Install and Configure Skype on Ubuntu 8.04

 Skype Install
I found the easiest was to install from the command line.  There are three commands that you must use to install skype correctly. Yes...I tried a number of other things that just did not work but these were a dream to get it going.

 sudo apt-get install libqt4-gui
wget -c -O /tmp/skype.deb http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu
sudo dpkg -i /tmp/skype.deb

Skype
My biggest complaint about Skype was that the website seemed to indicate that there was not current version for Ubuntu 8.04. That always makes me nervous as I like to keep version matching not having to go back to the Ubuntu 7.10 version. It almost looks on the Skype site that it is not kept up well, again an indication that there business model is not working as well as they liked. However, despite these issues Skype was dead easy to set up and get going. And I had no problems with my hardware acting up.

Compare Skype and Ekiga
Skype Tutorial
Ekiga Tutorial

Skype Configuration

Skype configuration was easier than the standard Ekiga Softphone.   Once installed access Skype by going to Applications/Internet/Skype.  Agree to the license.

Create an account.  Be sure to use a real email.

Test your call with your microphone and headset.

Your set.  Once you have the test call OK you can call.

Skype on AMD 64 -bit System

The only way I can see to get this to work is to install the 3-bit libraries.

sudo apt-get install ia32-libs lib32asound2

Download the software.
wget -O skype-install.deb http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu

Unfortunately you will need to force the install.  This is not the best option by any means, you should know there is some risk,....be sure you have a backup.

sudo dpkg -i --force-all skype-install.deb