Six Ways to Show Your Love for Free Software Today - coxthared

It's no secret that free and unfastened source software package is increasingly popular both in the business world and among consumers, and now that it's Valentine's Day, unmatched protagonism group is encouraging fans the world over to show their love.

In fact, the Free Software Foundation European Union (FSFE) has officially declared today "I Love Free Software package Day," and it's vocation on all those World Health Organization use and appreciate the merits of available software to give a niggling love back.

"Our online campaign aims at rising awareness to Exempt Software and the aflame, hard-working masses hindquarters information technology," explains the aggroup's dedicated crusade page. "Show them that you appreciate their work – it could spend a penny all the difference!"

This is actually the second year running that FSFE has done something like this, and this yr's campaign also includes a live outcome in the German city of Essen.

Tied if you're non in EEC, though, the FSFE has put together a handy list of ways you can celebrate I Make love Escaped Software Daytime. Here are a few of their suggestions:

1. Enunciat "Thanks"

Send an email or letter thanking an active free software supporter for his OR her work. "Do not underestimate the personal effects of such a message," the FSFE urges. "Equally many Free Software developers work hard for their projects without earning money, a big 'thank you' / 'love you' is like good fuel for their further encouragement."

Other slipway to thank your favorite free software contributors include sending them good books on the matter, buying them a crapulence, or even offering a hug, the FSFE suggests.

2. Use the Hashtag

Use the #ilovefs hashtag A you tweet your love free of charge software on Identi.ca or Twitter and you'll help spread the word.

3. Post a Superior

If you have a web log or website, posting a superior can be a good way to make your support known. FSFE has actually published a bunch of banners–including the one above–that are, of course, free for the taking.

4. Wear Your Love

If you have a t-shirt, lid, or another item of clothing featuring Linux or another free and unprotected source software project, today would be a good time to bust it. Such items are available from the FSFE American Samoa well.

5. Take Pictures

All the same you end up expressing your support for free software today, send pictures of what you did to family@fsfeurope.org and FSFE will publish them on its website to create "a gallery of Free Software program lovers from around the world."

6. Donate

Last not least, free software initiatives typically depend on financial contributions, so there's no better time to hand over generously. Every bit the FSFE notes, "money can't buy you love… but it hindquarters help to fight for your freedom."