Android - Uninstall apps locked by phone vendor

Yes, you have to be rooted. To get rooted, see this question: How do I root my Android device?

One of the easiest ways to uninstall system apps after rooting is to use Titanium Backup. You can just click an app and choose Uninstall.

Note: Be careful what you remove! You might want to use Titanium to back them up before you remove them, in case it makes your phone unstable or stop working.

Also note that the bootloader may restore system apps on reboot. If possible, unlock your bootloader; you may also need to install a custom ROM that's deodexed, or to edit the image that is restored by the bootloader. That depends on your particular device, but with the SGS you should have no bootloader-related problems.

You may also use ADB to remove applications, but the application methods are easier. Since use of ADB does not require a market, this will work for users who are rooted but who cannot or do not wish to use Android market or similar marketplaces.

./adb remount #ROOT IS REQUIRED TO REMOUNT /system read-write
./adb shell
cd /system/app

To see what's installed: pm list packages

To remove a package:

rm PackageName.apk
pm uninstall class.name.of.package

CyanogenMod, as far as I can tell, only requires the rm step, not the pm step; if you are running a de-odexed version of Android, you may only need the rm step.

If you are concerned you might need the application in the future (over the air updates), you can use adb pull to copy the apk to your desktop (instead of moving it to another location on your phone) or just mv the apk to your uSD card or USB storage.

See http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Barebones for more information.

You can't remove them without root, they're installed to a directory that cannot be accessed without root. However, you can do the next best thing, close your eyes, stick your fingers in your ears, and go la-la-la-la, pretending they don't exist. The way to do this is to get a launcher (such as ADW if memory serves), that allows you to hide icons. In that case, they will still be installed (and if something triggers them, they'll pop up), but at least you won't have to look at them any more.