Disable Applications on Android

[sixty4]

Is there any way to disable any application on the android without uninstalling them from the phone?

Or like a windows task manager prevent them from starting up on restart?

 

[Podivin]

I found a few apps on AppBrain that supposedly prevent apps from starting. I've not used any of them, therefore I can't speak to there effectiveness.
startup monitor

I've read where people renamed the apps apk file to something other than apk (.bak for instance) to prevent the app from running. I believe you can only do this if you're running a rooted phone though.

 

[w_bovine]

Though I've not used them in this capacity, Titanium Backup can "freeze" applications while the phone is running and AutoStarts can prevent apps from starting.

Autostarts - Android app on AppBrain

 

[RyanB]

Startup Auditor is another choice. I think these apps don't keep then from running as much as they close them after popping open. Have you tried going into settings (settings/ applications/ manage applications) to force stop the apps?