A dongle works with your computer to activate the program. My Viking/Husqvarna Designer Topaz 20 has one for the Embroidery 5D program. I think it prevents you from sharing your program with other people. If you have a good dealer they should be able to help you but not all dealers sell the programs. When I was upgrading my program from the one that came with the machine my dealer in Chula Vista had no idea what I was talking about. Luckily the Road To CA Show had a dealer from Orange county there and he sold me the program and was able to walk me thru the process. Later I found the dealer in El Cajon (one block from where my daughter lives) is certified to sell the programs and help people.