If you want to help the project, read this page.
Skills
You don't necessarily need to be into C, C++, gcc and make. But if you are, it will be much easier to find something to do for you. If you add subversion to that list, it's even better. Neither C, C++ nor subversion are strictly necessary though. Knowing Makefiles helps a lot to understand and customise the build process. Knowing shell scripting helps, too.
What can you do if you have those skills or if you want to acquire them?
- Install Linux and use it for your every day computing tasks. This is quite important since you'll understand DSLinux much better if you know how to use "regular" Linux.
Compile your own DSLinux images and play around with customizing them. Add features and tools from the configuration menu and try them out. Share your customised builds to get feedback about your customisations. Propose popular changes for inclusion in kineox' builds.
Port applications to DSLinux. This sounds harder than it often actually is, since a lot of applications just need to be recompiled. For example, the frotz "port" is simply standard frotz compiled for DSLinux without any changes. You don't have to look at any source code in this case. You might have to if there are problems though.
Try to improve existing applications in DSLinux and send us your patches.
- Write small tools that make DSLinux easier to use.
- Buy unsupported hardware and work on supporting it.
Ask developers what they are currently working on. Maybe they have something specific you can help them with.
Check the TODO list for items that you'd like to work on.
What can you do if you don't have those skills and you don't want to acquire them?
- Test DSLinux thoroughly, and report any issues you find. This is what most people are doing, even if they might not be aware of it.
- Improve the documentation in the wiki. This includes both improving currently existing docs and writing new ones.
- Provide another anonsvn mirror or other hosting resources for the project. Please ask what is needed before setting anything up though.
Ask developers what they are currently working on. Maybe they have something specific you can help them with.
Check the TODO list for items that you'd like to work on.
- Donate unsupported hardware to developers so they can work on supporting it.
Donate small amounts of money to the project (something between 5 to 10 US Dollars/Euro). Maintaining the infrastructure the project is using costs money. For example, the developer SVN hosting currently costs 5 Euro per month. Maintaining www.dslinux.org costs money as well, ask Hoss directly if you want to donate for the forums or the wiki. Donated money can also be used by developers to buy new hardware in order to get it supported. If you want to donate for a specific purpose only, let us know what you want your money to be spent on. If neither credit card nor paypal is an option for you, contact developers directly to find another way to transfer money.