If you want to minimize the number of options available to users on edit pages, one way is to eliminate the Input Format. If your default Input Format is Full HTML, you can eliminate the Input Format menu by going to Site Information -> Input Formats, and delete the Filtered HTML option. That will remove the menu from edit pages.

Note: DO NOT use Full HTML except in very rare occurences.  It is a security risk.  Use filtered html, and if that is causing you problems try out some modules like HTML Purifier in order to maintain security while giving you the freedom you need.