hardware that plugs into a computer. Most popular form-factor are USB keys or Smart Cards that can get inserted into card readers Innovative device using optical reader have also been launched onto the market.

A mechanical device used by software developers to prevent unlicensed use of their product. Typically, a dongle is a small connector plug, supplied with the original software package, which fits into [..]

A dongle is a piece of hardware used for software protection that is connected to a computer's I/O port to ensure that software is executed securely. The dongle must be present for the software t [..]

A Dongle(s) relates to output cords representing a channel on a controller.

In the mobile and payments space, used interchangeably as a magstripe reader when plugged in to the mobile device; in the technology space, it is a small piece of hardware that plugs into an electrical connector on a computer and serves as an electronic “key” for a piece of software; the program will run only when the dongle is plugged in.

A hardware component used as a security device, or key to unlock a software feature or program. When required the software programs reads the port that should contain the dongle and expects a certain [..]