John Carl Villanueva01 August 2009, 9:49 AM
Before you are tempted to swipe for some proprietary Microsoft software, just remember Tux will be watching your every move...
Here's one way you can provide financial support to the development of Linux by simply buying stuff, and they don't need to have anything to do with the open source operating system at all. The Linux Foundation, via a partnership with CardPartner, Inc., recently introduced the Linux-branded affinity credit card. The card is offered through American bank UMB.
In place of the rewards points or rebates most cardholders get these days, every time you use the Linux-branded affinity credit card, a percentage goes to The Linux Foundation. The foundation also receives $50 for every account activation. This can go a long way since the money will be used to finance community technical events as well travel expenses for open source community members. Right now, a big bulk of Linux Foundation's funds come from membership dues.
That's actually a cool thing considering you cdon't have to change your buying habits to lend a hand -- and in the long term, simply holding a Linux Foundation credit card could be your way of paying your annual membership dues.
The card's not too bad feature-wise either: there's no annual fee, 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 6 months, 24-hour roadside assistance, warranty manager service, and emergency cash and card replacement, among others.
And inf act if you go for the Linux Foundation-branded Visa Platinum card, you can also accumulate points which can be exchanged for free merchandise, air tickets, and other products and services.
Linux advocates in Australia will have to wait awhile before they can flash Tux on their next netbook purchase (yes, even if it runs Windows 7), as the card is only initially available in the US.