Hi, > how does it actually work?
Most of the software in the Debian operating system is taken by Debian for free from "upstream" projects. For example i maintain as upstream developer libburn, lisofs, and libisoburn with their applications cdrskin and xorriso. They are not specific to Debian or to GNU/Linux. I support Debian especially by preparing the Debian packages of my upstream projects. Those get signed and uploaded by Dominique Dumont who holds a Debian rank, unlike me. See what Debian makes out of my upstream package libisoburn: https://tracker.debian.org/pkg/libisoburn I don't get paid for this. It's for fun, curiosity, and conscience. An easy way to pay back to the world for what i take from it for free. During the years i got some donations for hardware costs. But that's not a significant motivation for me. Aside from getting upstream's work for free, it is quite some work to prepare all the Debian packages and to coordinate their dependencies (the further software which a package needs to work). That's why several other GNU/Linux distros take the bulk of their packages from Debian for free. So everybody is taking advantage of everybody. Those who don't maintain software can contribute by submitting bug reports or other feedback. Of course, one has to be able to afford giving away ones work. I still work in the proprietary IT industry. The customers see no problem with paying my employer and to charge their customers. A completely different social model. Free software development in large parts swims on top of that model. It is quite astounding that this coexistence works since decades. Obviously it benefits both sides. Have a nice day :) Thomas
