Apple’s new App Store is loaded with cool programs to add to your iPhone or iPod touch, but you have to find them first. If you aren’t sure where the App Store is, don’t worry: It only takes a couple of steps to make sure it’s always close at hand.

Apple’s new App Store

From Your Computer
To access the App Store from your computer, you need iTunes 7.7 or later. It’s a free download that you can get from Apple’s Software Update application, or from the iTunes Web site.

If you are using iTunes 7.7 but don’t see the Applications category in the Library list, do this:

• Go to iTunes > Preferences.
• Select General.

The iTunes Show Applications option.

• Check Applications in the Show category.
• Click OK.

The iTunes Applications category.

Now select Applications from the Library list, and the choose Get More Applications to access the App Store.

Jumping to the App Store.

If you still don’t see the Applications group, just pay a visit to the iTunes Store and select App Store from the iTunes STORE list. Once you download an iPhone or iPod touch application, the Applications group should appear.

Finding the App Store at the iTunes Store.

From your iPhone or iPod touch
The App Store requires iPhone or iPod touch Software 2.0. It’s pre-installed on the iPhone 3G, and is available as a free upgrade for iPhone and a US$9.99 upgrade for iPod touch. You can get the upgrade by connecting your handheld to your computer and clicking Check for Update under the Summary tab.

The App Store icon.

After you have iPhone or iPod touch Software 2.0 installed, just tap the App Store icon to access the App Store. You can browse, buy and download apps on the go, and everything you download will sync with iTunes the next time you connect your handheld to your computer.

The App Store has over 500 cool apps for you to try out, and over 100 of them are free. Odds are you’ll find something that makes your iPhone or iPod touch even better than it already is.