You understand what open source software is, and you've got a solid handle on the source code at its heart. You've read all about the right way to contribute to open source projects, and you even know how some people get involved in open source. But, you've still got one major question ... why should you contribute to open source in the first place?

Although there are countless people around the globe participating in open source projects right now, there are even more sitting on the sidelines watching it all happen.

And while many of the on-lookers could and would join in, they simply don't understand that they actually should take part.

Participating in the open source process enriches both the world as a whole and your life as an individual.

Open Source Software is Important

If you think that open source software is too technical for non-computer geniuses, is made up of nothing more than hobby projects or doesn't already affect you on a daily basis, think again.

Free and open source software and the ideologies behind them provide the rights and liberties required to run the modern world. In fact, from the academic and scientific communities to world governments and technology start-ups everywhere, it's hard to think of anybody who isn't benefiting from and participating in the open source way of doing things.

In short, one reason why you should be contributing to open source is that, in today's world, open source matters so much.

Open Source Software Needs You

Open source software runs the gamut from small, relatively trivial programs to massive, mission-critical suites.

And while the majority of open source software probably lands somewhere in the middle, there's still a lot of need for programmers, graphic designers, interface and usability experts, technical writers, customer/community liaisons, infrastructure specialists and so much more.

Many people wrongly assume that only computer programmers can contribute to open source software, but that couldn't be further from the truth. There are lots of ways for graphic designers as well as people with few technical skills to help out.

What's more, because there are no license costs associated with open source software, a lot of non-profit organizations end up relying on it only to discover they need some help making it work. And, donating your time and open source expertise to a non-profit is a commonly overlooked way to support the community.

So, another reason that you should be contributing to open source is that the community -- makers and end-users alike -- need you.

Open Source Software is Profitable

Lastly, if you can't do it for everybody else's sake, can you do it for your own? Because the truth is, there's money to be made with open source software.

A common misconception about open source software is that you can't sell it for a profit. To put it plainly, that's simply wrong. You can absolutely sell open source software. Although there are some people within the community that argue against it from an ethical perspective, it's a right protected by open source software licenses themselves.

But, if you're uncomfortable selling open source software that you didn't personally have a hand in creating, there's good news. It's relatively simple to start your own open source software project or even open source just about anything else.

And if creating and selling software doesn't hold your interest, how about installing, supporting, writing about or providing training for it? Every week, more and more businesses are using open source software and they're definitely willing to pay for help.

In other words, you should be contributing to open source, because it's a great way to make a living!