It looks like apt (the package manager) is configured to use the backports repository. Unless you really know what you are doing, we strongly discourage installing packages from backports, because it's likely to create unstabilities or conflicts on your system.
This message is a warning from YunoHost regarding the use of the backports repository in the Advanced Packaging Tool (APT), the package manager for Debian-based systems (which YunoHost is built upon).
What Are Backports?
Backports are newer versions of software packages taken from the current Debian release (also known as "testing" or "unstable") and recompiled for use on a stable Debian release. These can provide newer features and updates that are not available in the stable release.
Why Is This a Concern?
Stability: Backports are not as thoroughly tested on the stable release, which means they might introduce instability.
Dependencies: Installing packages from backports can lead to dependency conflicts, where newer versions of libraries or other packages are required, potentially causing issues with other installed software.
Compatibility: Some software might not be fully compatible with the versions provided by backports, leading to unexpected behavior or failures.
When to Use Backports
Using backports can be beneficial if you need a feature or fix that is only available in a newer version of a package. However, it's recommended only for advanced users who understand the potential risks and know how to troubleshoot and resolve any issues that might arise.
Disabling Backports
If you don't need backports, it's usually safer to disable them. Here’s how you can do it:
Edit the APT Sources List:
bash
sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list
Look for any lines that contain backports and comment them out by adding a # at the beginning of the line.
Edit the Backports List (if present):
bash
sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/backports.list
Similarly, comment out any lines in this file.
Update APT:
bash
sudo apt-get update
Check for Backported Packages
If you have already installed packages from backports, you might want to review them:
List Installed Backports Packages:
bash
apt list --installed | grep backports
Consider Downgrading (if necessary and safe):
Downgrading packages can be tricky and may lead to further dependency issues. It's best to do this with caution or consult with someone experienced.
Example of Disabling Backports
Here's a typical example of what you might see in /etc/apt/sources.list:
plaintext
deb http://deb.debian.org/debian buster main
deb http://deb.debian.org/debian buster-updates main
deb http://deb.debian.org/debian-security buster/updates main
deb http://deb.debian.org/debian buster-backports main
To disable backports, you would modify it to:
plaintext
deb http://deb.debian.org/debian buster main
deb http://deb.debian.org/debian buster-updates main
deb http://deb.debian.org/debian-security buster/updates main
After making these changes, run sudo apt-get update to refresh the package lists without backports.
Conclusion
The warning is cautioning you against the potential risks of using backports unless you are confident in managing the potential issues that might arise. For most users, sticking with the stable repositories is the safest choice to maintain system stability and avoid conflicts.
