Friendly Tech Ninja Linux how-to's for beginners

Howto: Install Skype on Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

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.