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Virtual dongles emulate hardware keys, allowing access to multiple dongle-dependent programs without the need for a physical key. Dongles protect software from piracy, but can cause compatibility issues. Creating a virtual dongle requires an emulator program.
A virtual dongle is a software program designed to emulate a dongle or hardware key. Used in software copy protection, virtual dongles allow the user to access multiple dongle-dependent programs without the need for a physical hardware key for each software program. If a dongle is required to run the software, it means that a portable device with the unlock information must be connected to the computer to run the software. Since dongles are usually only required on high-end specialized programs, most computer users are unlikely to encounter a program that requires a dongle.
Dongles are used to control software piracy. Software piracy occurs when a program is distributed without the consent of the company that owns the software copyright. The software programs used to design and create media are expensive and prone to theft and copying, and the company does not get paid for its work when programs are distributed without its knowledge. Dongles protect the software program from piracy by blocking its use when a dongle is not in the computer.
Programs that require dongles are usually high-end professional design or manufacturing programs. Dongles appear in software used for video creation, theater production design, audio recording and editing, and building design. Examples of programs that require dongles include Pro Tools® and Vectorworks®.
Creating a virtual dongle requires the use of a software program called an emulator. These programs use software to mimic the function of a device or other software system. An emulator mimics the function of the portable dongle, essentially tricking the computer into thinking that a dongle is plugged into a port on the computer.
A virtual dongle can work without taking a plug, freeing up Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports for other devices. Traveling computer users can avoid the clutter of carrying several portable dongles for multiple software programs. Using a virtual dongle also helps protect the original dongle from damage, theft or loss.
Both virtual dongle and physical hardware key systems suffer from incompatibility issues. While many dongles have built-in plugs that allow the user to stack multiple dongles into a USB port, conflict issues can cause one or more dongles to malfunction. If you have compatibility issues with hardware dongles, switching some of your hardware keys to emulated virtual dongles may resolve the issue. Likewise, when an emulated dongle fails, you may need to go back to the dongle.
