What Is the Oval Hole on Computer Hardware For?

For the most part, it is no mystery what the various openings on the outside of our computer hardware are for—most are ports. But what about that oval port that doesn’t match your usual cables? Sometimes it has a “lock” symbol next to it; other times it doesn’t.

It is called a Kensington Lock, or Kensington Security Slot, and it provides an attachment point for a cable to prevent your monitor (or a laptop as seen in the picture below) from being moved or stolen.