Fedora Linux

The rsync tool works by comparing files and directories on the client and server systems and transferring only the files that have changed. This comparison can use combinations of file- modification timestamp, file size, and checksum, depending on the command-line options selected.

9.4.3. What About...

9.4.3.1. ...testing upcoming Fedora Core versions without performing a network installation or update?

The Fedora Core project produces at least three test releases before each Fedora Core release. These test releases are effectively clean snapshots of Rawhide released in ISO form; they can be installed from optical disc using the same method as Fedora Core releases (see Chapter 1 and Lab 10.3, 'Preparing Alternate Installation Media ').

You will find announcements of test releases on the Fedora web site and the fedora- announce-list . The test releases may be downloaded from test directories in the Fedora mirror servers; the releases are numbered in increments of 0.01 starting with a version number that is 0.1 less than the upcoming Fedora Core version numberso Fedora Core 7 test 1 will be found in the directory test/6.90 , and FC7t2 will be in test/6.91 .

9.4.3.2. ...using other repositories with the Rawhide development repository?

That's not usually recommended. Repositories such as Livna (and even Fedora Extras) do not update their packages to work with new Fedora Core releases until just before the official release of a new Fedora Core version.

9.4.4. Where Can I Learn More?

? The Fedora Testing Guide: http://www.fedoraproject.org/wiki/Testing

? The manpages for yum and rsync

? List of Fedora mirrors: http://fedora.redhat.com/Download/mirrors.html

? Torrent trackers for Fedora Core, including test releases: http://torrent.fedoraproject.org/

? The BitTorrent home page: http://bittorrent.com/

9.5. Participating in Fedora Projects

Within the Fedora Community, there are many different projects aimed at developing and improving various aspects of Fedora Linux. Regardless of your skill set, interests, or experience, there is probably a role that is perfect for you in one of the projects. Becoming directly involved in a Fedora project contributes back to the Fedora community and can build your skill and reputation.

9.5.1. How Do I Do That?

A list of Fedora Projects is maintained at http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Projects . Each project has separate standards and requirements for participation, so a good place to start is by reading the project outline to determine the participation requirements, then joining the relevant mailing lists to meet and get to know other project members.

Here are some projects to consider:

9.5.1.1. Fedora Documentation

The Fedora Docs project ( http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/DocsProject ) produces release notes, installation and configuration guides, and other documentation, and is always looking for writers, editors, and readers willing to provide feedback. Other members of the Fedora Docs team develop the tool chain used to manage the documentation and transform it into various forms.

9.5.1.2. Fedora Translation

Since Fedora software is used globally, messages and controls within the software, documentation, and web sites all require translation into many languages. The Fedora Translation project exists to do this translation and to develop and refine the tools necessary to manage translated text. The Fedora Translation web site is found at http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/L10N .

L10N in the Translation URI stands for localization (translation into specific languages). I18N stands for internationalization (technologies that enable use of software in multiple locales). The numbers in the abbreviations refer to the quantity of letters removed.

9.5.1.3. Fedora Extras

If you have RPM packages that aren't included in Fedora Core or Fedora Extras, you can become a Fedora Extras contributor and make those packages available to other Fedora users. The Fedora Extras project has set up strict standards and a rigorous review process to protect the quality of the Extras repository, so participating in this project requires a certain level of skill and commitment. To streamline the process, Fedora Extras uses a sponsorship process, which pairs experienced members with newcomers during their first package submission. The web site http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Extras/Contributors describes the process of becoming a Fedora Extras