apps running in the background?

[gta1216]

after i'm done using an app, whether it requires net connection (4g) or not, how do i know if its closed or still running in the background? i usually just tap the home button and put the phone down. does that close the app or do i need to do something else? i don't want it to use up my data if it is still running in the bg.

back in the days when i'm using a symbian phone, application does not close if i press menu or clear. by doing that, it just hide and continue to stay open in the bg, until i manually close each running application.

 

[2manyPHONES]

If you do menu-settings-applications-running services you will see everything running.
I don't force stop anything I just let the system take care of it.

 

[gta1216]

i don't mean i will force stop them, but just wanted to know if i need to close anything after using anything on the phone. i don't want to keep it running in the bg if not supposed to be (bc i failed to close it properly after use) and cause it to drain my battery and use up my data plan.

how do i know what i need to leave running? the following is the list under running.

settings
pvwmdrmproxy
mail
swm-c
lookout
calendar
calendar
visual voicemail
telenav gps navigator
pvwmdrmservice
google services
htc sense
backup
maps
touch input