DONGLE

It is a security device that attached to the back of your computer. Many of the higher end embroidery programs will not run without one. When you purchase the program you get ONE dongle with it. That way, you can't share the program with a friend.

And if you lose it or it is stolen, you are out of luck. You would have to buy the whole program over again. Nana`

Usually it refers to the security device described by 5 foot 2.

The word is also used for a dangling connector on a card that plugs into a laptop (a PCMCIA card) such as a network cable or phone line connector.

- Herb

PET program?

Palette is the BabyLock-branded version of Brother's P.E.Design, and yes it needs a security dongle, but what's PET?

- Herb

If you have Googled your butt off, and haven't come up with anything ..., and for 14,500 more reasons, please send e-mail,

snipped-for-privacy@ath.forthnet.gr, snipped-for-privacy@pathfinder.gr, snipped-for-privacy@pathfinder.gr,

Not so. If you lose it or it's damaged you can get a replacement from the Software Developer.

Dongles tend to be older technology (they've been around for years). Problem is that they can be somewhat problematic and not user friendly. Software security (such as C-Dilla) has replaced dongles on some software and I'd bet will eventually replace all dongles. Developers are realizing that dongles are just not worth the expense or customer complaints.

For security, dongles used to be very good, but now days it far too easy to get around them that it's just easier/more cost effective to use software copy protection.

Michael (LS)

Hi, Michael, Bernina Artista will not replace dongle unless it is malfunctioning. They repeatedly state that. For all the money the program cost, it would be nice if we were treated with a little more respect. I would not have a problem purhasing a new dongle but with them that is not an option.

-- Sugar & Spice Quilts by Linda E

I'm not familiar with digitizing software but I have experience with other high-end software applications (CAD/CAM & 3D Modeling/Rendering stuff). I find it real hard to believe that refusal to sell replacement dongles would even be legal. Without reading the Licensing Agreement I don't know what your recourse might be but It'd be interesting to find out.

If they truely won't replace dongles I'd refuse to buy anything from them. Besides the fact it's a stupid business decision (think of the potential upgrade sales lost not to mention the disgruntled customers).

A quick Google search didn't turn up a copy of Bernina's licensing agreement.

Michael

The first version I bought was 3.0 it had a parallel port dongle. When I upgraded to V4.0 the original dongle is made useless in the upgrade so you can't even use it on the old version. There are alot of things about Bernina and their products to love, and there are plenty to not love. I really feel that the attitude toward the customer is that they want our business, (money) but with alot of strings attached. They are a Swiss company and I wonder if the licensing agreements are written with European mindset or USA. I will look at that licensing agreement. Nana

Actually the best definition of a dongle (IMHO) is it is a pain in the backside...

Sorry I do not like Bernina machines and I certainly do not like the condesending manner of the Bernina agency in the UK. I had a great deal of trouble with them before them replaced my embroidery unit. I sold the machine and bought a Brother at least I can talk to them. Liz

Hi Liz, I use the software for digitizing and I also have a magic box to convert. I truly love my Bernina machines and have no quarrel with that. As soon as someone can crack Version 4 I will put it on my other machine so I can do work without the dongle. Nana

A Dongle is a security device that needs to be plugged into a USB port on your computer to make the computer program work that it came with.