Skype

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= Skype = ||<tablestyle="float:right; font-size: 0.9em; width:30%; background:#F1F1ED; margin: 0 0 1em 1em;" style="padding:0.5em;">'''Contents'''[[BR]][[TableOfContents(3)]]||
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Skype allows you to talk to other people. Technically, it's a proprietary, multi-user, peer-to-peer, voice-over-IP, buzz-word compliant media communication application, supplied as a binary package. Also it seems to ''just work'' and a huge number of other people have found this too. === Skype Internet Telephony ===
  With Skype software, you can talk over the internet using your computer. Skype uses decentralized peer-to-peer technologies, so your calls do not go through a central server, it uses its own proprietary communication protocol to achieve this. In addition, all communications are encrypted so others cannot listen in. The Skype software is free to use, but it is not free software; the source code is proprietary and not available for modification.
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== Good News ==   General information about Skype is on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype Wikipedia]. The official Skype website is http://www.skype.com.
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 The newest binary packages from Skype work out of the box.
 See the SkypeHowto for more information.		 === The Problem ===
  There are a few different aspects to the problem:
   1. Skype is not available in any Ubuntu software repository, and therefore cannot be installed with Ubuntu's package management software (such as {{{Synaptic}}} and {{{apt-get}}}).
   1. On some systems, the Skype application can only be used for one call each time it is run due to an issue with GNOME's Enlightened Sound Daemon (ESD).
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== Older versions == === The Solution ===
  Several workarounds exist, but the easiest way to get Skype running on Ubuntu is to use the Debian .deb package available from [http://www.skype.com/products/skype/linux/ Skype].
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 Save http://www.paul.sladen.org/debian/skype/skype_1.2.0.17-1-fixed1_i386.deb
 {{{
sudo dpkg -i ~/Desktop/skype_1.2.0.17-1-fixed1_i386.deb
sudo apt-get -f install}}}		   Links to detailed information about Skype issues on Ubuntu can be found in the ''Resources '' section below.
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I''f you use this package, you may get an error message(dependency problems prevent configuration of skype) However the next time you open Synaptic Package Manager it will give you the opportunity to "Fix Broken Packages." This will correct the needed files, and Skype will work.''   General information about Skype is on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype Wikipedia]. The official Skype website is http://www.skype.com
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''Or'', if you'd prefer to add a line to `/etc/apt/sources.list` or a repositery through Synaptic, it is: == Installing Skype ==
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 {{{
deb http://www.paul.sladen.org/debian all skype}}}		  1. Add the skype repository: {{{deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free}}}
 2. Reload or update the package information
 3. Install the {{{skype}}} package.
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 {{{
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install skype}}}		 == Running Skype ==
  To start Skype, choose '''Applications->Internet->Skype'''. It usually takes a minute or two for Skype to get started, and you will think that nothing is happening, so be patient.
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== Background ==   When the Skype window finally opens, sign up (if necessary) and log in to your Skype account. Test your configuration by selecting the {{{Echo / Sound Test Service}}} contact (if not there already, add contact {{{echo123}}}) and clicking on the large green button at the bottom of the Skype window. If the connection is made and you hear a voice, your sound configuration is fine. If you cannot hear a voice, see the troublshooting section below.
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''The above is all the information you need, this is just for the curious, or the good people at Skype if they want to know how to fix their package!'' == Troubleshooting Skype ==
  If you are having audio problems, first check to make sure that sound is working on your system and that your microphone and speaker volume levels are high enough. If that does not work, then try changing the Skype audio device, and finally, if all else fails, modify your ESD configuration.
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Skype put a dependency in on a CVS package that is actually called `libqt3-mt`. The following 1 line patch/change was made to the `control` file: === Audio Problems ===
==== 1. Volume Levels ====
   1. Test that output is working with the {{{Sound Preferences}}} dialog. Choose '''System->Preferences->Sound'''.
   1. Test that microphone input is working with the {{{Sound Recorder}}} application. Choose '''Applications->Sound & Video->Sound Recorder'''.
   1. Ensure that your audio output and microphone input channels are not muted by choosing '''Applications->Sound & Video->Volume Control'''.
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  * http://www.paul.sladen.org/debian/skype/skype_1.2.0.17-1-fixed1_i386.deb.patch ==== 2. Skype Audio Device ====
  If your audio levels are properly configured and you can hear audio in Skype but your contacts cannot hear your input, you may need to change Skype's input device. From the Skype menu, choose '''Tools->Options''' and select {{{Hand/Headsets}}} in the dialog that opens. Experiment with different {{{Calls}}} selections, if they are available.
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=== Known Bug ===
Sometimes, after installing Skype, the following error appears when trying to call or receive call
"Problem with sound device"		 ==== 3. ESD Configuration ====
  A problem with the GNOME ESD (Enlightened Sound Daemon) server may cause issues with Skype for some users. If Skype is unable to make or recieve calls and continuously crashes, then a small change to the ESD configuration may help. Run:
  {{{
  sudo gedit /etc/esound/esd.conf
  }}}
  and change the line:
  {{{
  auto_spawn=0
  }}}
  to:
  {{{
  auto_spawn=1
  }}}
  
  Log out and back in to restart ESD, and test Skype again as above. It is likely that this solution will only work if Skype is the only application using audio. You will not be able to play music while using Skype, and you will not be able to use Skype while playing music.
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The reason of that is perfectly explained over [http://juljas.net/linux/skype/ here], and the workaround is running [http://alsa.opensrc.org/OssEmulation Oss simulation in Alsa]   For more setup information, see the skype website article [http://www.skype.com/help/guides/soundsetup_linux.html Skype Sound and Audio Set-Up - PC Running Linux].

==== 4. ALSA Configuration ====

  Enabling ALSA gives you the choice to workaround some Skype issues: The present Skype Linux release (1.2.0.18) uses OSS sound, which means it allows '''only one application to access sound device'''. On some systems, OSS is not even used by default, which means you won't be able to select the OSS sound device ('''/dev/dsp''') at all, because it does not exist. Worse off, it has a bug that makes Skype '''unusable after a call'''. Sometimes a few calls can be made, before it happens, but later only solution is to restart Skype. Technically it seems that Skype "forgets" to close the sound device before trying to open it again and therefore locks up. This seems to happen when '''you''' are the first to hang up and not when the other party hangs up first, so a workaround is to just wait at the end of a call and let the other party finish first.

  To avoid these issues, you can use ALSA instead of ESD. First, follow the guidelines found in [http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=32063]. Then follow up with [http://juljas.net/linux/skype/]. Good luck!

===== 4.1 Another possible solution for software mixing =====

  If none of the other options works, try this one (it's working on a HP Pavilion dv1000). Taken from http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?t=48195

  Create or add the following to your .asoundrc file.
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aoss skype }}} gedit ~.asoundrc
}}}
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  Add the following text to it
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==== AMD64 ====
If you are running skype from a 32bit chroot, the aoss workaround may not work. If that is the case, try installing the [http://195.38.3.142:6502/skype/ Skype DSP Hijacker] which may solve your problems. Another alternative is to use an older version of Skype such as [http://download.skype.com/linux/skype_1.1.0.20-1_i386.deb] which does not have this bug.		 {{{
pcm.skype {
   type asym
   playback.pcm "skypeout"
   capture.pcm "skypein"
}

pcm.skypein {
   # Convert from 8-bit unsigned mono (default format set by aoss when
   # /dev/dsp is opened) to 16-bit signed stereo (expected by dsnoop)
   #
   # We can't just use a "plug" plugin because although the open will
   # succeed, the buffer sizes will be wrong and we'll hear no sound at
   # all.
   type route
   slave {
      pcm "skypedsnoop"
      format S16_LE
   }
   ttable {
      0 {0 0.5}
      1 {0 0.5}
   }
}

pcm.skypeout {
   # Just pass this on to the system dmix
   type plug
   slave {
      pcm "dmix"
   }
}

pcm.skypedsnoop {
   type dsnoop
   ipc_key 1133
   slave {
      # "Magic" buffer values to get skype audio to work
      # If these are not set, opening /dev/dsp succeeds but no sound
      # will be heard. According to the alsa developers this is due
      # to skype abusing the OSS API.
      pcm "hw:0,0"
      period_size 256
      periods 16
      buffer_size 16384
   }
   bindings {
      0 0
   }
}
}}}

  Create a skype launcher (in this example is going to be at your home directory).

{{{
gedit ~/skype.sh
}}}

  add the following text

{{{
#/usr/bin/sh

ALSA_OSS_PCM_DEVICE="skype" aoss /usr/bin/skype --disable-dbus
}}}

  Give skype.sh execution rights by browsing with nautilus over there, right click on the file, go to Properties, go to Permissions tab, and select "Execute" for the user.

  Double click on the file and you should be done.

=== Communication/SkypeOut Troubleshooting ===

  If you encounter problems like Skype hanging (requiring killing the process through ('''System Tools->System Monitor''') and if Skype is unable to dial out via Skype''''''Out, you should uninstall the 'gnomemeeting' package via the Package Manager.

== Display configuration ==
  Because Skype is a KDE application, Skype's typeface will appear very large on GNOME desktops. You can use either the {{{kcontrol}}} or the {{{qt3-qtconfig}}} package to configure the appearance of Skype and other KDE/QT applications. Of these two, the QT Configurator ({{{qt3-qtconfig}}}) has far fewer dependencies than {{{kcontrol}}} and may therefore be more convenient for people who mostly use non-KDE software. See also QtGnome for how to make Skype (and other Qt applications) look more like Gnome.

 * A quick fix, without installing any configuration packages at all, is to make a file '''{{{qtrc}}}''' in your '''{{{$HOME/.qt}}}''' directory, and put these two lines in it:
  {{{
  [General]
  font=Bitstream Vera Sans Mono,9,-1,5,50,0,0,0,0,0
  }}}

 * You can start QT Configurator with the "{{{qtconfig}}}" command. On the "Fonts" tab, choosing Font Family ''Sans Serif'' and Point Size 10 will give something that resembles Ubuntu's GNOME desktop.

 * If you install the {{{kcontrol}}} package, you may run it by entering '''{{{kcontrol}}}''' into the {{{Applications/Run Application...}}} prompt. Expand the {{{Appearance & Themes}}} menu and select {{{Fonts}}}. Press {{{Adjust All Fonts}}} and select {{{Size}}}. Lower this value to your preference (size 10 or 11 is usually satisfactory). Press {{{OK}}} and {{{Apply}}} and exit the KDE Control Center.

attachment:kcontrol.png

== Resources ==
 * The Skype homepage http://www.skype.com/
 * Skype article on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype
 * The Skype forum, a good source of info on Skype and troubleshooting too
 http://forum.skype.com/
 * A discussion on Skype forum of the dependency problem
 http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?t=38474&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
 * A discussion on Ubuntu forum of the dependency problem
  http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=81831
 * A description of and workaround for the sound problem: http://juljas.net/linux/skype/. Note that this solution requires you to compile a C program.
 * Skype takes a long time to load? (change command to "skype --disable-dbus") http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?t=47838
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CategoryCleanup CategoryDocumentation

Skype Internet Telephony

  • With Skype software, you can talk over the internet using your computer. Skype uses decentralized peer-to-peer technologies, so your calls do not go through a central server, it uses its own proprietary communication protocol to achieve this. In addition, all communications are encrypted so others cannot listen in. The Skype software is free to use, but it is not free software; the source code is proprietary and not available for modification.

    General information about Skype is on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype Wikipedia]. The official Skype website is http://www.skype.com.

The Problem

  • There are a few different aspects to the problem:

    1. Skype is not available in any Ubuntu software repository, and therefore cannot be installed with Ubuntu's package management software (such as Synaptic and apt-get).

    2. On some systems, the Skype application can only be used for one call each time it is run due to an issue with GNOME's Enlightened Sound Daemon (ESD).

The Solution

Installing Skype

  1. Add the skype repository: deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free

  2. Reload or update the package information

  3. Install the skype package.

Running Skype

  • To start Skype, choose Applications->Internet->Skype. It usually takes a minute or two for Skype to get started, and you will think that nothing is happening, so be patient.

    When the Skype window finally opens, sign up (if necessary) and log in to your Skype account. Test your configuration by selecting the Echo / Sound Test Service contact (if not there already, add contact echo123) and clicking on the large green button at the bottom of the Skype window. If the connection is made and you hear a voice, your sound configuration is fine. If you cannot hear a voice, see the troublshooting section below.

Troubleshooting Skype

  • If you are having audio problems, first check to make sure that sound is working on your system and that your microphone and speaker volume levels are high enough. If that does not work, then try changing the Skype audio device, and finally, if all else fails, modify your ESD configuration.

Audio Problems

1. Volume Levels

  1. Test that output is working with the Sound Preferences dialog. Choose System->Preferences->Sound.

  2. Test that microphone input is working with the Sound Recorder application. Choose Applications->Sound & Video->Sound Recorder.

  3. Ensure that your audio output and microphone input channels are not muted by choosing Applications->Sound & Video->Volume Control.

2. Skype Audio Device

  • If your audio levels are properly configured and you can hear audio in Skype but your contacts cannot hear your input, you may need to change Skype's input device. From the Skype menu, choose Tools->Options and select Hand/Headsets in the dialog that opens. Experiment with different Calls selections, if they are available.

3. ESD Configuration

  • A problem with the GNOME ESD (Enlightened Sound Daemon) server may cause issues with Skype for some users. If Skype is unable to make or recieve calls and continuously crashes, then a small change to the ESD configuration may help. Run: 
      sudo gedit /etc/esound/esd.conf
    and change the line: 
      auto_spawn=0
    to: 
      auto_spawn=1
    Log out and back in to restart ESD, and test Skype again as above. It is likely that this solution will only work if Skype is the only application using audio. You will not be able to play music while using Skype, and you will not be able to use Skype while playing music.

    For more setup information, see the skype website article [http://www.skype.com/help/guides/soundsetup_linux.html Skype Sound and Audio Set-Up - PC Running Linux].

4. ALSA Configuration

  • Enabling ALSA gives you the choice to workaround some Skype issues: The present Skype Linux release (1.2.0.18) uses OSS sound, which means it allows only one application to access sound device. On some systems, OSS is not even used by default, which means you won't be able to select the OSS sound device (/dev/dsp) at all, because it does not exist. Worse off, it has a bug that makes Skype unusable after a call. Sometimes a few calls can be made, before it happens, but later only solution is to restart Skype. Technically it seems that Skype "forgets" to close the sound device before trying to open it again and therefore locks up. This seems to happen when you are the first to hang up and not when the other party hangs up first, so a workaround is to just wait at the end of a call and let the other party finish first.

    To avoid these issues, you can use ALSA instead of ESD. First, follow the guidelines found in [http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=32063]. Then follow up with [http://juljas.net/linux/skype/]. Good luck!

4.1 Another possible solution for software mixing

gedit ~.asoundrc
  • Add the following text to it 

pcm.skype {
   type asym
   playback.pcm "skypeout"
   capture.pcm "skypein"
}

pcm.skypein {
   # Convert from 8-bit unsigned mono (default format set by aoss when
   # /dev/dsp is opened) to 16-bit signed stereo (expected by dsnoop)
   #
   # We can't just use a "plug" plugin because although the open will
   # succeed, the buffer sizes will be wrong and we'll hear no sound at
   # all.
   type route
   slave {
      pcm "skypedsnoop"
      format S16_LE
   }
   ttable {
      0 {0 0.5}
      1 {0 0.5}
   }
}

pcm.skypeout {
   # Just pass this on to the system dmix
   type plug
   slave {
      pcm "dmix"
   }
}

pcm.skypedsnoop {
   type dsnoop
   ipc_key 1133
   slave {
      # "Magic" buffer values to get skype audio to work
      # If these are not set, opening /dev/dsp succeeds but no sound
      # will be heard. According to the alsa developers this is due
      # to skype abusing the OSS API.
      pcm "hw:0,0"
      period_size 256
      periods 16
      buffer_size 16384
   }
   bindings {
      0 0
   }
}
  • Create a skype launcher (in this example is going to be at your home directory). 

gedit ~/skype.sh
  • add the following text 

#/usr/bin/sh

ALSA_OSS_PCM_DEVICE="skype" aoss /usr/bin/skype --disable-dbus
  • Give skype.sh execution rights by browsing with nautilus over there, right click on the file, go to Properties, go to Permissions tab, and select "Execute" for the user. Double click on the file and you should be done.

Communication/SkypeOut Troubleshooting

  • If you encounter problems like Skype hanging (requiring killing the process through (System Tools->System Monitor) and if Skype is unable to dial out via SkypeOut, you should uninstall the 'gnomemeeting' package via the Package Manager.

Display configuration

  • Because Skype is a KDE application, Skype's typeface will appear very large on GNOME desktops. You can use either the kcontrol or the qt3-qtconfig package to configure the appearance of Skype and other KDE/QT applications. Of these two, the QT Configurator (qt3-qtconfig) has far fewer dependencies than kcontrol and may therefore be more convenient for people who mostly use non-KDE software. See also QtGnome for how to make Skype (and other Qt applications) look more like Gnome.

  • A quick fix, without installing any configuration packages at all, is to make a file qtrc in your $HOME/.qt directory, and put these two lines in it: 

    •   [General]
  font=Bitstream Vera Sans Mono,9,-1,5,50,0,0,0,0,0

  • You can start QT Configurator with the "qtconfig" command. On the "Fonts" tab, choosing Font Family Sans Serif and Point Size 10 will give something that resembles Ubuntu's GNOME desktop.

  • If you install the kcontrol package, you may run it by entering kcontrol into the Applications/Run Application... prompt. Expand the Appearance & Themes menu and select Fonts. Press Adjust All Fonts and select Size. Lower this value to your preference (size 10 or 11 is usually satisfactory). Press OK and Apply and exit the KDE Control Center.

attachment:kcontrol.png

Resources

CategoryDocumentation

Skype (last edited 2008-08-06 16:26:53 by localhost)