Whats the best way to upgrade tools from source?

[ml ml <mliebherr99@googlemail.com>]

Hello List,

i need file version 5.x on my system. But Debian etch comes with file
version 4.17.
How do i install 5.x (from source) without messing up my system?

IF i would just install file from source and overwrite the binay
package file, then i risk overwriting my stuff after the next update.

Removing the file is not possible, since i have a couple of dependencies here.

What should i do? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Mario