Change Default Operating System at Boot for Ubuntu

Suprisingly the solutions to this problem vary wildly. Ubuntu is using the new Grub2 for booting and not too many users know the proper way to change the boot order. However after digging through all the answers I have what I believe is the best solution.

My particular problem is because I just built a new i7 920 system for my grandfather. He paid for Windows 7, but at the last minute I talked him into trying an ubuntu dual boot. Part of this, however is I need windows 7 to be the default choice or he will get frustrated.

Well, here is the adventure. First, the old way to update the boot is by simply modifying menu.lst. This file no longer exists. Then the people who are used to this try updating grub.cfg, because it seems similar to menu.lst. However the system will build a new grub.cfg when it needs to and overwrite any changes.

The closest correct answer is modifying /etc/default/grub and changing GRUB_DEFAULT=0 to the correct number. However this will present problems if the grub list ever grows or shrinks, such as when a new kernel is installed.

I've seen a few other complicated, but unreliable options too. But I'm not going into all the the wrong ways. Lets look at the correct way to change the default boot item.

Step 1, Figure out the exact name of the OS you want to boot. Either write it down when you reboot or type this in a terminal

cat /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Scroll up to find the name. Mine is 'Windows 7 (loader) (on /dev/sda1)'

Copy and paste it or just write it down. Just make sure you get it exact, even the capitalization.

Step 2, open the /etc/default/grub file for editing, here is my favorite command:

sudo nano /etc/default/grub

If you are more of a point and click person try this:

gksudo gedit /etc/default/grub

Step 3, find the line with GRUB_DEFAULT=0 and change the 0 to your OS. Be sure to use double quotes around your OS because it has spaces in the name.
Here is my GRUB_DEFAULT line for my grandfather's computer:

GRUB_DEFAULT="Windows 7 (loader) (on /dev/sda1)"

If you are trying to do this for windows 7, chances are your line will match mine exactly. Be sure to save your file and exit your editor.

Last step! You need to update your grub menu (process the changes we made). Just type into a terminal:

sudo update-grub

That is it. Only 4 steps and a headache saver.

FYI, most of the wrong ways to update grub came from here: http://www.linux.com/community/blogs/changing-the-default-boot-with-ubuntu-910-grub-2.html, though this eventually led me to the right answer. 

Ten Tips for Keeping Windows Fast and Secure (Part 3 of 3)

If you missed the first two parts, please go read them now.

8. Use an active virus scanner and spyware blocker.
    There isn't much of an explanation for needed this. In the windows world this is required. On Ubuntu, virus scanners and spyware scanners are not needed due to other measures in place to help prevent infections. However, for Windows, ensure the definitions are updated daily and don't let your scanners expire. You need to stay up to date.

9. Don't click links in emails even if you know the source.
    This is true for any OS, but even more so with Windows. In every OS, links in emails can trick you to reveal your passwords and other private data to bad guys. In windows, they can also infect your computer easily. Also watch out for attachments. If you get a file from someone you know, it can still be bad. If it's a video, or a picture ask them to put it on a popular site like youtube, flikr, or facebook. Then go view it there. All it takes is a new virus which infects that type of file to get in their system, then it will be in your system. Using a known third party doesn't eliminate the risk completely, but it reduces the risk.

10. Don't be an administrator.
    Many of us share a computer with family. It can be a pain in the butt, but to help keep the bad guys out of the computer give each family member their own account. Make sure your family member is not also an administrator. In fact, it's better if you create a separate account for yourself too which isn't an administrator. When you need to install a new application, switch to the administrator account and run the install. Some applications won't play nicely with this and expect administrator privileges. Really if they can't get these security requirements right, do you expect them to get it right in other ways?

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Ten Tips for Keeping Windows Fast and Secure (Part 2 of 3)

5. Don't install free or cheap applications unless it's open source.
    There are some exceptions to this too such as AVG Virus Scanner. However most free or cheap closed source applications want something in return for that low price. Perhaps they give you spyware, or they will start harassing you to buy a license. Even if this is not the case the coder can unintentionally create a vulnerability or fail to patch a vulnerability. Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free application supported by a major software company and even that has introduced vulnerabilities. Open source applications are exceptions because they can be maintained and critiqued by others. With all software though you have to justify the risk with the rewards. These applications also have to be updated, windows will not do it for you. Ubuntu will keep all your applications up to date which is a huge plus for linux security.

6. Don't install extra applications.
    When installing any application, use advanced install and un-check any offer to install additional applications. Even applications from Adobe and Apple ask to install something else, always say NO. If you are installing iTunes, don't accept Safari too. Don't install any software if you aren't going to use it.

7. Turn off nearly every program that is running near the clock.
    Programs running in the background are a huge risk because they can be listening for or communicating with the internet without you knowing. Each one also takes a little speed away from the computer. While turning all all unneeded background tasks can require a degree in computers, most of us can get the tasks near the clock to stop running. Of course there are windows provided icons and your virus scanner that must remain. But you don't need that office toolbar, Adobe updater, etc.

Ten Tips for Keeping Windows Fast and Secure (Part 1 of 3)

1. Use Firefox for internet browsing.
    Internet Explorer has been one of the weakest points in windows security. Using Firefox eliminates a huge portion of risk and supports web standards better than internet explorer. Did you know most websites run special compatibility code just for internet explorer?

2. Turn on automatic updates. Ensure it runs daily.
    Many people don't even turn on automatic updates. And if you aren't updating because your Microsoft Windows is an illegal copy, you are even more vulnerable. If you need a legal copy and have more than one computer in the family you can save money by getting a family pack. If you can not afford it, switch to Ubuntu for free.

3. Ensure you choose shutdown and install updates before turning off your computer.
    Every night you should choose to shutdown and install updates. This ensures updates are getting installed, it also reduces the number of lockups and slowdowns you can have from running windows too long. Also you are helping to stay green by not keeping the computer on all night.

4. Don't install browser toolbars or plugins.
    There are some exceptions but toolbars and plugins in general are another point of vulnerabilities and web speed issues. They just aren't worth the risk no matter how cute they are. Plugin exceptions are flash and ad blockers.