I would like to know: What can I plug into the computer, and what can't I plug into the computer when it is on? I know I can plug a USB cable while the computer is turned on, but what about a microphone, or speakers, or a Line-In, or a Head Phone? Is there a list to answer this? How about plugging the telephone line into the PCI dial up modem?
You should be ok plugging in any of those items listed,but never try to make or break a connection inside the case (hard drives,ribbon cables,power cables) you get the picture.I hope this helped.
Exactly but one point to mention windowsing is sata hard drives are hot pluggable. Just like a usb device there is a icon in the tray of windows for disconnect. Once you hit that you can unplug a sata drive and then plug in another while its running:>
Im sorry I ment boxwrenc. Sorry windowsing. I been screwing up lately. Have a lot on my mind and getting ready to go to school.:>
@ozzy214 Not all sata motherboards support hot swapping of hard drives,mine for instance is one of them, furthermore the two WD sata drives that I have also warn against hot swapping. I suppose this was not intended by all motherboard or all hard drive manufacturers on some models. I neglected to include this specific information as I was only trying point out some basic precautions.I too was under this impression until I read the fine print. I just figured I'd point this out for others.Just goes to show it always pays to read the manual,I'm glad I did!
My concern started when: With the computer running I started to plug in a cassette player. There was a lot of electrical static sound. I stopped, turned off the computer, then plugged it in and turned computer back on. Did the same with a microphone. Just seems like if it is making that kind of noise when I simply touch the plug to the jack then there must be something happening that shouldn't be happening.
You should always turn down the volume control before plugging in a mic. or other external device,because you could cause damage to your speakers and or amplifier.This holds true for any type of audio connections, as far as damaging the computer I do not see any harm being caused.
My mobo is NOT hot swappable with SATA drives either. Other than that, I've been good with all of my USB items.