How Do You Contribute To Open Source Software

[cheater]

Like the title says, how do you contribute to open source software (OSS). OSS thrives because anyone/everyone is able to contribute to it. People contribute in many different ways. Some people create the actual application. Other people report bugs in the application. Then there are people who patch bugs. And still more people who suggest new features for the application. And there is also the ever important group of people who donate money to the project. What group do you fall under (if any)? How exactly do you contribute? What project did you contribute to?

[macuser9214]

I contribute by BETA testing, and I'm looking into how to mirror some OSS stuff. Mainly I just support stuff I use. Adium (mac OS X program), NeoOffice, etc.

[Jason]

I do testing/bug reporting/suggestions, etc.

[cheater]

I also do the occasional beta testing. Recently, I have started patching bugs in Ubuntu. It has sort of become a kind of hobby of mine. Every day, I check launchpad for any new bugs that look like they are in my skill level. When I find one, I go about patching it.

[10cents]

Originally Posted by cheater

I also do the occasional beta testing. Recently, I have started patching bugs in Ubuntu. It has sort of become a kind of hobby of mine. Every day, I check launchpad for any new bugs that look like they are in my skill level. When I find one, I go about patching it.

Hey, that's great. I've been dual booting in ubuntu since breezy. You a Masters of the Universe already?

I use FOSS and tell my friends about it. I also try Beta versions and let the system report when the apps crash.

[cheater]

Well, I've only been using it since Dapper. I run it as my primary OS. Currently, I'm running Gutsy, but I'm not that great at reporting bugs for it. I'm not a master of the universe yet. They recommend you patching bugs for at least 2 dev cycles (so for gutsy and the next version).

[CaTaNha]

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