Linux Foundation Launches Gift Student Membership Program for the Holidays

If you need extra incentive to become a member of the Linux Foundation -- as if all the terrific member benefits aren't enough -- then try this on for size. The Foundation announced today that every time an individual purchases a new $99 full-price membership, a student will receive a free one-year membership, too. New members can designate who they'd like to have receive the gift membership, or they can elect to let the Foundation chose from a waiting list of students who've signed up on it its Web site.

To get on the waiting list, you'll need a valid student ID. Once you're eligibility is verified, you'll be notified you're on the first-come, first-served list. Of course, the number of free memberships available depends on how many new individuals sign up during the promotion period, which ends January 31, 2010. On the other hand, you've got nothing to lose by signing up, right?

Check this list for a quick recap of all the benefits a membership to the Linux Foundation gives you:

* Employee Purchase Pricing at Dell, HP, and Lenovo

* 30% Off of Linux Foundation LinuxCon Registration Fees

* 20% Discount on registration fees for Linux Foundation Training

* 35% of O'Reilly Books and E-Books

* 35% of No Starch Press Publications

* 15% off Subscription to Linux Journal

* 15% off Neuros Technologies NeurosLink. The Neuros LINK allows you to watch internettv (hulu, youtube) as well as downloads on your TV using Linux.

* 50% off Southern California Linux Expo (SCALE)

* $10 off every $40 order on Thinkgeek (excluding shipping and taxes)

* 20% Off O'Reilly's Open Source Convention (OSCON)

Check the membership signup page for everything you need to know about becoming a member and sign up today. A student somewhere will thank you for it.