[crab]

Could someone tell me how i might enable "backports" via synaptic please.

[Scott(0)]

Hi Crab

Backport settings can be found at Software Sources. Here's how to get there.

Click Start (aka Menu) > System > Install/Remove Software (aka Synaptic)

Synaptic opens

In Synaptic click Settings > Repositories

Software Sources opens

In Software Sources click Updates Tab

Here's a picture




In LL108 (on my laptop) the option:

Unsupported updates (precise-backports)
was already checked. I believe this is the default setting (but could have been added since installation).

Pre-released updates (precise-proposed)
I think this includes pre-release backports (can someone confirm this?) and probably carries a higher risk with system or application (or both) instability.

[N4RPS]

Hello!

Actually, proposed updates are a two-edged sword.

On one hand, they can offer you the latest features, updates, and bug fixes. On the other hand, since they haven't yet established a sense of stability for themselves with those who maintain the repositories, they ARE more likely to cause stability and functionality issues - which is why certain kernel updates are 'held back' by the LL updater...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob