hot-plugging

Definition: Adding a peripheral device or component while one or more connected devices are powered on. * Should be done only with systems designed to be hot-swappable or hot-pluggable.
Powered disasters
A common cause of damage to equipment is the hot-plugged item that wasn't designed to be hot-unplugged. Of course, it's a bore to turn everything off just to add a scanner or printer. Which is why second-general bus standards -- e.g. USB, FireWire -- are hot-pluggable. But unless you are sure, do turn the whole procession of connected equipment off before plugging anything in or taking any item out.

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