Getting Involved in Open Source

http://linuxgazette.net/issue43/feinberg.html

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How to join and render help to the Linux community.
Linux has always been maintained by volunteers. In fact, the ``gift culture'' of the Open Source community has always been one of its strong points. However, the majority of users who would like to contribute do not know how to get involved. This article will discuss aspects of becoming active in the Open Source community and contributing to the Linux kernel and other projects, including my experiences with becoming involved in the Debian project.
The Kernel
The contributors file in /usr/src/linux on my home system is huge. My linux-kernel mailing list folder is always full of mail from people, eagerly discussing the ins and outs of improving this operating system. Many people assume that Linus is the sole author of Linux. Not true, I tell them. Linux is the prime example of the ``benevolent dictator'' model of open-source development. A prospective developer submits code to Linus or one of the few ``lieutenants'' such as Alan Cox. They decide what will go into the kernel.
Another scenario is that certain parts of the kernel, such as the kernel NFS system, have a maintainer. Code is submited to them, and they decide what goes into their part of the kernel. Occasionally, Linus or someone will ask for a person to take over a part of the kernel. If you volunteer, make sure you know the code and can handle the responsibility of maintaining it and accepting patches. Be prepared to handle loads of mail if something breaks. Also, make sure you are on the linux-kernel mailing list.