Look up: dongle

1. dongle
   (hardware) /dong'gl/ (From 'dangle' - because it dangles off the computer?) 1. (security) 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 a...
   Found on http://foldoc.org/dongle
   
   
2. Dongle
   Originally, the term 'dongle' was applied to any external attachment to a PC or one of its components. It seems to have originated in the UK and may have been coined to describe something which 'dangled', or hung, from the back of a machine.
   Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20173
   
   
3. dongle
   [n] - (computer science) an electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected software
   Found on http://www.webdictionary.co.uk/definitio
   
   
4. Dongle
   A software protection device connected between the computer and printer. Also known as a Software Protection Key.
   Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/visitor-contrib
   
   
5. Dongle
   this is a small electronic circuit, usually held in a plastic connector block, that goes on the parallel port of a computer - it forms an electronic 'key' that allows you to use a particular application (such as Impression or ArtWorks) - the application checks every now and then to see if a dongle i...
   Found on http://www.archivemag.co.uk/
   
   
6. dongle
   noun (computer science) an electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected software
   Found on http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/web
   
   
7. dongle
   In computing, a device that ensures the legal use of an application program. It is often used by high value applications and usually attached to the printer port (between the port and the printer cable) of the computer and the program will not run in its absence
   Found on http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/ency