Re: Newbie

[Mark <mark@ellandroad.demon.co.uk>]

On Fri, Feb 13, 2004 at 01:44:56PM -0500, vin vin wrote:
> Greetings
> I've set some time to learn about Linux this semester though I have no 
> experience at this point.
> 
> I've used Unix (platform for C & COBOL) in the past and now I'm taking an 
> OpSys class.
> 
> I was wondering if I could get some advice or perhaps in some way help the 
> "cause" while
> pursuing my goal this semester:  to create or participate in a project that 
> will be acceptable for senior level credit.
> 
> I'm sorta shooting in the dark here due to my ignorance.  Can you set me on 
> the "Golden Path"?
> 
> Much thanks,
> Vin
> 

I've absolutely no idea about your skill levels, however, you'll find 
that pretty much any project will be happy to receive input.  One 
method might be to peruse the oustanding bug-lists for existing 
packages (start from www.debian.org), and see if any take your fancy.

Don't even look at a package which you don't find interesting, you'll
get bored way too quickly...

If you find something which grabs you, try creating a bug-fix,
or maybe adding a requested feature, and sending your code (ideally
as a patch) to the developer/maintainer.  If they like it, they'll
use it.

A second possibility might be to look at the orphaned packages
list, but I think that could be too far into the deep end.

Finally, although I'd hate to turn anyone away from Debian, if 
you can't see anything in the above, take a look at the projects
on freshmeat and take the same approach.

If you *still* can't think of anything, then you're left with
writing your own package, or finding other gainful employment... :-)

Good luck

-- 
Mark Kent