With the release of iOS 4.2 for the iPad and iPhone multitasking was introduced which allows some apps to continue to run in the background or enter a suspended state until accessed again. The advantage of multitasking is the ability to suspend apps or to keep apps running in the background. This allows you to resume an application in the same state as when you left – such as a certain spot in a game.

The ability to keep apps running in the background allows apps, such as music, continue to run as you access other apps. This lets you continue to listen to your music while working in other apps such as surfing the net or creating a document.

There really is not a lot that needs to be done to manage apps on the iPad. For the most part the system takes care of the management of running apps but there may be a time where you have an app that is not functioning properly and that is when you will need to manually manage the apps. The two options for managing apps are closing the apps or switching between running apps.

Running apps can be accessed via the Apps or Multitask bar which is accessible by double-clicking on the Home button. Below are the directions for managing apps on your iPad or iPhone:

Switch Between Open Apps 

1. Double-click on Home button which will display current running apps

2. Click on the App to switch to that App – if more programs are running than can be displayed swipe to the right view the other running apps

Close a Running App 

1. Double-click on Home button which will display current running apps

2. Touch and hold any app (doesn’t have to be the app you want to close) until it jiggles

3. Tap on the minus sign in the red circle in the upper left corner to close app

4. Press the Home button to exit

 That is all there is to managing your running apps! Happy computing!