It is normal for the device to pause when opening programs. It may also pause when sending a text message (SMS), making or receiving a phone call, or browsing the Internet.
To use its memory most efficiently, the device only runs a maximum of 6 applications at one time.  The device also does not include a task manager program for closing running applications (there are applications in Market that will do this). As new applications open, the device closes unused applications. Turning off the device closes all applications. To view the running applications, press and hold the Home key.
If the device freezes, runs slowly, or displays low memory errors, follow these steps:

1. Perform a Soft Reset
   • Power the device off and remove the battery for 10 seconds.
2. Power the device back on and retest.
3. If issue began after installing a third party program from Market, remove the application, power cycle the device and retest.
   • Note: Do not re-install the program and flag it as harmful to the device.
4. If issue persist, perform a Hard Reset; this will undo everything that has been done to the device since it was removed from its box and restore it back to factory setting.
   • You will need to back up any data you do not want to lose before performing the Hard Reset.