Skype 2.0 beta for Linux adds video, penguins dance with joy
I caught word of this the other day from Brad, but it’s now official. Well, as official as a beta can be anyway. Skype 2.0 for Linux brings the free communications software closer to parity with its Windows and Mac counterparts. The biggest addition, and one that Linux users have wanted for over a year or two, is support for video calls. When Brad told me about it, I gave it a go on the Eee and aside from manually having to start the webcam, the call quality was pretty good. James and I tested it yesterday afternoon and the only difference he saw was that my picture was a lower quality when compared to calls on a Mac or PC. That’s likely due to the meager .3-megapixel camera on the Eee more-so than any deficiency in Skype. Have at it mobile penguins, you can get the download right here.
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Not only was the call quality better but one of you looked quite decent! Now, if only you’d turned into a redhead.
What package manager did you use to install Skype. I think the readers would like to know how you installed the software.
John, I’m letting my hair grow but I’m not changing my name to Tricia McMillan. Sorry.
Josh, if you follow the link on a Linux machine you should be able to download and install the software just as you would for a PC or a Mac. There was no package repository, nor package manager required for my installation on the Eee PC.
Great progress Kevin. Can, or should, one try to install Microsoft One Note onto the Asus Eee? That’s the killer app and I hope Linux can accommodate. I’m not that worried about memory as a 4gb SD card in the slot can handle some extra applications.
I tried to install the new skype(with video) for linux on my brand new eee pc but it would not go. I am not that tech savvy and would really appreciate if anyone could post what steps i need to follow to do this. I appreciate any help i could get. Thank You :)