Can I Unplug an external harddrive without shutting down system?

Question

I use Hard drives often. While they are plugged in can I just UNPLUG them and PLUG in another one (into my USB Port) or must I shut down?

I've tried right-clicking on the drives before removing them (thinking there would be an option for Eject Drive) but such an option doesn't exist. So my next best step would be to unplug them and plug in another one but I don't want to damage the drives.
Thanks

Is there an order to turning on my system.

System first then Hard drive, Ext CD players, etc.

Or should I put on all peripheral devices first then turn on the computer system?

Answer 1

If it's a stand-alone external drive, then just turn it off and unplug it. Your system will immediately recognize that it's no longer connected and the next one will have to be added as new hardware when you plug it in and turn it on.
There's really no difference in turning on peripherals before or after the system, unless they have not already been recognized by the system and set up as new hardware. If they haven't, then I would wait until the system is up to turn them on, that way it would see them as new and require setup.

Answer 2

An HD in an external mounting that is plugged in via USB (and possibly e-SATA) can be unlugged without shutting down, and can be plugged-in while the computer is on safely.

The safest way to do it is simply power the drive down and then remove it. When re-installing, ensure it is turned off, then plug-in, and turn on.

EDIT:
As to order of turning your system on...
1 Computer itself...
2 Monitor
3 Printer
4 Other (external) peripherals