How to log out without quitting all apps?

[alexreich]

I know you could just sleep the computer, but what if another user on a different account needs to get on quickly or I need to modify settings as root? I'm sick of dealing with my apps that 'open at login' when I just need to let someone use my computer for a second!

 

[GGJstudios]

Just switch users. Enable fast user switching in System Preferences > Accounts > Login Options

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Please ignore the above as it describes what you need to do without visiting the fine links I put together. Thank you for listening.

Quickly switching between accounts
In Mac OS X, what is fast user switching, and how do I use it?