How to install Skype and Ekiga Softphone in ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick)

What is Skype:-

Skype is a little piece of software that lets you make free calls to anyone else on Skype, anywhere in the world. And even though the calls are free, they are really excellent quality.

Make free Skype-to-Skype calls to anyone else, anywhere in the world. Call phones and mobiles at pretty cheap rates per minute. Group chat with up to 100 people or conference call with up to nine others. Free to download.

How to install Command Line Way

a. Get the package: for 32-bit

$ wget http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-beta-ubuntu-32

b. You will need to install some libraries.

$ sudo apt-get install libqt4-dbus libqt4-network libqt4-xml libasound2

c. Now install skype (the file you just downloaded)

you want to see you downloaded skype file goto Placess --> Home folder and you will see getskpe-line-beta-ubuntu-32 right click on it goto properties and copy that.

$ sudo dpkg -i xxxxxxskype-linux-xxxx-ubuntu-32

[ Note:- if you sitll get some dependency error then just type this command $ sudo apt-get -f install this will install the dependencies and the skype.]

affer installation is over now you have to go

Applications ---> Internet ---> Skype.

When you first time open skype it will open with skype End User License Agreement you have to select Language by default it will English and press I agree button ane now you will see Skype 2.1 (Beta)for Linux box and enjoy.

{UPDATE:- Skype has now been uploaded to the “partner” officeal Ubuntu. See http://reviewhubs.com/linuxtips/2010/05/install-skype-in-ubuntu-1004-lucid-lynx.htm }

Perhaps the easiest way to install is from the Debian (.deb) package availabel directly from the Skype website. The downside of this is that you won,t automatically get future updates, you have to download the new versions as they become availabe.

1. Download Debian package from

2. save and then open the file. It will open with the proper installer by default.
3. Click on the install button.

Running Skype:-

To start Skype, Choose Application-> Internet-> Skype. It usually take a minute or two 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 alreadey, add contact echo123) and clicking on the large greeen 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 a voice, see the troubleshooting section below.

Troubleshooting Skype:- https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SkypeTroubleshooting

how to install Ekiga Softphone (Talk to people over the Internet)

What is Ekiga Softphone (Talk to people over the Internet):- H.323 and SIP compatible videoconferencing and VoIP/IP-Telephony application that allows you to make audio and video calls to remote users with H.323 hardware or software (such as Microsoft Netmeeting) as well as SIP endpoints.

It supports all modern videoconferencing features, such as contact roster, presence status, high-quality audio and video codecs, various video resolutions, registering to an LDAP directory, gatekeeper support, making multi-user conference calls using an external MCU, using modern Quicknet telephony cards, and making PC-To-Phone calls.

Installation of Ekiga:-

To Install Ekiga you have to go Applications --> Ubuntu Software Center type Ekiga in surch box press enter you will see Ekiga Softphone and just press Install

To Start Ekiga, Choose Application --> Internet --> Ekiga

Allu John SudhakarSystem/Network Administrator
UCE,OU Osmania University
Hyderbadto see my Blogger (for Ubuntu)http://allujohnsudhakar.blogspot.com
any help mail to me aj_sudhakar@yahoo.co.in