Comprehensive Guide: Installing Skype on Linux Mint

Introduction

Skype is one of the most popular communication platforms, owned by Microsoft. It provides a range of free features including audio/video calls, chat messaging, and file sharing. Many Linux users want to install Skype on distributions like Linux Mint for seamless communication across platforms.

This comprehensive guide will discuss multiple methods for installing Skype on Linux Mint 20 and provide expert advice for getting Skype up and running optimally.

Key Benefits of Using Skype on Linux Mint

Here are some of the advantages Skype brings once installed on Linux Mint:

• Free unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls
• End-to-end encryption for calls and chats
• Ability to call mobile phones and landlines (Skype Credit required)
• Multi-person video conferencing
• Instant messaging and file sharing capabilities
• Cross-platform synchronization across devices
• Screen sharing for presentations, collaboration
• Call recording and voicemail features

With its vast range of communication features, Skype integration brings Linux Mint closer to parity with proprietary operating systems when it comes to digital connectivity and productivity.

Prerequisites

Before installing Skype, some dependencies should be installed for a smooth experience:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install libasound2 libatk1.0-0 libc6 libcairo2 libcups2 libdbus-1-3 libexpat1 libfontconfig1 libgcc1 libgconf-2-4 libgdk-pixbuf2.0-0 libglib2.0-0 libgtk-3-0 libnspr4 libpango-1.0-0 libpangocairo-1.0-0 libstdc++6 libx11-6 libx11-xcb1 libxcb1 libxcomposite1 libxcursor1 libxdamage1 libxext6 libxfixes3 libxi6 libxrandr2 libxrender1 libxss1 libxtst6 lsb-release wget

This installs the necessary audio, graphics, and system libraries Skype depends on. wget is also installed to facilitate downloading Skype‘s deb package.

With prerequisites addressed, we can move on to the installation methods.

Method 1: Installing Deb Package (Recommended)

The easiest way to install Skype on Linux Mint is by using the official Skype deb package. Here are the step-by-step instructions for this method:

1. Open the terminal application on Linux Mint
2. Download the latest Skype deb package:

   wget https://repo.skype.com/latest/skypeforlinux-64.deb
   

3. Install the downloaded deb package:

   sudo dpkg -i skypeforlinux-64.deb
   

4. Start Skype from the application menu

The advantage of using the deb package is straightforward installation and automatic updates from the Skype repository. No additional repositories need to be enabled either.

Method 2: Apt Repository Installation

Skype is also available in Ubuntu‘s official repositories, which Linux Mint 20 leverages. To install from apt repositories:

1. Update apt repository information:

   sudo apt update
   

2. Install the skypeforlinux package:

   sudo apt install skypeforlinux
   

3. Launch Skype from the application menu

While slightly more steps compared to the deb method, installing from apt repositories means integrating seamlessly with the Linux Mint software ecosystem for tasks like updating and removing.

Method 3: Snap Installation

The Snap framework provides sandboxed, self-contained app packages that work across many Linux distributions. To install Skype using Snap:

1. Install Snap support:

   sudo apt install snapd
   

2. Install the Skype Snap package:

   sudo snap install skype --classic
   

3. Launch Skype using the application menu or command:

   skype
   

Snaps receive automated updates directly from the package publisher rather than the distro repository. However, their sandboxed nature requires the –classic flag for an app like Skype.

Uninstalling Skype on Linux Mint

To remove Skype, follow the same method originally used to install it:

Deb package:

sudo dpkg -r skypeforlinux

Apt repository:

sudo apt remove skypeforlinux

Snap package:

sudo snap remove skype

Uninstalling clears up disk space and removes background processes associated with Skype.

Keeping Skype Up-to-Date on Linux Mint

Skype sees regular updates with new features and bug fixes. To update Skype after installing:

• Deb package: Downloading the latest deb automatically updates Skype
• Apt repository: use

  sudo apt upgrade

  to fetch updates including Skype

• Snap package: use

  sudo snap refresh skype

  to update only Skype

I recommend setting up automated updates so your Linux Mint system always has the most recent Skype version.

Getting Started with Skype for Linux Mint

Once Skype is installed via the user‘s preferred method, getting started is quick and straightforward. Simply launch Skype, sign in using your Microsoft or Skype account credentials, and the main Skype window appears:

Skype‘s interface will be instantly familiar for experienced users from other platforms. Key functionality like contacts, chats, calls, notifications, and settings can be accessed from this main window.

New Linux users who are unfamiliar with Skype can easily get started by following Skype‘s built-in getting started prompts after logging in, with step-by-step guidance tailored to new users.

Some recommendations once Skype is launched:

• Review settings to customize Skype for your usage preferences
• Add important contacts like friends, family members, and colleagues
• Set up voicemail and call forwarding using the settings
• Test chat, video calling and file sharing with a friend to verify functionality

With Skype properly installed and optimized using this guide, Linux Mint users can enjoy seamless communication and collaboration when using Skype for a first-class messaging experience.

Advanced Tips: Customizing Skype for Linux Mint

Linux power users may be interested in further customization and optimization with Skype:

• Change audio input/output in Settings > Audio & Video
• Select a preferred light/dark theme in Settings > General
• Install browser extensions for convenient Skype access
• Link Skype to Dropbox for cloud chat backup
• Adjust video call quality to optimize bandwidth usage

A powerful open-source tool called Skype URI allows launching Skype calls/chats from a custom link for automation possibilities.

I welcome Skype enthusiasts to learn more at my Skype URI portal. The Linux community has contributed some fantastic unofficial customizations for tailoring Skype to your needs.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other Skype questions!