DRL & lighting

Probably a silly question, but can I change the default settings on my auto lights so that they stay on? They are switching the headlights off when its still awfully dim in a morning - OK so I can override, but is there a programming hack to keep them on?

Would consider having sidelights always on as the default, but they're not exactly bright (reflectors in the mk4 don't project sidelights as much as on other cars I've had). Any brighter sidelight bulbs on sale anywhere?