How to install Skype for Ubuntu, Pinguy OS, Linux Mint, Elementary OS, LXLE

    With the recent release of Skype 4.3, the Skype client has got an improved user interface along with supported Cloud based Group Chat and enhanced file transfer support. What’s more is PulseAudio 3.0 and 4.0 are supported while Alsa support has been cut off. There is improved accessibility for the visually challenged user.

    For Ubuntu, LXLE and Pinguy 14.04, Linux Mint 17 and Elementary OS 0.3

    To install Skype 4.3 on various operating systems you have to first uninstall any previous version of Skype and make sure you have the deb package from Skype as the Canonical Partner repository has not yet added it:

    $ sudo apt-get remove skype skype-bin:i386 skype:i386

    Ensure the app indicator is working:

    $ sudo apt-get install sni-qt:i386

    Here are the instructions for installing Skype 4.3 on a 32 bit system:

    Download the deb package and get it installed through the gdebi:

    $ sudo apt-get install gdebi

    $ wget download.skype.com/linux/skype-ubuntu-precise_4.3.0.37-1_i386.deb

    $ sudo gdebi skype-ubuntu-precise_4.3.0.37-1_i386.deb

    Now for a 64 bit system

    Add the full i386 architecture to update the local repository index and get all the 32 bit libraries for Skype. Then download and install the deb package, again with the gdebi:

    $ sudo dpkg –add-architecture i386

    $ sudo apt-get update

    $ sudo apt-get install gdebi

    $ wget download.skype.com/linux/skype-ubuntu-precise_4.3.0.37-1_i386.deb

    $ sudo gdebi skype-ubuntu-precise_4.3.0.37-1_i386.deb

    On the 64 bit Ubuntu version Skype might be using the Clearlooks theme instead of Ambiance. If you want to change the theme back to the Ambiance default for Ubuntu, you need to get Murrine and Pixmap engines installed. Here is how:

    $ sudo apt-get install gtk2-engines-murrine:i386

    $ sudo apt-get install gtk2-engines-pixbuf:i386

    For Ubuntu 13.10, Pinguy and Ubuntu 12.04, Linux Mint 13 and 16 and Elementary OS 0.2

    For a 32 bit system, same as mentioned above.

    For a 64 bit system, follow the last 3 steps for 64 bits above.

    Finally, start Skype and check the Agree to terms button.