Which term describes a computer component that can be inserted or removed without shutting down the system?

The term that describes a computer component that can be inserted or removed without shutting down the system is "hot swappable." This feature is particularly important in environments where uptime is critical, such as in servers or critical infrastructure, because it allows for components to be replaced or upgraded without disrupting the overall operation of the system.

Hot swappable components are designed with built-in safeguards that enable the system to recognize the insertion or removal of the component on-the-fly, ensuring that data integrity is maintained and that the system can continue running smoothly. Examples of hot swappable components include hard drives in certain RAID configurations, USB devices, and some types of peripheral connections.

While "removable" refers to components that can be taken out, it does not specify that they can be replaced without shutting down. "Detachable" often implies the ability to separate components but doesn't ensure that the system remains operational during this process. "Interchangeable" suggests components that can be swapped with one another but does not inherently indicate whether such actions can be performed while the system is running. Therefore, "hot swappable" is the precise term that encompasses all the requirements needed for a component to be changed while the system is powered on.