Easy ways to Give Back to the Linux Community

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[svenschroder]

Thanks for some fresh ideas. I haven't even thought about using torrents because downloading the iso directly seems just more convenient. But in the future I will be using torrent instead.

[RecklezzMusic]

I've been using flavors of Arch Linux this past year. It has been an awesome experience filled with blood, sweat, and tears. But immense joy, when I finally got comfortable with a setup. A donation is really long overdue. I am also going to seed the torrents as well, hadn't thought about that =D

[StephenHarrisTrackMasterSteve]

I would suggest seeding the torrent at least 2:1 so you are giving back twice the bandwidth. I usual just leave all ISOs seeding until the next version comes out. That's one of the many ways I give back to the Linux community!

[mr_beezlebub]

Many Linux and open source developers will appreciate good feed back too.

[JustSomeRandomIdiot]

I have some: Graphics, videos, tutorials, documentation, translations and UIs for open source projects.


The open source community always has more programmers than artists or UX designers. And in some projects especially it definitely shows, not naming any names.. Your ideas and designs won't always be appreciated, or implemented, but sometimes just by offering a design for what could be an easier to understand UI to some developers, you get a ball rolling for re-thinking a UI that can lead to a substantially improved UX down the line.


Videos also help too, often open source projects lack the 'flashy' demo videos that show off new features, just knowing how to throw together some recorded video of some features, with some good music, and some flashy graphics and text, can go a long way in helping promote an open source project.


Also graphics in general, for websites, logos, icons for buttons, etc.


If you are a clear spoken person, who knows how to provide simple clear instructions for tasks, consider trying to write tutorials for how to use software. Especially beginner tutorials for basic things that might not be covered, for example, what about a 1 hour training video for the basics of how to use Linux Mint for a brand new user who just started Linux Mint for the first time, covering the basics of the OS, such as file management, how to install software, how to get a web browser, how to run software updates, etc.



And documentation! A frequent problem in open source projects, the code is written, features are created, and implemented, bug tested, optimised, and not once along the way did anyone write a simple documentation manual page explaining how to use them! Detailed, clear instructions, that explain how to use something as if you're talking to a 14 year old, can go a long way in making open source software more accessible.


Lastly, translations. If you read, write and speak two or more languages, don't waste another second, get into contact with an open source project and ask how you can help translate their UIs, documentation, tutorials, website, or *something*. Open source projects always need more translators and the stats of the number of non-English speaking Linux users can always improve.

[TennesseeFrank]

I always try to download via torrent and let it seed for a short while after the download is finished. It's not only a faster way to download but as you said, it helps to save the Distro money on bandwidth.

[Ryfibi]

I'm going to put all torrents of main distros sharing on my server. Thanks for the tip!

[teamrampageservices]

Thanks for getting this out there, Jay! I’m going to take the opportunity to practice in my lab with a VM for seeding torrents for my favorite FOSS project!

I can get some more practice with standing up a VM, configuring the torrent program, setting up monitoring, and providing secure internet access!

[sandyaje]

nice input jay, i never knew using torrent would help, will make sure to do that from now.

[chrismallia]

Thanks for this. I usually give back by donating but I will now add your tips to the donations. Thank you for all you do.

[danroberts]

If people that are new to Linux don't know how to use torrent, maybe a demo would help them?

[ceruleanphoenix]

Great video man, I couldn't agree more with you. Unfortunately many people don't understand the importance of seeding or the expenses of a company working on an open source project. Also I would like to add that it's a good idea to leave the torrent seeding overnight if possible. Keep up the good work.

[dstinnettmusic]

I always use torrent downloads because my file downloads faster.

[GotekSC]

Sadly, as you correctly pointed out, usage of torrents is so low —the option maybe even unknown— that I've had trouble reaching even a 0.5 ratio after weeks of seeding for most iso's I used.

[RageCage]

Thanks Jay! Using Torrents is something I've never thought of.


For others looking to contribute: if you are someone who is well spoken/written, many distributions could use Content Writers. Some distributions (Fedora for example, a project I have just begun contributing to) also have "People Person" roles. This would include ambassadors and organizers. Just two other non-technical ways to give back. :D


The more people that make the effort to contribute back to Linux, the better it is for everyone!

[cameraman]

Great idea about helping out by seeding torrents of ISO file's, i am just gona message the admin of the kubuntu forum see if they can post a link to your video

[micaiahflores]

I’m donating five dollars a month to the manjaro dev team 🙂