New laptop with Smart Card reader? What is that?

Just got my new laptop (yay) and am finally moving on from windows XP; I have bought a Lenovo L430. I'm 19 and will be using the laptop for university next year mainly writing, reading, editing my photos and using the internet a bit.

So I have put said laptop on to charge and, while sorting out the giant cardboard box, I found a smaller box which contains a Smart Card reader. (Specifically the Gemplus ExpressCard Smart Card Reader from Lenovo)
Now from a little research I understand it is for security purposes. But can someone please explain:
What it means and do I need it? Do I have to buy a card to go in the card reader? Is it like an antivirus thing like Norton or something or what?

Aargh, need help.

Firstly, you don't have to do anything. It has nothing to do with security for your laptop.

A smart card is a card similar in size and shape to a credit card. It has a microchip in it which holds information.Examples include medical cards, gym cards, student cards etc.

I can't imagine what purpose an individual would have for it. I do find it strange it came with a laptop. Just count yourself lucky you got it and may find a use for it in the future.

Not sure