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Welcome to freedesktop.org
==========================
freedesktop.org hosts the development of free and open source software, focused on interoperability and shared technology for open-source graphical and desktop systems. We do not ourselves produce a desktop, but we aim to help others to do so.
Our loose community of projects mostly produce [software](./Software/) and/or [specifications](./Specifications/).
Software projects
-----------------
Most of our member projects produce software to be used as libraries or services. A full list is available at [our software page](./Software/).
Much of the software we host is focused on drivers and middleware for graphics and media devices, inter-process communication and authorization, input and internationalization.
All the software on freedesktop.org is available as open source and open to community contribution. The [software page](./Software/) explains how to report bugs and propose changes to each of these projects.
Specifications
--------------
We also host discussion and development of specifications for interoperability. A full list is available at [our specifications page](./Specifications/).
These specifications mostly cover low-level desktop issues, such as identifying file types, launching applications, and exchanging data between applications and desktops. They are often called 'XDG' specifications, as an acronym for the _Cross-Desktop Group_.
freedesktop.org is not a formal standards body, and is not in itself a platform; we do not have a compliance test nor a certification. Anyone is free to use and implement the specifications on this site; the [specifications page](./Specifications/) explains how to propose changes and existing specifications, or entirely new specifications.
Infrastructure
--------------
The infrastructure we use to provide these services to our projects is documented on [our infrastructure page](./Infrastructure/). You can quickly get access to [our GitLab instance](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org) where most of our code lives, [our mailing lists](https://lists.freedesktop.org), or browse these wiki pages further to find out more.
Getting Involved
----------------
We welcome all new contributors, whatever your skill set, and aim to be a place you can learn and grow as an open-source contributor.
The first point of entry is to find the project you would like to work on, usually through our [software](./Software/) or [specifications](./Specifications/) page. Each project should have a clear link of how to report issues, discuss changes, and contribute back - this will almost certainly be on that project's page on [our GitLab instance](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org), and will likely require [signing up for an account on our GitLab instance](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/freedesktop/freedesktop/-/wikis/home) if you haven't done so yet.
If you would like to create a new freedesktop.org project, or request hosting of an existing project you would like to move here, please see [the new project page](./NewProject/).
Code of Conduct
---------------
freedesktop.org has adopted the Contributor Covenant for all the services we host. Please conduct yourself in an appropriate manner, avoiding abusive, bullying, and/or discriminatory behaviour. For more information, including where to report any inappropriate behaviour, please consult the full [Code of Conduct](./CodeOfConduct/).
Privacy and personal information
--------------------------------
When you use freedesktop.org services, you might disclose personally-identifying information to us. Our [Privacy Policy](./PrivacyPolicy/) explains how we collect and use this data.
Contact us
----------
If you have questions about the site itself or our infrastructure, the administrators can be reached on the [sitewranglers list](https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/sitewranglers), or also on OFTC's #freedesktop IRC channel. Platform-wide announcements and discussions are generally on the [freedesktop mailing list](https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/freedesktop).
Please note that it may take some time to answer your question on IRC, and we are also unlikely to be able to help with project-specific issues (e.g. 'why does ModemManager crash?'). Questions or issues with a specific member project should be directed to that project's own mailing list or bug tracker.
Follow us in the [Fediverse](https://floss.social/@XorgFoundation).
Sponsors
--------
freedesktop.org is a completely volunteer organisation with no corporate backing or funding stream. We are part of the [X.org Foundation](https://www.x.org/wiki/XorgFoundation/), which is a member project of [Software in the Public Interest, Inc.](https://www.spi-inc.org), for the purposes of holding assets.
We would like thank [Equinix Metal](https://metal.equinix.com) and [Portland State University](https://www.pdx.edu) for their generous support of the infrastructure required to host freedesktop.org. We are also grateful to [GitLab](https://about.gitlab.com), [Google](https://opensource.google), [Intel](https://www.intel.com), and [HP](https://www.hp.com) for previously sponsoring some of our servers. These kind donations have made it possible for us to run the services we do.
Donations
---------
**Donate via SPI Paypal:**
[](https://spi-inc.org/projects/x.org/)
**Donate via SPI Click & Pledge:**
[](https://co.clickandpledge.com/advanced/default.aspx?wid=120053)
**Donation via check or money order:**
Make your check payable to Software in the Public Interest, Inc. and write "X.org" in the memo or reference field. For more information including the mailing address, please see [https://spi-inc.org/donations/](http://spi-inc.org/donations/)
Last edited Wed May 31 19:39:00 2023