Safely Dismounting External Drive before Log Out or Shut Down?

Hi folks!
Just recently set up Time Machine with a Western Digital USB 320 GB My Passport Essential portable external HDD. Back ups are working just fine, but, should I decide to keep the drive permanently connected to the computer, does each user on our Mac need to dismount (eject) the drive before logging out or shutting down?
Thanks in advance for any help offered! Much appreciated.

I have a similar problem with an OWC mercury 2 tb exhd, though I am not using it for time machine. just video production back up.
When the MacPro is put to sleep, the OWC exhd stays on and running, then when the MacPro is awakened, the drive dismounts itself with a warning. Spent 6 months (no exaggeration) sending it to OWC 3 times and also running tests, sending system reports, swapping everything one could think of. Older LaCie drives humming along throughout, no problem. The exhd does not do this when used with a macbook, or an older powerbook.
OWC finally concluded it must be something the macpro is doing or did to the drive.
This of course makes me uneasy about buying more drives, but I need them.
I have found discussions on line now describing similar issues with a Gtech drive.
So Apple! what do you say? can you help? can you reply with a copy to my email so that i am aware of it?
Thanks!
Page

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Safely Dismounting External Drive before Log Out or Shut Down?

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