Can Facebook and Twitter be removed or disabled?

[webbo1966]

It took years for e-mail and text messages to become legitimate and legally admissible forms of communication.  And still, people are not expected or required to use such means.

I have never been interested is sharing the excruciating minutia of everyday life and have not joined either Facebook or Twitter.  It is offensive that my phone presumes my participation, freely accesses all of my information, and constantly runs these programs in the background, waiting to share news of Shopping Mall purchases and Jenny's latest boyfriend.

Are there Android versions free from this pre-installed, self starting, crapware?

Can these programs be disabled or removed in Sony's version of Gingerbread or Ice Cream Sandwich?  I currently run GB version 6.0.A.3.73

With a few calls, a few texts, a few pictures, little browsing, brief gaming and about 90 minutes of music (through bluetooth speakers), I use up at least 80% of a full charge each day.  Thankfully, the phone charges fast, but must be plugged in.  My old C905 not only had a removable battery, but had an available portable charger that used AA batteries - it was brilliant.

Please help.  Disabling background 'noise' and dimming the screen are my only hope for a phone to last an entire day with normal use.

[MarlonUk1]

you can remove those but you need to root your phone.

if you don't use the services I dont think it will access your information, unless you entered yor username which you said you are not using.

[webbo1966]

Thanks, nolramlb.

I appreciate that not being a member or logging in prevents information sharing.  I just don't want them running in the background.

By rooting, do you mean a new operating system?  Or is this a modification of what loads in the current OS?

Are there versions of Android without Facebook or Twitter?  Are there other apps that might 'clean up' what pre-loads?

I really appreciate your advice.

[MarlonUk1 · Accepted solution]

Rooting would enable you to have "admin" privelages, you can do most things a "normal" user can not do. like delete apps that can not be deleted.

Are there versions of Android without Facebook or Twitter?

hmm. if you mean all stock versions ( the ones installed when you bought the phone) I think None. all manufacturers have integrated a social network to their devices.

Are there other apps that might 'clean up' what pre-loads?

I am not sure what you meant, but if you mean like task killers , I dont advice on using them , it would drain your battery and may cause instability

[sbkhbk]

You can "Disable" Facebook & Twitter. Settings -> Apps -> ALL tab; open Facebook app, you will have an option to "Disable".

[webbo1966]

Thanks folks