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halfBleed

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Registered: 2019-06-18

Posts: 4  

Advantages and disadvantages of backports

I was wondering if it is a good idea to upgrade everything to the version in backports. On the one hand, more up-to-date software. On the other hand, possible dependency issues. Advice, please?

Head_on_a_Stick

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From: London

Registered: 2019-03-24

Posts: 3,125  

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Re: Advantages and disadvantages of backports

if it is a good idea to upgrade everything to the version in backports

No, not at all.

From the official Debian site:

Backports cannot be tested as extensively as Debian stable, and backports are provided on an as-is basis, with risk of incompatibilities with other components in Debian stable. Use with care!

It is therefore recommended to only select single backported packages that fit your needs, and not use all available backports.

https://backports.debian.org/

And because backports are drawn from testing they are also subject to the same 10-14 day transition delay from sid and are not covered by the Security Team so you may be exposing your system to serious vulnerabilities.

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Brianna Ghey — Rest In Power

halfBleed

Member

Registered: 2019-06-18

Posts: 4  

Re: Advantages and disadvantages of backports

...

And because backports are drawn from testing they are also subject to the same 10-14 day transition delay from sid and are not covered by the Security Team so you may be exposing your system to serious vulnerabilities.

OK.
Thanks.

rolfie

Member

Registered: 2017-11-25

Posts: 1,171  

Re: Advantages and disadvantages of backports

I typically just use the backports kernel. So far only good experiences.

Rolf