Ubuntu – how can I set num lock on as the boot default in Ubuntu 20.04

Like the original poster I found this to be slightly annoying. I have checked the code for gnome-screensaver where this is implemented and as far as I can tell it is not configurable. I resorted to editing the source code not to do this and then rebuilding the package. If interested you can the the rebuilt package or a patch you can apply yourself.

To install the package once downloaded, in a shell (terminal window) do:

dpkg -i gnome-screensaver_3.2.0-0ubuntu1local1_amd64.deb

I am not proposing to send the patch upstream as this really is a hack because the rebuilt package is less than ideal for laptops where numlock makes some of the alphabetic keys generate numbers.

This seems to be a little bug - actually appearing in Ubuntu 15.10.
It happens when you start typing too early after booting the computer
(especially when typing the root password ... after being asked to do so).
It also happens when you open an application with root privileges too early.

It does not happen when you wait a few minutes or after the screen turns off when inactive.
As a workaround : either wait some time before starting to type or press the Num key twice.

I decided to file a bug report on Launchpad.

Please may everybody reading this and having observed the same behaviour
confirm this bug to increase its importance and get it fixed quickly! Thank you.

To do this, click the link above, log into your launchpad account and click on:
This bug affects X people. Does this bug affect you? - Select "Yes".