Hot Swappable versus Non-Hot Swappable Devices
A hot swappable device is one which can be removed from a computer while it is powered on and does not require a reboot. For example, an external USB thumb drive is hot swappable – it can be inserted and removed from a computer without the computer needing to be turned off.
A non-hot swappable device requires the computer to be shut off before removing the device. For example, an internal hard drive is a non-hot swappable device. You cannot remove it (or add one) with the power on.
Though hardware may be hot swappable, it is a good idea to use Window’s Safely Remove Hardware utility to stop the device before removal. The icon is found in the status bar when you have a hot swappable device (such as a USB hard drive) connected.
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