Friendly Tech Ninja Linux how-to's for beginners

16Oct/09

Howto: Install Skype on Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

skype-logo

Skype hasn't officially released a .deb specifically for 9.10, but in this tutorial I've found that the 8.10+ .deb file works perfectly on Karmic Koala. I've hadn't had to configure anything to get the mic, sounds or camera to work with my laptop (Dell Studio 1535).

Step 1

Go to www.skype.com/download and get the appropriate 8.10+ version for you (32/64-bit).

Step 2

Launch the Skype install .deb file (just double click it) and follow the on screen prompts.

Note: If you have a dependency error or the installer fails, install a missing dependency using the following: sudo apt-get install libqt4-dbus

Step 3

Launch Skype from Applications->Internet menu and press either Ctrl+O or press the Skype symbol at the bottom of the window to open the options menu.

In the menu you'll see a option to Choose style: change that too "Desktop Settings or GTK+. Then apply the changes and next time you open Skype it'll be using you native theme.

Step 4 (Optional)

If you'd like to have Skype startup automatically when your system starts, go to "System -> Preferences -> Startup Application", Click "Add" and enter the following details:

  • Name: Skype
  • Command: skype

Click "Save" and you're done! Next time you load up your system Skype will auto-launch.

Note: I only tired this on the 32-bit version of Karmic, but I'm sure if you use the correct .deb it should install fine for you.

Edit: If you're having problems with getting your mic to work check out this post: Quick Tip: Getting Your Mic Working with alsamixer

Please comment if you found this helpful or would like to make a suggestion.

Related posts:

  1. Howto: Install Dropbox on Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala Beta
  2. Howto: Compile Chromium Browser on Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala
  3. Howto: Fix Alert/System Beep in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala
  4. Howto: Fix ATI Video Playback
  5. Howto: Fix Ubuntu 9.04 ATI Driver Issues
  • Watson

    When I tried to open the link, I got this error:
    Error: Dependency is not satisfiable: libqt4-dbus (>= 4.4.3)

  • Watson

    When I tried to open the link, I got this error:
    Error: Dependency is not satisfiable: libqt4-dbus (>= 4.4.3)

  • Watson

    In the terminal, I type
    apt-get update
    apt-get upgrade
    Then I double click on the package again. the package appears to install, without the Dependency error. But after that , I still cant find the Skype icon to start Skype

    • http://friendlytechninja.vndv.com/ Jonathan

      I’m assuming that running the updates manager and installing all the updates fixed the dependency problem you were having. Now seeing as you said everything install fine no errors no nothing and you still can’t find a launcher try typing skype into your terminal and see if that does anything. If it install correctly if should launch Skype. Hope this works for you.

  • Watson

    In the terminal, I type
    apt-get update
    apt-get upgrade
    Then I double click on the package again. the package appears to install, without the Dependency error. But after that , I still cant find the Skype icon to start Skype

    • http://friendlytechninja.vndv.com Jonathan

      I’m assuming that running the updates manager and installing all the updates fixed the dependency problem you were having. Now seeing as you said everything install fine no errors no nothing and you still can’t find a launcher try typing skype into your terminal and see if that does anything. If it install correctly if should launch Skype. Hope this works for you.

  • louis

    Installed “8.10 32 bit” without problem on 9.10 but mic was defaulted to mute. To fix: Right click on speaker icon, click “input,” uncheck mute and move input level to unamplified mark.

  • louis

    Installed “8.10 32 bit” without problem on 9.10 but mic was defaulted to mute. To fix: Right click on speaker icon, click “input,” uncheck mute and move input level to unamplified mark.

  • George

    Please explain where I can find the terminal that Watson referrs to above

    • Daak

      George: Application/Accessories/Terminal

      The terminal is used to provide direct access to Linux (without the graphics)
      those two commands are equivalent to
      System/Administration/Update Manager
      and making sure all of your packages are up to date
      (Update manager uses apt-get.. “update” updates the list, and “upgrade” upgrades all packages from that list)

  • George

    Please explain where I can find the terminal that Watson referrs to above

    • Daak

      George: Application/Accessories/Terminal

      The terminal is used to provide direct access to Linux (without the graphics)
      those two commands are equivalent to
      System/Administration/Update Manager
      and making sure all of your packages are up to date
      (Update manager uses apt-get.. “update” updates the list, and “upgrade” upgrades all packages from that list)

  • http://rtalcott.blogspot.com/ rtalcott

    Installed it on 9.10 using the 8.10 deb…worked fine…pulse audio support etc.
    rt

  • http://rtalcott.blogspot.com/ rtalcott

    Installed it on 9.10 using the 8.10 deb…worked fine…pulse audio support etc.
    rt

  • Ralph

    Workaround is to open the properties in the sound recorder program and adjust the microphone volume. At least this worked for me on Ubuntu Karmic

  • Ralph

    Workaround is to open the properties in the sound recorder program and adjust the microphone volume. At least this worked for me on Ubuntu Karmic

  • Cry

    hi, it’s my first time on ubuntu,what is karmic kaola?? (n00b question)

    • Almaironn

      karmic koala is the name for 9.10 version of ubuntu ;)

  • Cry

    hi, it’s my first time on ubuntu,what is karmic kaola?? (n00b question)

    • Almaironn

      karmic koala is the name for 9.10 version of ubuntu ;)

  • http://avatar.sms-stars.info/ QFDaniel

    Actually,good post. thx

  • http://avatar.sms-stars.info/ QFDaniel

    Actually,good post. thx

  • Daz Watkins

    this worked a treat on the 9.10 netbook release thanks much

    samsung n130

  • Daz Watkins

    this worked a treat on the 9.10 netbook release thanks much

    samsung n130

  • Pingback: Quick Tip: Getting your mic working with alsamixer « Friendly Tech Ninja

  • http://www.cenit-del-petroleo.com/ zenit

    @Cry, Karmic Koala is the latest Ubuntu distribution also known as 9.10. (the previous one was Jaunty Jackalope, and the one before Hardy Heron)

  • http://www.cenit-del-petroleo.com zenit

    @Cry, Karmic Koala is the latest Ubuntu distribution also known as 9.10. (the previous one was Jaunty Jackalope, and the one before Hardy Heron)

  • david

    Karmic 64 bit
    I installed skype_intrepid 64bit but when I attempted to log in it simply “Aborted”. No other message even on terminal. No diagnostic. Nothing.

    # apt-get install libqt4-dbus

    solved the problem.

    I got the hint to do this from Watson’s post, but basically it was a guess.

  • david

    Karmic 64 bit
    I installed skype_intrepid 64bit but when I attempted to log in it simply “Aborted”. No other message even on terminal. No diagnostic. Nothing.

    # apt-get install libqt4-dbus

    solved the problem.

    I got the hint to do this from Watson’s post, but basically it was a guess.

  • GiTz

    I have a problem on this, while I run the .deb file… the message is : Error: Dependency is not satisfiable: libqt4-dbus (>= 4.4.3)

    • Julio Lozano

      the same error Dependency is not satisfiable: libqt4-dbus (>= 4.4.3) how can we resolve this?

  • GiTz

    I have a problem on this, while I run the .deb file… the message is : Error: Dependency is not satisfiable: libqt4-dbus (>= 4.4.3)

    • Julio Lozano

      the same error Dependency is not satisfiable: libqt4-dbus (>= 4.4.3) how can we resolve this?

  • Jose

    Todo perfecto…download Skype from:

    http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/linux/choose/

    It’s works!!!

    I used ubuntu 8.10- 32 to Karmic.

  • Jose

    Todo perfecto…download Skype from:

    http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/linux/choose/

    It’s works!!!

    I used ubuntu 8.10- 32 to Karmic.

  • Matt Van Aardt

    please help!!! trying to install skype into Ubuntu 9.04. it says it cant open the file, needs permission. I have full administrator rights. Or it says its corrupt??

  • Matt Van Aardt

    please help!!! trying to install skype into Ubuntu 9.04. it says it cant open the file, needs permission. I have full administrator rights. Or it says its corrupt??

  • ghadi

    just update the ubuntu and restart then it will work 100%

  • ghadi

    just update the ubuntu and restart then it will work 100%

  • Des

    Completely useless article. The problem we have is:
    Dependency is not satisfiable: libqt4-dbus (>= 4.4.3) – i.e. NO ON-SCREEN PROMPT TO FOLLOW!!! asswhole

  • Des

    Completely useless article. The problem we have is:
    Dependency is not satisfiable: libqt4-dbus (>= 4.4.3) – i.e. NO ON-SCREEN PROMPT TO FOLLOW!!! asswhole