Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. The folks at LinuxFund.org have taken these words
seriously in their quest for Windows-less computing. After
unsuccessfully petitioning Microsoft to issue refunds for
preinstalled copies of Windows, they have discovered a novel new
use for their unused copies of Windows: art.
Open source supporters feel that merely disposing of their
Windows materials does not express their feelings appropriately.
Therefore, the LinuxFund.org, a non-profit organization that
supports open source development projects, has given open source
supporters an opportunity to express their true feelings toward
Windows.
LinuxFund.org, in cooperation with Penguin Computing and
LinuxMall, is sponsoring an art competition whose primary
medium is Windows-related materials: CD’s, license papers, and
whatever else is sent in. In return, up to 3000 Windows recyclers
will receive their choice of one open source Operating System CD
sponsored by LinuxMall.
Many in the open source community feel that “Microsoft art” is
an appropriate use for their unwanted copies of Windows. Benjamin
Cox, executive director at LinuxFund.org, expressed his
satisfaction, saying, “It’s ironic that one of the buggiest pieces
of software can be used to create an aesthetically pleasing work of
art.”
Would be recyclers have until November 24, 1999 to turn in their
Windows materials to LinuxFund.org. Then, artists, who must also
register at the LinuxFund.org website, will have the months of
December and January to formulate their masterpieces. At the Linux
World Expo in New York City on February 4, 2000, the most popular
work of art, as determined by votes from the LinuxFund.org website
and from attendees of the New York show, will be announced. The
winning artist will receive a $2,000 gift certificate for the
purchase of a computer from Penguin Computing.
Bryan Scott, a long time Linux user, already had reduced,
reused, and recycled his Windows CD, but believes the LinuxFund.org
“Microsoft art” project is even better. He said, “I really like my
Windows coaster. It’s the only practical use I could find for it
until now. But my Windows CD/coaster now has a higher calling–Art.
Who can argue with that?”
Interested persons can register to either donate Windows
materials or create a work of art by visiting the LinuxFund.org website.