14 DAY TRIAL // Skype for Linux is a video chat and voice call application made by Microsoft that happens to have a Linux build as well. Let's take a closer look at what Microsoft is doing for Linux users.
Believe it or not, but Skype for Linux has been around for more than a decade. This means that it was launched at a time when Linux and Windows were fighting tooth and nail, at least in the users' minds. In any case, Microsoft surprised everyone when they continued to support Skype for Linux after they bought it.
It's now at version 4.3.0 and a lot of features have been added over time. The application is present in all the major repositories, despite the fact that it's a proprietary application, albeit free to use. Microsoft has been providing updates for it, but they have slowed down the pace in the last couple of years. The 4.3 branch was released in 2014, and since then we have only received small updates for it.
Installation
I tested Skype for Linux in Ubuntu 15.10, and it worked just fine. You can find the application in the official repositories, so you can use the Ubuntu Software Center to install it. Since it's present in pretty much any repository out there, you'll be able to get this version quite easily.
It's also possible to download the latest version of Skype for Linux from Microsoft's website, where they provide packages for a number of Linux distributions. They are a little behind the times with listed OSes like Ubuntu 10.04, Fedora 16, or OpenSUSE 12.1.
In any case, it's worth pointing out only the 32-bit version of the OS is provided, but that shouldn't really be a problem. If you want to use the terminal, these are the commands you have to enter (root is needed):
sudo apt-get install -f
Usage
The interface of the Skype for Linux is pretty clear, and users shouldn't have a hard time figuring out how to use it. Like all other messengers, you need to already have people in the list and you can either call them, send text messages, or send files. It's also possible to send the contact list to a single user, which is a nice feature to add.
Skype also allows users to leave voice messages or to share the screen with other people. These are the kind of features you don't usually find in other messaging applications, and this takes us to one of the most important options.
Skype has support for paid calls to any part of the world, but you need to have money on your Skype account. This is actually a better feature than the regular video calls since the prices are usually rather good.
The application even comes with a lot of options in Preferences. Because this is proprietary code, it's hard to trust the security features, but they are there and it's possible to block incoming calls or allow only some specific users to make calls.
Skype for Linux can only be used to send SMS messages or apply call forwarding, but you have to keep in mind that these services will come at a cost.
