How to Jailbreak an iPod Touch

Jailbreaking an iTouch or an iPhone means that you can install third party software. Apple retains the proprietary software, which means they approve of any programs installed on it. PC or Android users have more options. Jailbreaking, however, allows you to install virtually any program. Many methods exist, but this one is by far the easiest. As a warning, though, make sure all the information on your iTouch is backed up.

1. First: Go to a website

   The first step is really that simple. Go to a website. Several websites have created an automatic download that jailbreaks the iTouch without any work. Although some people are uncomfortable with the automation, this is a long way from the days of messing with firmware and code. The best site is www.jailbreakme.com. Open this site on the iTouch's web browser. Click on AppSnap and everything else is automatic. The amount of time taken varies, but it should not take anymore than five minutes. If it takes more than that, the iTouch might have locked up.

2. Second: Applications

   To ensure that the installation worked, an icon called "installer" should appear. The site includes the list of available applications. Although fewer than iTunes, more are added every day, and these generally cost far less. Most are free. No support exists for these jailbreak apps, so if a serious problem arises, you are on your own. Usually others help or offer advice online. But if that does happen, Apple makes it easy to restore an iTouch to factory settings, so you can start from scratch.