Installing Skype on Ubuntu

Skype is the audio/video communication software more widely used in all over the world. It use VoIP protocols for transmitting and receiving the information on the Internet, reducing the cost of calls, both domestic and international. It also has instant messaging features for sending text and files, and, in recent versions, the ability to manage video stream.
You only need a webcam in order to send your image in real time, to the contacts that you are calling, in a simple and free way.

If the Windows installation is not particularly difficult, for Ubuntu users the matter is a bit more complicated.

Installing through apt-get

Having an updated operating system, the faster method to be used is the software installation using apt-get, according to the following syntax:

sudo apt-get install skype

This will install the latest version available in the repository you enter in your system (or in the official repository).
At this point the software is ready to be used, although we not usually have installed the latest release issued by the owners of the software, and probably will not have the using of Webcam and the latest features.
You can start Skype from menu Applications > Internet

Installing through software package

If we would to have at our disposal the latest version of Skype being issued for Ubuntu, the only solution is to install a precompiled software package, downloaded directly from the official site, at www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-beta-ubuntu.
Here is the procedure:

1. Download the latest version and save it on the Desktop

2. double-click on the file skype-debian_X.X.X.XX-1_i386.deb (where Xstand for the version number), you have just downloaded

3. Select Install package button and follow the installation process until the end

Once you've executed this fast procedure, you can start Skype from menu Applicazioni > Internet and start your adventure on the border of telephony!