Ekiga on Ubuntu

Ekiga Softphone is the default choice for Ubuntu 9.04.  This is easy to set up and can save you a lot of money by using it.  This is especially a useful tool if you have broadband access to the Internet. Here is a step-by-step approach to setting up your phone.

Skype or Ekiga
Which is better? Well I tested both and here are my impressions of using each. The first thing you need to do is try it yourself as that will be an important aspect.

Ekiga
The biggest thing I like about Ekiga was that it was the default and I assumed as a result that it would be the easiest to get going.  Well…it wasn’t. The software install with about 8 steps instead of the 3 steps with Skype. That was one thing I didn’t like as it provided more opportunity for error and then trying to find the error was even more complex. However, the biggest problem I had was trying to get my hardware to be consistent. Yep, I would turn it off and find it did not work when I wanted to use it again.

Compare Skype and Ekiga
Skype Tutorial
Ekiga Tutorial

First, it is important to get your self a good headset with a good microphone as this is very important in the quality of your sound.

Start the set up process by going to Applications/Internet/ Ekiga Softphone.  The Configuration Assistant will help you through the process.

Enter your first and last name so that you set up an account.

You will want to set up an account with ekiga so that you can use the phone.  It is an simple process of providing your name, timezone, username and password.

Take the information that you created in the account to add into your Ekiga set up.  Or choose not to create an account.

Be sure to select the connection to the Internet that you have as the faster the connection will determine what codecs will be available to work with your sound system.

Choose your audio devices...you may need to test these to get the right settings.

My system has HDA Intel as the sound system.  The other choice was to use Default.  The Default is certainly what you what to try first so that you have a base to start from.

The video manager is for you webcam when you want to use it.  Again, take the recommended settings before you get excited about changing them.

That's it.

Test the setup by going to the suggested phone address and testing your microphone and speakers. If that works OK you are set.  Now call your friends!!!