GRUB Loader Options

[here4help]

I am very much new to Ubuntu (Linux) OS which a colleague of my son recently installed on my laptop already with Windows Vista - Premium Home Edition.

Not being familiar at all with the usage, it's only on occasional basis that I play around it to familiarize myself. I noticed an indication at the left bottom on the screen to upgrade which I did.

When the Ubuntu was initially installed, The GRUB Loading screen listed the following booting options:
Ubuntu, Linux 2-6-31-14-generic
Ubuntu, Linux 2-6-31-14-generic (recovery mode)
Memory test (memtest86+)
Memory test (memtest86+, serial console 15200)
Windows Vista (loader) (on /dev/sda1
Windows Vista (loader) (on /dev/sda2)

After carrying out the "Update" process, I now have the following options:
Ubuntu, Linux 2-6-31-23-generic
Ubuntu, Linux 2-6-31-23-generic (recovery mode)
Ubuntu, Linux 2-6-31-14-generic
Ubuntu, Linux 2-6-31-14-generic (recovery mode)
Memory test (memtest86+)
Memory test (memtest86+, serial console 15200)
Windows Vista (loader) (on /dev/sda1)
Windows Vista (loader) (on /dev/sda2)

Questions are: (1) How do I remove the original Linux 2-6-31-14 options?
and
(2) How do I make Windows Vista as the first option?

Thanks to all who may help me to understand the Linux better.

[oldfred]

Welcome to the forums.

We normally suggest you keep two kernals, just in case one has issues you have a working backup.

You can permanently remove using synaptic. But be sure not to remove your current version or you will not be able to reboot.

Check current kernel:
lsb_release -a
Go to Synaptic Package Manager and search for linux-image.
More info in post #8
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1283521

An easy way to update grub's settings/menus.
HOWTO: Grub Customizer
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1664134
The Grub 2 Guide (formerly Grub 2 Basics) manual way
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1195275