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[Atif]

**UPDATE** These instructions are for installing a version of skype WITHOUT video chat.  I am still working getting that version to work on the XO, please see post #2 in this thread.

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The instructions are below and assume you have some knowledge and comfort with starting a terminal through the Sugar UI and then typing in varous linux commands. *NOTE* The terminal activity is on the second page of activities and is a box with a "$_" in it.


To install skype, start a terminal and to become super user enter:

su

Then to install a library skype will need enter:

yum install libsigc++20

Then to get the skype install files (the linux static version) enter:

wget http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-static

Then to untar it type: (BUT SEE HINT BELOW)

tar xvf skype_static-1.4.0.118.tar.bz2

*HINT* you can just type in "tar xvf sky" but DO NOT press enter but instead press and hold down "control" and then at press "tab" and it will auto fill in the rest for you.  Then press enter.

cd skype_static-<version>

*HINT* again just type in "cd sky" and then press "control tab" to have it autofill in the rest

mkdir /usr/share/skype

cp -a * /usr/share/skype/

cd /usr/share/skype/

mv skype /usr/bin/

mv skype.conf /etc/dbus-1/system.d/

So you should be all set now.  Remember you are still super user, so I suggest killing/stopping your terminal, then starting it again.

At the prompt just type "skype" and give it a good 10-15 seconds to start-up.
It seems to be working pretty well for me, but I am using it at home with a full wifi-signal.

You will notice that the formating/font is a little off.  For instance to get to the main skype menu you have to hit the TEENY TINY little blue skype icon in the lower left hand corner.  Also note that RIGHT click (which is the "0" track pad button) is used.  In the middle of you screen should be your contacts.  To call one you put the mouse over the name with the track pad and then RIGHT click....

If you have used skype before this version will be easy to get use to.  If you are BRAND NEW to skype I would recommend using it on a laptop or desktop first just to get use to using skype.

So far I've only called other skype users, I haven't tried to skype-out.  This version does NOT support video, there IS a beta version for linux that does (version 2.0) but I'll probably wait until it is NOT beta before trying it.  I am not too confident as the little XO seems to have issues with video.  Who knows it could surprise us all...

I'm also unsure if it support skypecasts, I've found links that seem to indicate it does:

https://developer.skype.com/Docs/ApiDoc/Skype_API_on_Linux

But I do see it, but right now skype on my windows xp laptop says that the skypecast server is down. So who knows....

[N. Holzschuch]

Hi,
this is great!

It would be even better to have Skype 2 working, as it includes the video calls.

By installing libXss (yum install libXScrnSaver), I was able to start skype version 2, and it does recognize the video camera.

However, the good news stop here: the audio did not work (even though it worked with version 1) and Skype could not get input from the video camera.

Oh, well... I reinstalled version 1.

[Atif]

It would be even better to have Skype 2 working, as it includes the video calls.

By installing libXss (yum install libXScrnSaver), I was able to start skype version 2, and it does recognize the video camera.

However, the good news stop here: the audio did not work (even though it worked with version 1) and Skype could not get input from the video camera.

Thanks for posting this info! I was tempted to try installing the beta of version 2 this weekend but now I know to wait.  I do have hopes that when it is out of beta, the release version might work.  I wonder if it is worth reporting your results to skype in the hopes that they will make sure it works on the XO.  Before they might not have cared, but with success of g1g1, maybe they will?


***UPDATE REGARDING VIDEO CHAT***
Just a quick update....I'm still working on the skype issue...

I've gotten the latest version of skype (the version with video) "working" on the XO.

I say "working" because you can't CALL the XO, BUT the XO can initiate a call.  Once a call is established the XO can RECEIVE the other person's video but can not SEND video...  Still working on it...  This aspect is frustrating because the older version of skype did calls without any problems.

Be forewarned that the received video was a little jerky....but not horrible, but not as smooth as I've seen Skype working on window's machines....

[toad]

atif:

I got stuck on the cp -a* /usr/share/skype/   line of code,  cp: invalid option

have any ideas?

toady

[Atif]

I got stuck on the cp -a* /usr/share/skype/   line of code,  cp: invalid option

There is a SPACE between the "a" and the "*" and another between the "*' and the "/usr/share/skype/"

For people new to linux, "cp" is a command, it is short for "copy" and "-a" is an option for the command.  Usually each command can have many different options.  For this option it expects a path to a directory so that is what the "/usr/share..." is about.

[toad]

Atif replied:

Oh... it is hard to tell but there is a SPACE between the "a" and the "*" and another space between the "*" and the "/"

 

[eden]

  Atif, you are a genius!  It works!  Thank you very much! 

[Atif]

Atif, you are a genius!  It works!  Thank you very much! 

Oh wow! Thanks, that makes my day!  How is the sound quality? In testing with other people they said I don't sound quite as good as from my regular laptop...but still pretty good, definitely good enough for a conversation

[Atif]

sorry, but a post here by mistake, was meant for another forum.

[eden]

Oh wow! Thanks, that makes my day!  How is the sound quality? In testing with other people they said I don't sound quite as good as from my regular laptop...but still pretty good, definitely good enough for a conversation

I tried it with just the built-in mic and speakers and made a Skype-out call overseas.  I have a broadband internet connection at home.  The person I called said I sounded just fine, a little like being on speakerphone.  It sounded like that to me too.

[N. Holzschuch]

Thanks for posting this info! I was tempted to try installing the beta of version 2 this weekend but now I know to wait.  I do have hopes that when it is out of beta, the release version might work.

You're welcome.

You can still try and install version 2, maybe you'll have more luck than me.

I don't think the issues are with the beta version, more likely drivers. I thought I could try installing a newer version of the audio library, to get the audio working (they say they need libasound2 1.0.12). As for the video... it would be nice to have another Activity working with the video, may be there are some security/activation issues. It's strange how the application seems to be communicating with the camera, only not getting the video out of it.

[toad]

I installed skype tonight.  I think that all the problems I had were due to the small keyboard.  I made a very small keystroke error and It did not install correctly.

finally, the wifi and slow processing made the connection acceptable, but not as good as my laptop.

I will check my wifi connection and report back, but it DOES WORK ! ! ! !

Thanks to guys like Atif, OLPC will be a success in the USA, we all need help program this unit to suit our needs.

But please realize that this XO was not meant for SKYPE, it works ! !

Take it for what it is worth.  It is just fine.  Do not try and launch your home grown space shuttle project with this system, just learn linux and enjoy it.

I do.

toady

[N. Holzschuch]

But please realize that this XO was not meant for SKYPE, it works ! !

I actually think that Skype, or any form of free video conferencing with "ordinary" computers, is going to be one of the most important uses of the XOs outside the classroom.

I'm thinking of migrant workers, whose families stayed at home. Internet cafés (and other forms of cheap telecommunications) already exist in large numbers, both in areas where migrant workers live and in the areas where they come from, as soon as there exist a minimal infrastructure.

[toad]

Holzchuch

have you tried to make a video yet?

I will use skype and not complain, but audio quality just ok.  My test call did not get a good review from my friend -- I told him to stop whining 

I made a video and the play back is not so hot.

I can't image a video skype call on this thing, but who wants to see my toady face anyway??

Let me know what you think about my comments.  I think a lot of whiners are making too much of the downsides of this unit,, geez it is "a learning tool".  I would love to skype some of the students i know from my Peace Corps Village in the Congo wow wee that woud be grand.  I am with you! ! ! !  The possibilities are so exciting. 

My head is going pop off if I hear more whining from all the Space Shuttle nitwhits trying to use the XO's for things other than fun, and learning LINUX,among other things like math and grade school reading.

I sure hope you and I agree, that would be nice.  I think we do!!!

[Gollumer]

Try the Gizmo project.

It's more mature than skype for linux.

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