How to keep apache and mysql from starting automatically

Apache

sudo update-rc.d -f apache2 disable

Apache is still using rc.d init script, which is why you must disable it using update-rc.d.

echo manual | sudo tee /etc/init/mysql.override

MySQL on the other hand has converted to an upstart configuration file. The recommended way of disabling upstart services is to use an override file.

For all system services in /etc/init.d, disabling them can be done with the update-rc.d command, e.g.:

update-rc.d -f apache2 remove

To restore it to running on startup:

update-rc.d apache2 defaults

You can also manually start and stop via service apache2 start and service apache2 stop.

Run the following in a terminal:

update-rc.d -f apache2 remove

update-rc.d -f mysql remove

see: http://www.aboutlinux.info/2006/04/enabling-and-disabling-services-during_01.html