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March 20, 2008

Ways I contribute to FLOSS

What's FLOSS you say?
It's Free/Libre Open Source Software. Make some research on the web if you haven't heard of it. Start with the Free Software Foundation (of which I am a member)

Anyway, the way I contribute to FLOSS:

1. I write myself some free software (GPLv3 license), within the frame of yorick, a GPL data analysis software. I am co-admin for the yorick sourceforge site, and I designed and maintain the yorick unofficial home page.

2. I maintain Ubuntu, Fedora and Mandriva repositories for yorick and its plugins (see this post in the yorick forums)

3. I test ubuntu releases. Usually, I install 3 months into the 6 months development schedule. I test various things (often using the environment for extended period), and report bugs + follow ups.

4. Little gestures: I try to leave my bittorrent open after downloading a linux liveCD to share with other people.

5. Once in a while (I haven't done it for some time), I go and browse the ubuntu forums to answer questions or give tips.

6. I report tips and workarounds, in specialized sites, like thinkwiki.

Some are small gestures, but in the FLOSS word, every little gesture can help.