Skype 1.4 (Beta) on Debian Linux

First install some dependencies:

$ sudo apt-get install libqt4-core libqt4-gui

Then download Skype from http://www.skype.com/download/skype/linux/ and install it like this:

$ sudo dpkg --install skype-debian_1.4.0.99-1_i386.deb

If all goes well you can run Skype like this:

$ skype

You'll see a license agreement which you have to accept and then the Skype application.

If you don't have an account you'll need to sign up, otherwise enter your username and password and you are good to go.

If you have any problems check the terminal window you loaded Skype in for error messages. It is also worth loading the Gnome Sound Recorder and trying to record from the microphone to check your system is correctly recording and playing back sounds:

$ gnome-sound-recorder

Again, check the terminal window for any error messages. If sound recording isn't working you should load the Gnome Volume Control application to ensure that your microphone is on and that the volume on it is turned up. You can load it with Applications->Sound and Video->Volume Control.

I found I had to change devices to use the OSS mixer before Skype worked. You do this in the Volume Control application's menu. Chose File->Change Device.

Once sound is working correctly in Gnome, it is likely to work in Skype.

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