The Skype website offers the possibility to download the installation file for Linux systems as well, however there is no updated version for the new Ubuntu operating system or 64-bit hardware platforms. In order to obtain the version of Skype for Ubuntu it is necessary to follow a specific procedure and use the command console of the operating system, that is the "Terminal" window. The process to follow is quite simple and intuitive and should only take a few minutes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Install Skype
Step 1. Open a "Terminal" window
Ubuntu developers recommend installing Skype using the repository named "Canonical" (created directly by them), rather than the official package distributed directly on the Skype site. This way you can be sure you get the correct version based on your operating system. Using the "Terminal" window may seem difficult, but in reality it will be enough to enter a couple of commands, so don't worry.
You can quickly access the Ubuntu "Terminal" application by pressing the key combination Ctrl + Alt + T or by selecting the "Applications" menu, choosing the "Accessories" item and clicking the "Terminal" option
Step 2. Determine if your Ubuntu version is 32-bit or 64-bit
Before you can proceed with the installation of Skype it is good to find out this information, otherwise it will not be possible to install the correct version of the software.
- Type the command sudo uname –m in the "Terminal" window and press the Enter key. At this point, provide the system administrator account password.
- If the message displayed in the "Terminal" window is i686, it means that the version of Ubuntu you are running is 32-bit.
- If the message displayed in the "Terminal" window is x86_64, it means that the Ubuntu version you are running is 64-bit.
Step 3. If you are using a 64-bit system, enable the "MultiArch" function
The latter allows for greater compatibility when using programs created and optimized for other operating systems.
Type the command sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 inside the "Terminal" window and press the Enter key. Enter the password of the system administrator account in order to proceed with the download of the installation package
Step 4. Add the "Canonical" repository
In this way you will have the possibility to install any application or program distributed through the indicated repository, which includes the version of Skype for Ubuntu.
Type or copy and paste the following command sudo add-apt-repository "deb https://archive.canonical.com/ $ (lsb_release -sc) partner" and press the Enter key on your keyboard
Step 5. Install Skype
Now that you have added the Canonical repository you can proceed to download and install Skype.
- Type the command sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install skype and press the Enter key to install Skype on the system. The installation process may take several minutes to complete.
- Alternatively, you can install Skype using the Ubuntu Software Center in case you have chosen not to add the "Canonical" repository. In this case, you need to access the Software Center, search using the keyword "Skype" and select the "Install" button for the program to proceed with the download and installation.
Part 2 of 3: Using Skype
Step 1. Start Skype
It may not be straightforward to determine if Skype has been successfully installed on your system, as no icons will be displayed on the desktop or Launcher bar. There are two different ways to locate the Skype icon:
- Click the Dash icon and search using the keyword "Skype". After starting Skype for the first time, you will see its icon appear inside the Ubuntu Launcher bar. Select it with the right mouse button and choose the "Lock on Launcher" option to make sure it is removed once Skype is closed.
- Access the "Applications" menu, choose the "Internet" option and select the "Skype" item. If you wish, you can use the latter to create a direct link to the program on the desktop.
Step 2. Wait for Skype to load
The first time you start the program it is very likely that it will take 1-2 minutes for the user interface to appear. During this time it will appear that the operating system is taking no action. At this point you will simply have to be patient and wait for the Skype user interface to appear. In the future, when you want to use the program, it will open immediately.
Step 3. Log in using a Skype or Microsoft account
If you don't have one yet, you can create it now for free. Select this link for more details on how to create a new Skype account.
Step 4. Check the functionality of the system microphone
The first time you start Skype you will notice the presence of a contact named "Echo / Sound Test Service". Select it and press the button to make a call. This will give you a chance to check if your computer's microphone and speakers are working properly.
If the speakers or microphone are not emitting or acquiring any sound, please refer to the "Troubleshooting" section of this article
Step 5. Check the webcam is working
If your computer is equipped with a video camera (integrated or USB), you can check its correct operation directly from the program. Access the "Tools" menu and choose the "Options" item. Choose the "Video Settings" category in the "General" section. The image captured by the webcam should appear inside the Skype window.
Otherwise, if your webcam is not capturing any image, please refer to the "Troubleshooting" section of this article
Step 6. Start using Skype
Once you have confirmed that all audio and video devices on your computer are working properly, you can start using Skype to communicate with whomever you want via text, voice or video call. Select this link for more information on how to use Skype.
Part 3 of 3: Troubleshooting
Step 1. The microphone does not work
In most of the newer versions of Ubuntu you can directly manage all microphone configuration settings using the speaker icon in the toolbar. Make sure your computer's microphone is connected properly, is active, and that the volume level is set to the correct value.
In some cases, Skype ignores the operating system's audio settings, which can cause the microphone to malfunction. To prevent Skype from taking control of the system's audio devices, go to the "Tools" menu, choose the "Options" item, select the "Audio Settings" option and deselect the "Automatically change microphone settings" checkbox
Step 2. The webcam is not working
In most cases where the camcorder does not work, you can solve the problem by installing the "v4lcompat" driver. If this solution doesn't fix the problem, you'll need to search for the specific webcam model you're using. It should be remembered that not all webcams on the market are compatible with the version of Skype for Linux.
- Make sure there are no other programs running that are using the system webcam. These video capture devices can only be used by one software at a time.
- Open a "Terminal" window, type the command sudo bash apt-get install libv4l-0: i386 and press the Enter key.
- Select the "Applications" folder with the right mouse button, then choose the "Properties" item. Access the "Edit" menu and choose the "Internet" option. Select the "Skype" item with the right mouse button, then choose the "Properties" option.
- Modify the existing command with the following env PULSE_LATENCY_MSEC = 30 LD_PRELOAD = / usr / lib / i386-linux-gnu / libv4l / v4l1compat.so skype.
- If the steps described did not resolve the issue, please refer to the official Ubuntu support page. It contains a list of webcams that work without any problems, those that need a specific configuration and those that are not supported by Skype for Ubuntu or that require a lot of work to be used correctly.
Step 3. The video played by Skype appears in low resolution
The version of Skype for Linux systems does not officially support video with a resolution of 640x480, so the image may appear blurry or even blurry. However there is a way to force the use of 640x480 resolution, but it is not guaranteed to work for all cases:
- Make sure Skype is working properly, then close it completely before continuing;
- Access the following folder username /. Skype / Name_Skype /;
- Open the config.xml configuration file using a text editor;
-
Add the following lines of text between the tags:
- 480
- 640
- Save your changes and close the "config.xml" file. At this point Skype should be able to transmit a video signal with a resolution of 640x480 pixels. The next time Skype is restarted, it may take 1-2 minutes for the user interface to appear.
