<chapter id="supporting-kde"> <chapterinfo> <date>2009-05-09</date> <releaseinfo>4.00.00</releaseinfo> </chapterinfo> <title>Supporting &kde;</title> <anchor id="support"/> <sect1 id="supporting-kde-introduction"> <title>Supporting &kde;</title> <para> If you are new to &kde;, the &kde; project might look like big machinery to you. Undoubtedly, &kde; is no longer a small project, nevertheless it is very important to realize that it is easy to <quote>make a difference</quote> in the &kde; world. </para> <para> There is always a need for dedicated developers, graphic artists, sound engineers, translators and documentation writers. Consider jumping aboard this exciting international project and make yourself a name in the software world.</para> <para> Along the way you will make countless friends and acquaintances all over the world. Also, the satisfaction that stems from doing actual hands-on work, that will benefit an uncountable number of users world-wide, and from seeing an unparalleled project grow, is hard to beat. Please consider joining and supporting &kde; and hop aboard this exciting journey towards a free and open alternative computing platform. </para> </sect1> <sect1 id="supporting-kde-get-started"> <title>How to get started</title> <itemizedlist> <listitem><para> Subscribe to the <link linkend="contact">&kde; mailing lists</link> that interest you. </para></listitem> <listitem><para> Read the <ulink url="http://lists.kde.org">mailing list</ulink> archives in order to get a feel for &kde; development. </para></listitem> <listitem><para> Learn how to program using the &kde; application framework and join the friendly &kde; developers' community. </para></listitem> </itemizedlist> </sect1> <sect1 id="supporting-kde-financial-support"> <title>Supporting financially</title> <para> The &kde; team is working very hard on providing you with the best desktop available for the &UNIX; operating system. &kde; is available for free and will always be available for free, including each and every line of its source code, for everyone to modify and distribute. If you enjoy and use &kde; please consider supporting the &kde; Project financially. &kde; is in constant need of funds in order to finance its operations. </para> <para> If your busy schedule or skills do not permit you to be actively involved in &kde; development, please consider supporting &kde; financially.</para> <para> There are three ways to make a payment to the &kde; project: PayPal, personal check, and money order. Please review <ulink url="http://www.kde.org/support/support.php"/>. </para> <para> Your contribution is very much appreciated. Thank you! </para> </sect1> </chapter>