How do I set an un-selectable default description in a select (drop-down) menu in HTML?

Answer 1

If none of the options in the select have a selected attribute, the first option will be the one selected.

In order to select a default option that is not the first, add a selected attribute to that option:

Select a language

You can read the HTML 4.01 spec regarding defaults in select element.

I suggest reading a good HTML book if you need to learn HTML basics like this - I recommend Head First HTML.