by Clint Rogers

Created on: October 19, 2009

When most customers first purchase an Apple iPod Touch they end up, through impulse buying or the novelty of new technology, downloading more applications than they really need. However, there are a few simple steps that are easy to remember if you want to delete the application permanently or just move it to your computer for future use.

Because of the sheer abundance of applications your iPod Touch might end up having more pages than you can efficiently navigate. If you find yourself in this position and decide that certain applications are no longer useful there is one simple action to delete it. First, find the application and click on it, pressing down for a few seconds until the screen begins to "wiggle" and the option to "Delete" or "Cancel" pops up. The "Cancel" option is available if you've clicked the wrong application or simply changed your mind last minute. If you're sure you want to delete it, click "Delete". When you do so another screen will appear asking you to rate the application. Either drag your finger across the screen to select how many stars you think the app deserves or click on "No Thanks" to skip at which time the application will be deleted and the icon will disappear.

If, on the other hand, you want to use the application in the future or are unsure if you'll use it again you have the option to back up the app on your computer for future use or until you decide to delete it permanently. This will remove the application from your phone, but leave it stored on your computer in case you want to upload it back into your phone in the future, saving you the cost of downloading it again.

To back up the application, plug your iPod Touch into your computer. This automatically starts the iTunes program. When your iPod Touch appears in the iTunes bar, double click on it. When the tabs appear select the "Applications" tab, select the app you want to remove from the list of your current applications by unchecking the box next to its name and click "Apply" at the bottom right of your iTunes screen. Just like a regular iPod, the iTunes will sync with your iTunes Touch, remove the application from your iPod and store it for later use on your computer.

Although it is possible to delete an application permanently, Apple suggests storing it on your computer for later use. Even though you might not think you will need it in the future, unless it's a free app you will not be able to download the same application twice without paying for it twice. Hopefully these few simple steps will save you time and money when using your iPod Touch in the future.

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