Elementary tasks in need for *tex?

[Rogério Brito <rbrito@ime.usp.br>]

Hi there, people.

I have some students of mine that want to get involved in Free Software
projects.

I think that one of the good things for them to do would be to learn
about tools that we use (e.g., how to use a system like SVN, how to
write scripts, how to use automated builds, how to use layers of
abstraction etc) and to get "their hands wet", getting credits where
deserved.

It is important to note that they usually have a Windows background, but
some students are interested in "making the switch", which is a noble
intent.

Of course, if we can make this work be productive in the sense of
helping *tex in Debian, this effort would be useful not only as a
learning experience, but also producing a better distribution.

So, in order that I prepare a formal proposal (let's cross our fingers
and hope that they get interested!), what exactly is the work that
currently needs to be done, but that could be achieved by a novice? The
so-called "janitorial" tasks are ok.

I hope that this idea is welcome here. If not, please let me know. After
all, I was just brainstorming. :-)


Thanks, Rogério Brito.

-- 
Rogério Brito : rbrito@ime.usp.br : http://www.ime.usp.br/~rbrito
Homepage of the algorithms package : http://algorithms.berlios.de
Homepage on freshmeat:  http://freshmeat.net/projects/algorithms/