Using backports.org is very simple: 1. Add this line deb http://www.backports.org/debian etch-backports main contrib non-free to your /etc/apt/sources.list. 2. Run apt-get update 3. All backports are deactivated by default. If you want to install something from backports run: apt-get -t etch-backports install “package” Of course, you can use aptitude as well: aptitude -t etch-backports install “p