The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Start with software, tools, or a cause you already care about, then search a project’s issues for good first issue or help wanted. Check its /contribute page, read the issue discussion and contribution instructions, and ask maintainers before starting an unlabelled task.
One important 2026 distinction: Hacktoberfest pull requests and merge requests no longer count toward rewards. You can still contribute to open source, but event participation and earning rewards now follow the activities shown on the official event pages and participant dashboard.
How to find a project that fits you
Begin with an interest or tool you know
Look for software you use, a subject or cause you care about, or a programming language and toolchain you already know. A familiar project makes it easier to understand its purpose and judge whether a proposed change is manageable.
Search for specific tasks, not just project names
On GitHub, open a repository’s Issues tab and look for issues labeled good first issue or help wanted. GitHub describes good first issue as a way to highlight tasks for people new to a project. Its guidance also recommends small bugs and documentation changes as possible first contributions. The labels are useful discovery signals, not a promise that an issue is still available or easy.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Check the repository’s /contribute page as well. GitHub’s Open Source Guides identifies it as a way to find beginner-friendly issues selected by a project. For social-impact or civic-tech interests, GitHub Docs points to For Good First Issue, which curates projects and issues tagged help wanted or good first issue.
How to tell whether an issue is genuinely beginner-friendly
Read the full issue and its discussion rather than relying on the label. Before choosing it, check for:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- A clear outcome: You can explain what should change or what problem needs solving.
- A manageable scope: The requested work sounds small enough to understand and attempt without taking responsibility for a major redesign.
- Useful context: The issue explains the relevant behavior, constraints, or background, or links to information that does.
- Practical directions: The project explains how to set up the software, run tests, or follow relevant design requirements.
- Current availability: The issue remains open, and its discussion does not show that someone else has taken it or that maintainers have changed direction.
These checks matter because labels cannot tell you whether a task has enough detail for you to proceed. The issue, project documentation, and maintainer guidance are what establish the next step.
What to read before changing code
Read the README and the project’s contribution instructions, often in a file named CONTRIBUTING. Check how the project expects contributors to format changes, run tests, open pull requests, and respond to review. Project-specific procedures can differ from GitHub’s general examples, so follow the repository’s directions.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If an issue has neither the help wanted nor good first issue label, ask in the issue discussion whether the maintainers welcome a contribution and whether your proposed approach fits the project. Keep the change focused, then follow the project’s review process and respond to feedback.
Choose a discovery route that matches your goal
| Route | What it helps you find | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
Repository Issues filters for good first issue and help wanted |
Specific tasks maintainers have flagged for new contributors or other help | Whether the issue is still open, has enough context, and fits the repository’s setup and contribution rules. GitHub Docs |
Repository /contribute page |
Beginner-friendly issues selected by that repository | Whether an issue is current, available, and understandable from its description. GitHub Open Source Guides |
| For Good First Issue | Social-impact and civic-tech projects and labeled issues, searchable by Sustainable Development Goals | Open the linked repository and read its README and contribution guidelines. GitHub Docs |
| Hacktoberfest activities and events | Ways to learn, meet community members, and participate in the event | Check the activity or participant dashboard for dates, requirements, registration, age or eligibility rules, and local restrictions. These routes do not establish that a software issue earns rewards. Hacktoberfest activities |
When comparing tasks, weigh their clarity and size, fit with your interests and skills, setup and testing demands, available project instructions, and whether maintainers have invited or confirmed outside contributions. No directory or label guarantees that a contribution will be accepted or merged.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What Hacktoberfest participation means in 2026
Hacktoberfest is an October event. Its 2026 pages describe a focus on learning and building with open-source AI and open-weight models through online and in-person activities. The official FAQ states: “Pull requests and merge requests will no longer count toward Hacktoberfest rewards.” Do not treat a certain number of project pull requests as a path to event rewards this year. See the Hacktoberfest 2026 FAQ and mission for the current format.
The official FAQ says people can participate online or in person and gives a baseline age of 13 or older, subject to country rules. Individual Fests and DEV Challenges may set their own restrictions. Check the specific event or challenge page for its current requirements.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
If your aim is to make a useful open-source contribution, use a repository’s issue and contribution process. If your aim is to join Hacktoberfest activities or qualify for rewards, consult the live activities listing and participant dashboard. They are related goals, but the event’s reward rules do not make a project issue eligible.
Quick Recap
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