If you're interested in helping out a free-software project, a great place to start looking would be at SourceForge . Don't use a particular technology just because you think it's easier or because someone told you to. Everyone's biased, so form your own opinion and learn how to defend it well. Think carefully about things like software patents, current legislation in your home country's government, and how much you want these silly little boxes we call computers to do for you and future generations. Basically, think and be willing to learn.
Most groups are Denver, Colorado based.
The RMRL 145.340 repeater has a link in the Denver area. This is a pretty broad topic, here's the most useful stuff I know about. Love the Cube. The best web server software around. Buy more toys.