Colors are dull on my dslr compared to P&S.....Can I adjust settings for all pics?

Bare with me people!

I was reading the Rebel Talk Faq and was so very happy to see that I wasn't crazy and my P&S cameras coloring is indeed brighter and more vivid. I see that you can change the settings to make your colors pop more. I was looking at all of that and am unsure if you can adjust the settings to remain that way until you want to change them again? Kinda make them your factory settings so to speak or if you have to do this for every pic. I don't want to go back and be comparing coloring and all to my old camera!! I would at least like to think the pics are looking as good as my Kodak!

Lisa