WHATs dongle?

[mattyboy]

Avid requires a dongle to function? Whats a dongle?

[Bodyslide]

It normally is a device that is connected to the card , that you can then connect a vcr or other device to it. Here's one for ATI
http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/aiw9600pro/features.php

[mpiper]

In the case of Avid, as well as many 3D programs, the dongle is provided when the program is purchased. This is to prevent pirated programs from being used.

If you did not get a dongle with your copy of Avid, I suggest you contact the vendor and request a correction/replacement.

[Laddydaddy]

It can also be a security device for software. Check here; http://www.sharpened.net/glossary/definition.php?dongle

[mattyboy]

I found a box of dongles.

[andkiich]

No, no, no! It's when your dingle dangles!!

[Nelson37]

This is a security/copy protection device usually attached to the parallel port. Newer ones are USB.

The story I heard was that they are named after one of the original inventors, a Mr. Don Gull, but I have no verification on this.

[drjtech]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongle

The word "dongle," as a word for something unnamed (akin to "doodad" or "whatchamacallit") has been used since the 1970s. Its origin is unknown. The American Heritage Dictionary, 4th edition, says it is "probably [an] arbitrary coinage." Claims that it was derived from the name "Don Gall" are an urban myth popularized by a 1992 advertisement for Rainbow Technologies, a dongle vendor.

-drj