updating Portage - stage 3 - Install

[!db!]

First time installing Gentoo ...

I'm used to Redhat9 and a bit chicken with Stage 1 Install.

The installation notes recommend the following:
Note: Advanced users: However, since the stage3 tarball is pre-built, it may be slightly out-of-date. If this is a concern for you, you can automatically update your existing stage3 to contain the most up-to-date versions of all system packages by making a backup of /etc/make.conf, then typing CONFIG_PROTECT="-*" emerge -u system (this requires a network connection) and replacing the backup afterwards. Note that this could take a long time if your stage3 is very old; otherwise, this process will generally be quick and will allow you to benefit from the very latest Gentoo updates and fixes. In any case, feel free to skip these steps and proceed to the next section if you like.

Recommended?

If so, I'm not used to the /etc/make.conf stuff: why back-up the file and type CONFIG_PROTECT="-*" emerge -u system (what does that do?) AND then 'replacing the backup afterwards' (i.e., overwrite a new /etc/make.conf with the backup?)

Sorry, real Gentoo newbie question, but curious ...

Thanks

[dsd]

my suggestion:
ignore that note for now, and continue and complete the installation.
once your system is working and you are happy with it, you can update it to the newer versions very easily:

[!db!]

thank you