Keyboard, monitor, mouse, USB, and hard drive are all straightforward computer terms most people are familiar with. However, the term dongle is something new for many people. You may hear dongles referred to as internet sticks or USB dongles. But they have a lot of different functions, and it‘s easy to get confused about what a dongle does.
Dongles are self-contained (typically USB) hardware devices that connect to your TV, smartphone, or computer. You can use dongles to stream media, connect to Wi-Fi, or connect to other devices. Dongles also enhance security and expand your computer’s storage capabilities.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about how to use dongles to make your life easier by updating your existing technology. You’ll also learn more about the history of the word dongle and how the term came to be what it is today.
What is a Dongle?
A dongle is an adapter that plugs into the USB port on your smartphone, TV, laptop, or desktop computer. Many dongles also have 2 or 3 built-in ports, like this one (on Amazon), which allows you to plug different devices into your computer simultaneously.
Some dongles have only a single port and are used for a specific purpose. For example, when you buy a wireless mouse, you’ll notice a small device needs to be plugged into your computer for the mouse to work properly. This small device is a dongle.
Why Do They Call it a Dongle?
By definition, the word dongle is a device that plugs into a computer that also enhances software security, and serves as an adapter. The history of the word dongle is a bit fuzzy, but Merriam-Webster speculates it may be an adaptation of the word dangle.
It’s a bit of a mystery how the term dongle came to be in the tech world, but one of its first known uses was in 1982. According to the University of Pennsylvania’s language log, one of the earliest citations of a dongle appeared in the 1982 MicroComputer Printout, referring to security systems for computer software.
Later, it was used in a 1992 advertisement for Rainbow Technologies. This advertisement claimed that the word was derived from a man known as “Don Gall,” who supposedly invented the dongle. However, this was debunked as an urban legend when the company executives clarified that Don Gall was not a real person and that the ad was only meant for entertainment.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint how the word dongle came to be or why dongles are called dongles, the name is still with us today.
Is a USB Stick the Same as a Dongle?
A USB stick and a dongle are interchangeable terms. However, USB sticks or USB flash drives are more commonly used. You might also see the word “media player dongle” to describe digital media players that plug into HDMI ports.
However, a USB stick or dongle is a very general term since they have many different functions. So, it’s essential to understand these functions to find out what type of dongle you actually need.
What is a Dongle Used For?
A dongle can be used for a variety of purposes. Many times, people are already using dongles in their daily lives and don’t even realize it. Let’s take a detailed look at some of the common uses for dongles in today’s world.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi dongles allow you to connect to the internet from any location. WiFi dongles are portable, lightweight, and straightforward to set up and use. They’re also affordable and offer fast and reliable internet speeds.
A Wi-Fi dongle (on Amazon) is a portable modem with a built-in network adapter. Once you plug it in, it connects to the internet much like your smartphone using 3G, 4G, or 5G.
Wi-Fi dongles are especially helpful while traveling. Instead of using unsecured public networks at airports, cafes, and restaurants, you can use a dongle to establish a private, secure internet connection.
Finally, wireless sync dongles communicate with another device, typically a fitness device, to transfer the data to your computer.
Memory and Storage
A memory USB dongle, also known as a memory stick, provides a convenient way to pass files between your devices. It’s primarily used for data storage and backing up files. However, it also increases your computer’s storage capacity since it serves as external storage.
Memory sticks contain a memory chip that retains the information without a power source, making them an intelligent way to keep your data safe and secure.
USB dongles also come in different capacities depending on your needs, such as:
- 8GB
- 16GB
- 32GB
- 64GB
- 128GB
- 256GB
As technology has advanced, memory USB dongles have replaced writable and floppy disks for archiving data and exchanging files.
Bluetooth
When using a Bluetooth adapter, you’re also using a dongle. USB Bluetooth dongles connect to a Personal Area Network (PAN) and allow you to pass data between computers, laptops, and cell phones. You can even make hands-free phone calls using a USB Bluetooth dongle.
Bluetooth dongles also connect a Bluetooth-enabled device like a wireless keyboard, mouse, or printer to your computer.
Security Devices
Security dongles offer security protection by preventing the unauthorized use and copying of specific forms of software. You can also use them to prevent people from accessing any sensitive data you have.
Software protection dongles and key dongles are two types of standard security dongles.
When you connect a software protection dongle to a computer, it decodes content or unlocks software functionality. This security is possible because it’s preprogrammed with an encryption key or product code. However, software protection dongles offer the most basic security protection.
Key dongles are more common today and are a crucial part of licensing and security for software developers worldwide. Key dongles contain ID strings and hardware serial numbers that are difficult for people to tamper with.
Streaming Services
Dongles also play a crucial role in streaming media. For example, Google Chromecast is a digital media player where you can stream content from thousands of apps like Spotify, YouTube, Hulu, and Netflix.
Chromecast has an adapter or a dongle like this one (on Amazon) that you plug into your TV’s HDMI port. A cable then connects to a USB port which powers the device. You can use your tablet, smartphone, or laptop as a TV remote via a mobile app.
You’ll also find dongles in other streaming services like:
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K
- Apple TV 4K
- Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
- Nvidia Shield TV
- Now TV Smart Stick
Conclusion
Dongles are a very popular option with many people. They can give your computer bonus technology, such as Bluetooth. Wi-FI dongle technology is also advancing every day, and you can use it in place of a standard internet connection if your apartment or home doesn’t have fiber broadband.
Be sure to continue your research to keep learning about the different uses of dongles so you can enhance your life with the latest technology.
Finally, remember that dongles are small and easy to lose, so be careful if you carry your dongle on the go.