OK to leave USB HDD plugged in all the time?

Greetings, all! A very basic very newbie question. I was given a Lacie USB HDD for my machine running XP Pro. Plug and play recognises it ok, and offers the "safe to disconnect" option & it works fine. But can I just leave it plugged in all the time through reboots without damage - ie treat it like a more or less permanent fixture? Or should I disconnect it each time before shutting down the system?

 

I leave mine plugged in and I have had no problems with it. I have had that drive for 2 years now.

 

Shadow_Puter_Dude, Kaula: thanks! I just wasn't sure, & didn't want to wreck it. Your advice is much appreciated.