Results found for: hardware key Print this page Image Friendly View

Also called a "dongle," it is an extremely effective software copy protection device that plugs into the serial, parallel or USB port of the computer. Parallel port keys also act as a pass-through to the printer or other parallel device. The nickname "dongle" was derived from seeing multiple keys "dangle" off the parallel port. Since serial and parallel ports have become legacy interfaces, new hardware keys mostly use the USB port.

No Key - No Run
In order for an application to run, it sends a code to the key, which responds by reading out a serial number. Each program package is tied to the unique number in the accompanying key, which ensures that the software runs in only one machine at a time because the key must be plugged in to work. See DMCA and PC Card dongle.




Parallel Hardware Key
Parallel port keys provide a pass-through so that additional keys or a peripheral device can be plugged in.





Inside a Parallel Key
This shows the electronics inside the Sentinel hardware key, originally made by Rainbow Technologies. (Image courtesy of SafeNet, Inc., www.safenet-inc.com)





From Parallel to USB
Many vendors that use a hardware key have migrated from the less-available parallel port to the ubiquitous USB port. This message from the General CADD installation program highlights this migration.