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| ||<tablestyle="float:right; font-size: 0.9em; width:30%; background:#F1F1ED; margin: 0 0 1em 1em;" style="padding:0.5em;">'''Contents'''[[BR]][[TableOfContents(2)]]|| | <<Include(Tag/NeedsUpdating)>> Skype (old version) no longer available in Canonical Partner. New version available on the [[https://www.skype.com/download-skype/skype-for-computer/|Skype web site]]. ---- ||<tablestyle="float:right; font-size: 0.9em; width:30%; background:#F1F1ED; margin: 0 0 1em 1em;" style="padding:0.5em;"><<TableOfContents(2)>>|| |
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| With Skype software, you can talk over the internet using your computer. Skype uses decentralized peer-to-peer technologies, so your calls do not go through a central server, it uses its own proprietary communication protocol to achieve this. In addition, all communications are encrypted so others cannot listen in. The Skype software is free to use, but it is not free software; the source code is proprietary and not available for modification. | [[http://www.skype.com|Skype]] is proprietary software that allows you to make calls over the Internet using your computer. Skype uses semi-decentralized peer-to-peer technologies, so your calls do not go through a central server, but through a pool of dedicated servers. It uses its own proprietary communication protocol to achieve this. The Skype software is free to use, but it is not free software; the source code is proprietary and not available for review or modification. |
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| General information about Skype is on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype Wikipedia]. The official Skype website is http://www.skype.com. | [[https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SkypeEthics|SkypeEthics]] gives information on why some users do not use Skype. |
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| [https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SkypeEthics SkypeEthics] gives information on why some users choose not to use Skype | Open alternatives [[SoftPhone|Softphones]] using open protocols include [[Ekiga]] and [[Twinkle]]. |
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| Open alternative SoftPhone's using open protocols include ["Ekiga"], ["Twinkle"] and [http://www.wengophone.com Wengophone]. | You need a working sound input and output configuration in order to use Skype. Most modern computers have sound output out of the box, but you need a microphone (headset) for the input. In order to broadcast video, you'll need a webcam - see [[https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SkypeWebCams|SkypeWebCams]]. |
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| == The Problem == There are a few different aspects to the problem: 1. Skype is not available in any Ubuntu software repository, and therefore cannot be installed with Ubuntu's package management software such as {{{Synaptic}}} or {{{apt-get}}}. 1. On some systems, the Skype application can only be used for one call each time it is run due to an issue with GNOME's Enlightened Sound Daemon (ESD). |
Links to detailed information about Skype issues on Ubuntu can be found in the ''Resources'' section below. |
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| == The Solution == Several workarounds exist, but the easiest way to get Skype running on Ubuntu is to use the Debian .deb package available from [http://www.skype.com/products/skype/linux/ Skype]. As of July 2006, there is 1.3 beta available. You might want to try it since it supports alsa and therefore should ease any problems with Skype. |
== Installing Skype == |
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| Links to detailed information about Skype issues on Ubuntu can be found in the ''Resources '' section below. | Skype is available in the [[https://snapcraft.io/skype|Snap store]], which means it can be found in 16.04 and above directly in Ubuntu Software. Simply launch Ubuntu Software, search for Skype, then click 'Install'. |
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| General information about Skype is on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype Wikipedia]. The official Skype website is http://www.skype.com | Alternatively, from the command line:- |
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| = Installing Skype = == Default == ## Use upstream, official repository when possible 1. Add the skype repository*: {{{deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free}}} 1. Reload or update the package information 1. Install the {{{skype}}} package. * To add the repository in Ubuntu 6.06, choose System - Administration - Software Properties - Installation Media - Add - Custom and enter the above line. == AMD64 == 1. Download the debian package (http://skype.com/download/skype/linux/13beta.html) 1. Install skype: sudo dpkg -i --force-all <the_package> 1. Determine missing 32bit libs: ldd /usr/bin/skype | grep not 1. Download the libs (the i386 version of course, hint: the pacakge is named libqt3-mt): http://packages.ubuntu.com/ 1. mkdir ~/.32bitLibs (or use /lib32 and change last step to this directory) 1. extract the *.deb files (dpkg-deb --extract <package> <targetdir>) 1. copy the necessary libary files from the extracted packages to ~/.32bitLibs 1. create a wrapper script: export LD_LIBRARY_PATH="/home/<your_user>/.32bitLibs/";skype [[BR]] == An Extremely Efficient Way == * Edit your Source list : {{{ sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list add the following source; deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free save the source list! |
{{{ snap install skype --classic |
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| * Update your apt-get cache! | == Installing Legacy Skype Releases == |
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| * Install Skype: {{{ sudo apt-get install skype |
Users of 64-bit Ubuntu, should enable MultiArch if it isn't already enabled by running the command {{{ sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 |
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| * That should be 'it'! | Since Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx), Skype is part of the Canonical partner repository. To install Skype add the [[https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu#Adding_Canonical_Partner_Repositories|Canonical Partner Repository]]. You can do this by running the command |
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| (Technique worked with Ubuntu 5.10 and Ubuntu 6.10 knot 3) | {{{ sudo add-apt-repository "deb http://archive.canonical.com/ $(lsb_release -sc) partner" }}} |
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| [[BR]] == Special Technique For "Lazy Types" == |
Then install Skype via the [[https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SoftwareCenterFAQ|Software-Center]] or via the Terminal. |
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| * Copy-Paste the Terminal Commands from this page to your Terminal Windows! * Saves one from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! |
{{{ sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install skype }}} It is highly recommended to use the package provided in the Canonical partner repository, not the one distributed from the Skype website. This is how installing via a Ubuntu repository guarantees that the file downloaded and installed is the same one distributed from a Ubuntu repository. However, downloading the file via http doesn't guarantee this outcome. |
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| To start Skype, choose '''Applications->Internet->Skype'''. It usually takes a minute or two for Skype to get started, and you will think that nothing is happening, so be patient. | To start Skype, choose '''Applications->Internet->Skype'''. It usually takes a minute or two for Skype to get started, and you may think that nothing is happening, so be patient. |
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| = Adjusting the camera in Skype = The Linux Skype client, while it seems to set reasonable defaults, does not offer any significant way to adjust brightness, contrast, backlight compensation etc. If you are using a uvcvideo based device (see lists at [[http://www.ideasonboard.org/uvc/|Linux UVC driver and tools]]) a handy way is to use the '''guvcview''' utility, which opens your webcam and allows you to fiddle with the common settings. These settings (mostly) remain when you close it and open a Skype video preview (in the Options | Video Devices menu) or make a video call. (Note that you cannot have Skype and guvcview reading the camera video stream at the same time.) Install the "guvcview" package in the normal way for this. Or, if you want to tweak settings live during a preview or call, use the "uvcdynctrl" command-line utility (package has the same name). For example, in a terminal:<<BR>> ` uvcdynctrl -s 'Backlight Compensation' 7`<<BR>> will increase the backlight compensation to 7 from its default value of 0. To see a complete list of the possible settings for your webcam, do<<BR>> ` uvcdynctrl -cv`<<BR>> You can also use "guvcview" in a control-only mode to adjust camera settings during the call. To do so launch guvcview with the -o switch:<<BR>> ` guvcview -o`<<BR>> = Skype UI in other languages = You can choose to view the GUI in some other language but English, but only a limited number of translations are included in Skype for Linux by default. [[http://askubuntu.com/a/766252|This Ask Ubuntu answer]] shows how you can install and use translations for other languages. |
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| If you are having audio problems, first check to make sure that sound is working on your system and that your microphone and speaker volume levels are high enough. If that does not work, then try changing the Skype audio device, and finally, if all else fails, modify your ESD configuration. | If you need help with troubleshooting Skype please take a look at the following page. [[https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SkypeTroubleshooting|TroubleShooting Skype]] |
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| == Audio Problems == === 1. Volume Levels === 1. Test that output is working with the {{{Sound Preferences}}} dialog. Choose '''System->Preferences->Sound'''. 1. Test that microphone input is working with the {{{Sound Recorder}}} application. Choose '''Applications->Sound & Video->Sound Recorder'''. 1. Ensure that your audio output and microphone input channels are not muted by choosing '''Applications->Sound & Video->Volume Control'''. |
= Reporting Skype Bugs = |
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| === 2. Skype Audio Device === If your audio levels are properly configured and you can hear audio in Skype but your contacts cannot hear your input, you may need to change Skype's input device. From the Skype menu, choose '''Tools->Options''' and select {{{Hand/Headsets}}} in the dialog that opens. Experiment with different {{{Calls}}} selections, if they are available. |
Despite Skype being offered in Ubuntu through the Partner repository [[https://help.ubuntu.com/12.04/sample/sources.list|as a service to Ubuntu users by Canonical]] and Skype (a division of Microsoft), it is not considered a part of Ubuntu. Because of this, filing Skype crash reports for processing on Launchpad by [[ApportRetracingService|Apport Retracing service]] is unsupported. If one attempts to do this, they will receive a message noting: ||<tablestyle="background-color: #eee">Problem in skype-bin <<BR>> The problem cannot be reported: <<BR>> This is not an official Ubuntu package. Please remove any third party package and try again. || |
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| === 3. ESD Configuration === ''Note: for Ubuntu 5.04 (Hoary) and 5.10 (Breezy) only. This is the already the default configuration in Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper).'' A problem with the GNOME ESD (Enlightened Sound Daemon) server may cause issues with Skype for some users. If Skype is unable to make or recieve calls and continuously crashes, then a small change to the ESD configuration may help. Run: {{{ sudo gedit /etc/esound/esd.conf }}} and change the line: {{{ auto_spawn=0 }}} to: {{{ auto_spawn=1 }}} |
One may still file a bug report on Launchpad via [[https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/skype/+filebug]]. |
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| Log out and back in to restart ESD, and test Skype again as above. It is likely that this solution will only work if Skype is the only application using audio. You will not be able to play music while using Skype, and you will not be able to use Skype while playing music. | = See Also = * [[InternetApplications]] * [[Ekiga]] OpenSource VoIP application |
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| For more setup information, see the skype website article [http://www.skype.com/help/guides/soundsetup_linux.html Skype Sound and Audio Set-Up - PC Running Linux]. === 4. ALSA Configuration === Enabling ALSA gives you the choice to workaround some Skype issues: The present Skype Linux release (1.2.0.18) uses OSS sound, which means it allows '''only one application to access sound device'''. On some systems, OSS is not even used by default, which means you won't be able to select the OSS sound device ('''/dev/dsp''') at all, because it does not exist. Worse off, it has a bug that makes Skype '''unusable after a call'''. Sometimes a few calls can be made, before it happens, but later only solution is to restart Skype. Technically it seems that Skype "forgets" to close the sound device before trying to open it again and therefore locks up. This seems to happen when '''you''' are the first to hang up and not when the other party hangs up first, so a workaround is to just wait at the end of a call and let the other party finish first. To avoid these issues, you can use ALSA instead of ESD. First, follow the guidelines found in [http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=32063]. Then follow up with [http://juljas.net/linux/skype/]. Good luck! Note that the above forum post howto is for Hoary/Breezy. This should, according to [http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=1143531&postcount=1089 mdz's post], not be an issue in Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper). ==== 4.1 Another possible solution for software mixing ==== If none of the other options works, try this one (it's working on a HP Pavilion dv1000). Taken from http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?t=48195 Create or add the following to your .asoundrc file: {{{ gedit ~.asoundrc }}} Add the following text to it {{{ pcm.skype { type asym playback.pcm "skypeout" capture.pcm "skypein" } pcm.skypein { # Convert from 8-bit unsigned mono (default format set by aoss when # /dev/dsp is opened) to 16-bit signed stereo (expected by dsnoop) # # We can't just use a "plug" plugin because although the open will # succeed, the buffer sizes will be wrong and we'll hear no sound at # all. type route slave { pcm "skypedsnoop" format S16_LE } ttable { 0 {0 0.5} 1 {0 0.5} } } pcm.skypeout { # Just pass this on to the system dmix type plug slave { pcm "dmix" } } pcm.skypedsnoop { type dsnoop ipc_key 1133 slave { # "Magic" buffer values to get skype audio to work # If these are not set, opening /dev/dsp succeeds but no sound # will be heard. According to the alsa developers this is due # to skype abusing the OSS API. pcm "hw:0,0" period_size 256 periods 16 buffer_size 16384 } bindings { 0 0 } } }}} Create a skype launcher (in this example is going to be at your home directory). {{{ gedit ~/skype.sh }}} add the following text {{{ #/usr/bin/sh ALSA_OSS_PCM_DEVICE="skype" aoss /usr/bin/skype --disable-dbus }}} Give skype.sh execution rights by browsing with Nautilus over there, right click on the file, go to Properties, go to Permissions tab, and select "Execute" for the user. Double click on the file and you should be done. == Communication/Skype''''''Out Troubleshooting == If you encounter problems like Skype hanging (requiring killing the process through ('''System Tools->System Monitor''') and if Skype is unable to dial out via Skype''''''Out, you should uninstall the 'gnomemeeting' package via the Package Manager. == Port use == Skype uses port 80 by default, and thus, may block some other applications that use the same port as Apache. The solution is to change the port in one of the applications. Usually, port 81 is free and works fine. To change the port number in Skype go to menu Tools > Options, then click on the Advanced tab, then in the box of the port for incoming calls write your preference. == Invalid Pointer == Some very few users have experienced the inability to normally start skype 1.3 beta under Dapper, receiving the following error: {{{ *** glibc detected *** free(): invalid pointer: 0x08aab8a0 *** }}} The pointer's address might vary on install or version, the only common factor exhibited by all people receiving the error is that all of them use '''SCIM''' to be able to input in one of various asian languages (some users exhibit this while using scim for Chinese, others when using it to input in Japanese so the language itself seems not to be important, only the prescence of scim is). A few of these same persons report success in running a statically compiled version of the skype 1.3 beta client. Others (me included) have shown success in changing the XIM input preferences during skype lauch by launching skype (from either the command line or Gnome's/Kde's menu) with this command: {{{ XMODIFIERS=@im=none QT_IM_MODULE=xim skype }}} This will hinder (read, remove) your ability to use scim to type in a foreign language inside Skype itself, but it will also most probably permit you to run Skype normaly. If you use SCIM as your default input method, and you are unable to run Skype you could try these solutions and see if they solve the problem. = Display configuration = Because Skype is a KDE application, Skype's typeface will appear very large on GNOME desktops. You can use either the {{{kcontrol}}} or the {{{qt3-qtconfig}}} package to configure the appearance of Skype and other KDE/QT applications. Of these two, the QT Configurator ({{{qt3-qtconfig}}}) has far fewer dependencies than {{{kcontrol}}} and may therefore be more convenient for people who mostly use non-KDE software. See also QtGnome for how to make Skype (and other Qt applications) look more like Gnome. * A quick fix, without installing any configuration packages at all, is to make a file '''{{{qtrc}}}''' in your '''{{{$HOME/.qt}}}''' directory, and put these two lines in it: {{{ [General] font=Bitstream Vera Sans Mono,9,-1,5,50,0,0,0,0,0 }}} * You can start QT Configurator with the "{{{qtconfig}}}" command. On the "Fonts" tab, choosing Font Family ''Sans Serif'' and Point Size 10 will give something that resembles Ubuntu's GNOME desktop. * If you install the {{{kcontrol}}} package, you may run it by entering '''{{{kcontrol}}}''' into the {{{Applications/Run Application...}}} prompt. Expand the {{{Appearance & Themes}}} menu and select {{{Fonts}}}. Press {{{Adjust All Fonts}}} and select {{{Size}}}. Lower this value to your preference (size 10 or 11 is usually satisfactory). Press {{{OK}}} and {{{Apply}}} and exit the KDE Control Center. attachment:kcontrol.png = Resources = * The Skype homepage http://www.skype.com/ * Skype article on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype * The Skype forum, a good source of info on Skype and troubleshooting too http://forum.skype.com/ * A discussion on Skype forum of the dependency problem http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?t=38474&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 * A discussion on Ubuntu forum of the dependency problem http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=81831 * A description of and workaround for the sound problem: http://juljas.net/linux/skype/. Note that this solution requires you to compile a C program. |
= External Links = * [[http://www.skype.com/|www.Skype.com]] * [[http://forum.skype.com/|Skype Forum]] * [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype|Wikipedia Skype]] * [[http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=81831|Ubuntu Forums-Skype]] * A description of and workaround for the sound problem: http://juljas.net/linux/skype/. '''Note that this solution requires you to compile a C program.''' |
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| * https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SkypeEthics | * SkypeRecordingHowto Recording Skype Conversations |
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Needs Updating |
Introduction
Skype is proprietary software that allows you to make calls over the Internet using your computer. Skype uses semi-decentralized peer-to-peer technologies, so your calls do not go through a central server, but through a pool of dedicated servers. It uses its own proprietary communication protocol to achieve this. The Skype software is free to use, but it is not free software; the source code is proprietary and not available for review or modification.
SkypeEthics gives information on why some users do not use Skype.
Open alternatives Softphones using open protocols include Ekiga and Twinkle.
You need a working sound input and output configuration in order to use Skype. Most modern computers have sound output out of the box, but you need a microphone (headset) for the input. In order to broadcast video, you'll need a webcam - see SkypeWebCams.
Links to detailed information about Skype issues on Ubuntu can be found in the Resources section below.
Installing Skype
Skype is available in the Snap store, which means it can be found in 16.04 and above directly in Ubuntu Software. Simply launch Ubuntu Software, search for Skype, then click 'Install'.
Alternatively, from the command line:-
snap install skype --classic
Installing Legacy Skype Releases
Users of 64-bit Ubuntu, should enable MultiArch if it isn't already enabled by running the command
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
Since Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx), Skype is part of the Canonical partner repository. To install Skype add the Canonical Partner Repository. You can do this by running the command
sudo add-apt-repository "deb http://archive.canonical.com/ $(lsb_release -sc) partner"
Then install Skype via the Software-Center or via the Terminal.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install skype
It is highly recommended to use the package provided in the Canonical partner repository, not the one distributed from the Skype website. This is how installing via a Ubuntu repository guarantees that the file downloaded and installed is the same one distributed from a Ubuntu repository. However, downloading the file via http doesn't guarantee this outcome.
Running Skype
To start Skype, choose Applications->Internet->Skype. It usually takes a minute or two for Skype to get started, and you may think that nothing is happening, so be patient.
When the Skype window finally opens, sign up (if necessary) and log in to your Skype account. Test your configuration by selecting the Echo / Sound Test Service contact (if not there already, add contact echo123) and clicking on the large green button at the bottom of the Skype window. If the connection is made and you hear a voice, your sound configuration is fine. If you cannot hear a voice, see the troubleshooting section below.
Adjusting the camera in Skype
The Linux Skype client, while it seems to set reasonable defaults, does not offer any significant way to adjust brightness, contrast, backlight compensation etc. If you are using a uvcvideo based device (see lists at Linux UVC driver and tools) a handy way is to use the guvcview utility, which opens your webcam and allows you to fiddle with the common settings. These settings (mostly) remain when you close it and open a Skype video preview (in the Options | Video Devices menu) or make a video call. (Note that you cannot have Skype and guvcview reading the camera video stream at the same time.) Install the "guvcview" package in the normal way for this.
Or, if you want to tweak settings live during a preview or call, use the "uvcdynctrl" command-line utility (package has the same name). For example, in a terminal:
uvcdynctrl -s 'Backlight Compensation' 7
will increase the backlight compensation to 7 from its default value of 0. To see a complete list of the possible settings for your webcam, do
uvcdynctrl -cv
You can also use "guvcview" in a control-only mode to adjust camera settings during the call. To do so launch guvcview with the -o switch:
guvcview -o
Skype UI in other languages
You can choose to view the GUI in some other language but English, but only a limited number of translations are included in Skype for Linux by default. This Ask Ubuntu answer shows how you can install and use translations for other languages.
Troubleshooting Skype
If you need help with troubleshooting Skype please take a look at the following page. TroubleShooting Skype
Reporting Skype Bugs
Despite Skype being offered in Ubuntu through the Partner repository as a service to Ubuntu users by Canonical and Skype (a division of Microsoft), it is not considered a part of Ubuntu. Because of this, filing Skype crash reports for processing on Launchpad by Apport Retracing service is unsupported. If one attempts to do this, they will receive a message noting:
Problem in skype-bin |
One may still file a bug report on Launchpad via https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/skype/+filebug.
See Also
Ekiga OpenSource VoIP application
External Links
A description of and workaround for the sound problem: http://juljas.net/linux/skype/. Note that this solution requires you to compile a C program.
Skype takes a long time to load? (change command to "skype --disable-dbus") http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?t=47838
SkypeRecordingHowto Recording Skype Conversations