Most laptops (like those made by Dell, Compaq, HP, IBM, Toshiba, or Apple) have at least one standard-sized hole where this lock would fit; my Inspiron 8200 has one on either side. The operating mechanism is incredibly simple. There are three bars, two stationary and one that rotates 90 degrees; when aligned you can take out the lock. A very useful feature is that you can't remove the keys when the lock is open. This is nice because that way you won't misplace your keys when the lock is not in use.