Joining MINT: Why can't I get SKYPE?

[BurungHantu]

What I have seen so far LOOKS quite nice! I am trying out Mint because a particular Distro I also like just didn't load on the provided computer. I also like the look of Mint. I have been wanting to try Debian for some time. So this is my first Debian distro. All the Distro's seem slightly different in some ways so once again, learning some new CLi.

My used and list of useful Distro's are Sabayon which U guys have looked at.
PcLinuxOS.

Mandriva because of Language input ability out the box!

This is what I'm looking at Mint for now! How to install the languages and get Scim activated. A lot of other Forums for Distro's are not direct about what is now becoming important as Linux grows. I work in China, I need to use Chinese sometimes.

What I am asking right now, is what is wrong with Repoś? Skype can't be downloaded? Neither can the new Skype 1.4 be downloaded either?

Can anyone tell me if you have it elsewhere? Or how to get it. I unforunately use it to conact family and for them to call me.

My fellow linux User here has also installed Mint Bianca. KDE, I will go for Cassandra and just add KDE after install. He can not still download Skype.

any suggestions? He's in the same boat. We use Skype for our family and friends to call us from the US. IT's a lot cheaper. Than us calling them.

[scorp123]

What I am asking right now, is what is wrong with Repoś? Skype can't be downloaded? Neither can the new Skype 1.4 be downloaded either?

Skype is commercial + closed source ... Unlikely that it will be ever in the repos unless the commercial manufacturer agrees to this kind of distribution channel (as did e.g. Adobe with their Acrobat Reader and VMware with their "VMware Server" products)

You either have to download it from the Skype web site, or use the "Software Portal", or use something like "Automatix2". Google is your friend.

[stafio]

As a new user, you may not yet be familiar with the Linux Mint Software Portal. Do yourself a favour and check it out: http://linuxmint.com/software/

[KrazyPenguin]

What I am asking right now, is what is wrong with Repoś? Skype can't be downloaded? Neither can the new Skype 1.4 be downloaded either?

Skype is commercial + closed source ... Unlikely that it will be ever in the repos unless the commercial manufacturer agrees to this kind of distribution channel (as did e.g. Adobe with their Acrobat Reader and VMware with their "VMware Server" products)

You either have to download it from the Skype web site, or use the "Software Portal", or use something like "Automatix2". Google is your friend.

There is a repository for skype
deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free

Add it to your sources list if you want. However the newest version is 1.4.0.74 BETA and most likely won't be in the repos.
That is one you will get the best voice quality and features with.

This is easy to install the beta:
go here:
http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/linux/

-> click on Ubuntu Feisty Fawn -> open with "GDebi Package Installer"

Have fun !!!

[scorp123]

There is a repository for skype
deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free

Add it to your sources list if you want. However the newest version is 1.4.0.74 BETA and most likely won't be in the repos.
That is one you will get the best voice quality and features with.

This is easy to install the beta:
go here:
http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/linux/

-> click on Ubuntu Feisty Fawn -> open with "GDebi Package Installer"

Have fun !!!

There you go ... they have their own repos. It's not in one of the Ubuntu repos such as "commercial" as the rest (Adobe, VMware, etc.)

[clem]

Somebody can probably check that for me... but I think the Software portal actually installs Skype 1.4...

http://www.linuxmint.com/software/?sec=item&id=4

(don't mind the version number written in the portal. The mint file points at a repo.. if the repo updates its package, the version changes but the portal doesn't reflect that change automatically).

By the way people, we've got a really cool way to install software here in Linux Mint. If something is not in the portal, just ask for it. Tweaking sources.list and googling for 3pp repos should be a thing of the past.

Clem

[frank392]

Skype works perfect, the only thing is when you are installing it with mintInstall you have to open to see the details because Skype will ask you to accept the license and you do not get see it unless you click to see the details.