GSOC 2012/Student Application Dzack

Contact Information

 * Email Address: dzackgarza@gmail.com
 * Telephone: 9165384394
 * Blog URL: http://jbossfedoraspin.wordpress.com/
 * Freenode IRC Nick: dzack
 * User page: DZack

Why do you want to work with the Fedora Project?
I've had a long standing interest in open source software, but never felt as though was skilled enough to make any significant contributions. However, after reading the documentation and getting up to speed, I've discovered that any contributions are greatly appreciated and that the community is respectful and inviting. To me, this aspect is really what makes Fedora's community stand out. Working with Fedora would also present a rare learning opportunity for me - I hope to spend much more time working on open source software projects in the future for this very reason. Ideally, I would like to find a career in open source development, and so this would be a perfect chance for me to begin understanding the structure and organization of such projects.

Do you have any past involvement with the Fedora project or with any another open source project as a contributor?
This would mark my first contribution to a major open source project. My only other involvement has been in trying to help revive another small project over at http://quickplay.sourceforge.net/. So far, I've been able to repair parts of the main website (which was previously defunct) and am now making an effort to help centralize the project's version control system so people will be able to once again contribute to its codebase.

Did you participate with the past GSoC programs, if so which years, which organizations?
No - I only recently discovered the program.

Will you continue contributing/ supporting the Fedora project after the GSoC 2012 program, if yes, which team(s)/area(s), you are interested with?
Absolutely yes! Ideally, I would like to become a package maintainer and help ensure that we get this platform working in as many environments as possible. I would also like to continue to maintain this spin as new Fedora releases are rolled out, updating it and adding features accordingly.

Why should we choose you over the other applicants?

 * I am familiar with the Linux environment and comfortable using the command line.
 * I've successfully built small test RPM packages.
 * I have taken the time to pore over the project's documentation and feel that I'm well acquainted with the resources I will need to finish the project.
 * I've set up an environment in which I can easily build and deploy packages. In addition to this, I will also be able to simulate and quickly test many of the conditions for which this spin would be used such as installing to remote server, unattended installations, using an intranet Repo, and quickly testing Live CDs.
 * I have experience writing kickstart files.
 * I am somewhat familiar with Java and may be able to help contribute patches.
 * This project also aligns with my personal interests and coincides with concepts I would like to learn outside of my classes and schoolwork.
 * Lastly, I am willing to learn whatever knowledge I am lacking