What is defined as removable media in computing?

Removable media in computing refers specifically to storage devices that are designed to be easily detached from a computer while it is still operational. Examples of these devices include USB flash drives, external hard drives, CDs, and DVDs. Their defining characteristic is that they can be inserted into and removed from a system without the need to power down the device, allowing for convenient data transfer and storage.

This feature of being easily removable distinguishes it from storage systems that are integral to the computer, such as internal hard drives or solid-state drives, which are generally not designed to be removed during normal operation. Additionally, removable media also plays a crucial role in data portability, enabling users to move data between different systems or back up their important files efficiently.