"The Sims 2" takes up the whole screen when it is running, even the space where the task bars usually reside in other programs. Since there are no task bars at the top or bottom of the program window, you can't minimize "The Sims 2" by using only your mouse. However, there is a keystroke combination that will do the same thing.
Instructions
1
Start the game and wait for it to fully load.
2
Press "Alt" and "Tab" at the same time. The game will minimize.
3
Click the minimized game when you are ready to start playing again.
