New to android have questions?

[Try619]

I've had my moment for about 2 weeks and I have some questions. First is there a way to change the text message notification to a ringtone or maybe to have it vibrate? because most times I dont even hear it. Also whenever I open an application and I either press the home key or back key it brings me back the home screen, i'm wondering if the program closes automaticlly? or is it still running somewhere on my phone. Even with skyfire I will launch it and theres no close out or exit feature. So i'm worried that it is still running and that it is causing my battery to die a little faster. Thanks in advance.