Customize GRUB Boot Loader with BURG on Ubuntu
Understanding and Customizing Your Boot Loader: An Introduction to GRUB and BURG
When configuring a computer for dual-booting – running two or more operating systems – a boot loader becomes essential. This software allows you to select which operating system you wish to launch during startup.
The Ubuntu operating system utilizes GRUB as its default boot loader. It’s a functional tool, but its visual presentation is rather basic.
The GRUB Interface
GRUB presents a text-based interface for selecting your operating system. While perfectly adequate for many users, some prefer a more visually appealing experience.
For those seeking to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their boot loader, BURG offers a compelling solution.
Introducing BURG
BURG is a tool designed to customize the GRUB boot loader. It allows users to apply visual enhancements and add extra features.
Applying these changes requires some familiarity with command-line operations, but the results can significantly improve the user experience.
With BURG, you can transform the standard GRUB interface into something more personalized and visually engaging.
A New Look for Your Bootloader
As detailed in the official Ubuntu Community Documentation, BURG – which stands for Brand-new Universal loadeR from GRUB – is a bootloader built upon GRUB. It introduces enhancements such as a novel object format and a highly customizable menu system.
Installing BURG within an Ubuntu environment requires utilizing the command line. However, this process is more straightforward than it initially appears. Careful adherence to the instructions will ensure a successful outcome.
Before proceeding with the installation, let's examine the standard text-based boot loader interface that BURG will replace.
Begin by logging into your Ubuntu system. Subsequently, launch the "Terminal" application to execute the necessary commands for downloading, installing, and configuring BURG. The Terminal can be located within "Applications - Accessories", or accessed via the system's search functionality.
BURG is not included in Ubuntu’s default repositories. Therefore, you must add the repository containing BURG’s files using the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:bean123ch/burg
To minimize errors, copying and pasting this command into the Terminal is recommended, followed by pressing Enter to execute it.
Next, download and install BURG, including the loader, themes, and emulator, with this command:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install burg
The duration of this process is dependent on your internet connection speed. Maintaining a stable connection is crucial for optimal results. Experience has shown that an unreliable connection can lead to incomplete downloads and installation failures.
BURG Configuration
Following the completion of the download and installation procedures, the subsequent action involves configuring BURG. The terminal interface will then present a display similar to the following:
Proceed to the next screen by pressing the Enter key. Repeat this action with another Enter key to bypass the subsequent prompt.
You will then be directed to the "Configuring burg-pc" screen. Navigating this screen requires a specific approach, as simply pressing Enter will not yield any results.
Through experimentation, it was determined that the "OK" option must be selected using the right arrow key on your keyboard. Alternatively, the Tab key can be used to highlight "OK", after which pressing Enter will allow you to proceed.
The subsequent screen will prompt you to designate the "GRUB install device". If your system contains only a single hard drive, only one device will be presented as an option.
Selecting the correct device can be challenging. To prevent accidental skipping of this configuration step, utilize the Space key to select the desired device before pressing Enter.
Introducing BURG Navigation
With the setup complete, a system reboot will result in the BURG boot loader replacing GRUB.
Movement within the BURG interface is straightforward. Utilize the keyboard’s arrow keys to select your desired operating system, then press Enter to initiate the boot process.
Theme switching is also readily accessible. Pressing the F2 key will display a list of available themes, allowing you to navigate with the arrow keys and select your preference with Enter.
Several themes are included by default, offering a range of visual styles.
Additional function keys provide further control. F1 accesses the Help menu, while F3 enables modification of the screen resolution.
BURG Installation via Windows
A Windows installer is also provided for BURG. This installer can be downloaded directly from the official BURG download page.
The installation process is straightforward: simply run the installer.
Following installation, locate and click the "Add Boot Entry" option within the "Programs - Burg" menu.
It was observed that this installation method functions reliably only when Ubuntu was initially installed from within a Windows environment.
Consequently, users who installed Ubuntu alongside Windows may need to utilize command-line instructions instead.
It should be noted that my experience with Ubuntu (Linux) and command-line interfaces is limited.
Multiple attempts were required to achieve a functional configuration, and a complete understanding of the process is still developing.
Therefore, contributions from experienced Linux users are welcome and encouraged in the comments section below to help refine and improve this guide.
