Hi,
I am new to Linux. With Mac and Windows the download pops an icon on the desktop and away you go. With my Linux system the download ended up in System Files as a series of 49 files. I have no idea if this is normal and where you go from here to get Skype up and running. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Skype say there is a system requirement for glibc2.3.3 and Qt 3.2 but this means nothing to me. Can anyone elucidate?
Finally, I did think of trying to uninstall the sytem files but a pop-up tells me this is not allowed. Can anyone show me how to delete the files as I am loathe to try any alternatives (eg "static" download) before clearing out the existing files.
Many thanks for any assistance.
jeff

Hi --

I am anything but a computer guru, but perhaps for that reason it is easy for me to understand what you are going through. My first question would be, what operating system are you using? I would suggest using Ubuntu because it makes an effort to be user friendly and is very easy to install. So if you are just getting stated, it might be worth putting up Ubuntu in place of a more generic system.

When you download skype you should, of course, pick one of the Linux versions. I think it will give you a chance to save it somewhere. I usually either just save it to the desktop, or make a folder for it that is easy to access. Then you need to navigate to where you put the file in the terminal and type a command to install it. Depending on your type of Linux there may be a few variations on this, but none of them are difficult. I would go here for very clear instructions:

http://www.newlinuxuser.com/howto-install-...rce-code-files/

Another little tip -- it is amazing how often you can get the help you need by just typing in your concern in Google. Like "How to open a deb file," or whatever.

I am not a technical type at all but have learned to find my way around the Linux world. Good luck.

jedson3320

Hi jedson3320,
Good of you to respond on my query. As a newcomer to Linux I was a bit sceptical about the usefulness of the "communuty" but I am finding it very helpful and not the least sniffy towards newcomers. A local firm that helps on Linux gave the same excellent advice as yourself but I am afraid they hit the same problem. We did, as you say, wipe the Windows O/S off a Sony laptop and installed Ubuntu but could not persuade the Skype(for Ubuntu) download to install. The Skype helpline sent a long page of detailed technical instructions but I was getting uncomfortable about the generous amount of free time the local people were giving me on this issue so we abandoned the quest for Skype.
Reverting to the eeePC which was where I originally encountered this problem, I believe the Acer Aspire One Linux version is a bit of a hybrid. Messenger is pre installed and works fine. Perhaps Skype will persuade Acer/Asus etc to pre-install Skype in the future. Meanwhile, I am back on the mobile phone.
Thankyou again for taking the time to respond.
jeff

You wrote:

Skype say there is a system requirement for glibc2.3.3 and Qt 3.2 but this means nothing to me. Can anyone elucidate?

Don't know if this will help your immediate problem, but there are two ways of installing the files they are saying you need (glibc and Qt). You can go to the synaptic program (find it by clicking the "system" button at the top bar -- and then the administration button). It will ask for your password, and then open to a long list of programs you can install. Scroll through them and you will find the files you need. If they are already installed it will show that. Or you can just go to a terminal, and sign in as administrator and type apt-get install <name of program>. To get to the administration mode, try typing "su". If that doesn't work (programs differ) just type "sudo" before the main command you want. Like so:
sudo apt-get install glibc (or whatever program you are wanting.) It will ask for your password and then execute the command.

The above are basic procedures that you will need from time to time.

As far as all that goes, you might just try going to the terminal and type this in:

sudo apt-get install skype

It will ask for your password and then I think it will just install skype.

Jim

Jim,
Well, I'm blessed! It works.
I found Terminal on the Acer eeePC (go to Documents, File, Terminal) and typed as you said and got "permission refused". However, when I just typed "skype" the usual Skype login window appeared and bingo it works.
You made my day, Jim.
My next challenge will be to find out if it is possible to make a shortcut to the Skype login window without having to go into the terminal. However, I know when I'm ahead so I will leave it until after a cup of tea. I have now learned about downloads and terminal.
Many thanks, Jim.
jeff

Jeff6, I am going to assume you are using Ubuntu. I have been successfully using Skype on Ubuntu and Suse for two years so it can be done and quite easily too. On the download page of Skype choose Ubuntu and you should get a pop up asking you where you want to save the file. More importantly make sure you are downloading the file with the .deb extension. After downloading right click the file and from the menu select "open with GDebi package installer". From the next pop up window you will be able to install the Skype program. If Gdebi fails because Skype has a couple of dependencies (requires other programs be installed first) and those you have listed: gcc and Qt, you can install those from the Synaptic Package Manager (System\Administration\Synaptic Package Manager. Search for the packages required and install them. Now go back to your downloaded Skype file and right click again and you should be able to install Skype.

punkybouy,
Thankyou for that. I am now up and working on the Sony. Sorry to be a drag. I keep making the mistake of thinking Windows. But Linux is beginning to sink in.
jeff

Another Good community forum that is great for helping with pretty much any Linux problem is

www.linuxquestions.org

And dont be affraid to take up our time....

if we diddnt want to help or we get fed up we simply stop answering!