Third-party applications

A generalised modular architecture allows developers to release applications, making it easier for end users to edit and play around with Grub2. Currently, there are a number of applications available for editing Grub2. Here are three such applications.

Grub2 boot loader editor: This is a KDE system add-on and graphics front-end for editing and customising Grub2. This software add-on lets you manage Grub2 entries, timeout seconds, manage default entries, and manage kernel

Grub2 boot loader editor lets you create and manage Grub2 Splashes with easy to follow steps. The best part is that with just a single click, you can even restore Grub2. The Grub2 boot loader editor is one handy tool for managing Grub2.

Grub2 KCM: Another KDE system settings add-on, Grub2 KCM offers a stripped down set-up wizard. Though not as fancy as the bootloader editor, Grub2 KCM allows you to manage and update basic functionality.

Start-up manager: Touted to be the most widely used unlike the above two, which acts as an add-on to KDE systems settings. Start-up managers offer a large number of general the legacy Grub, Grub2, Splashy and Uslpash. Unfortunately, development for this software has come to a halt.

Grub2 comes with a new and robust technology, and provides users with a more sophisticated environment to work with. The modular approach and a more streamlined customisation system are added advantages. Though still under heavy development, users can get the sources and use it.

With the halt in the legacy Grub’s development, it is pretty clear that the future of the GNU bootloader is Grub2. But even though it’s ready for mainstream use, distro vendors have stuck to the legacy Grub. Right now, apart from Ubuntu and Fedora, Grub2 does not have many takers.

comes complexity, and that seems to be the case with the Grub2 set-up. Grub2 will sooner or later become the mainstream boot loader, so if you want to try out the top-of-the-line and most secure booting environment, do give it a try.