A dongle is a small device that connects to a computer or other electronic device to provide additional functionality. Commonly used with laptops and desktops, dongles can enable wireless connections, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or add ports like USB or HDMI. They are often used to enhance the capabilities of devices that may lack certain features. Many dongles also serve as security keys, allowing access to software or services. For example, a software company might require a dongle to verify that a user has purchased their product. This helps prevent unauthorized use and ensures that only legitimate users can access the software.