[bsder]

> In the medical field, almost all software for performing and analyzing EKGs, X-rays, MRIs etc. comes by default with some sort of dongle-based protection. Apparently, it's not enough that you need the biggest dongle in the world (i.e. the machine itself!) to use the software.

Actually, it's not.

Some idiot will get the idea that they can just "transfer the hard drive immediately" because they didn't pay enough money on their support contract to get 4 hour response rather than 48 hour response. The dongle prevents that.

Medical devices are certified for the entire device--that includes the specific PC and the specific version of operating system running on it.