Clear APT package file lists

Overview

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Linux.

These changes use Linux system commands to update your settings.

This script removes package file lists. APT stores a copy of those files (in /var/lib/apt/lists/) and searches are done within those local files to avoid going through the network for every search 1.

An apt-get update will repopulate the necessary information and recreate the list file 2. The list files should be recreated as they get lost over time 2.

This script uses Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users. This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Implementation Details

• Language: bash

• Required Privileges: Root/sudo access

• Compatibility: Linux only

• Reversibility: Some changes may be permanent

Explore Categories

Clear APT data

This action belongs to Clear APT data category. Advanced Package Tool (APT) is a free software user interface that works with core libraries to handle the installation and removal of software on Debian, and Debian-based Linux distributions. See also: "APT | Debian Wiki". Read more on category page ▶

Clear package manager data

This action belongs to Clear package manager data category. Package managers store caches, statistics, and logs that may reveal data on how you use the package managers and software downloaded from them, such as your choice of software. Read more on category page ▶

Privacy cleanup

This action belongs to Privacy cleanup category. These scripts allow you to increase privacy by deleting collected data about you and your behavior. Read more on category page ▶

Apply now

Choose one of three ways to apply:

1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy instructions

1. Open or download the desktop application
2. Search for the script name: Clear APT package file lists.
3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download

Reversible

This script is reversible, you can restore your changes to the initial/default state. The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

If something goes wrong, use the Revert script provided above.

1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

   Download script

2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Alternative 3. Copy

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

1. Open Terminal

2. Copy the following code:

Code to apply changes

sudo rm -rfv /var/lib/apt/lists/*

3. Paste the code into terminal.
4. Press Enter to apply the code.

Some scripts requires restarting your computer to take affect.

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