Install Skype 4.1 in Ubuntu 12.10, Xubuntu 12.10 and Linux Mint 14/13

Skype is an open source and free software application that uses peer-to-peer technology and allows users to make video calls, voice calls and instant messaging over the network.

Skype 4.1 has been released for Linux systems and made available for download. This new version comes with two features:

The first feature is allows users to make easier conversation (means now you can manage all your recent chats at one place).

The second feature is allows users to login using existing Windows Live Messenger ID, without creating new account at Skype.

This tutorial will help you to install latest version of Skype 4.1 under Ubuntu, Xubuntu, Linux Mint. Before going further let’s check out some new features and changes in this latest release.

Skype 4.1 Features

1. Chat with your Windows Live Messenger friends on Skype.
2. Sign in using your existing Microsoft account.
3. Better video quality for video chat.

Installing Skype 4.1 Ubuntu 12.10, Xubuntu 12.10 and Linux Mint 13

Currently, the newest version is not yet made available under Ubuntu repository. So, you need to manually download and install it under Ubuntu 12.10/12.04/11.10, Xubuntu 12.10, Linux Mint 14/13 using following commands on the terminal. To open terminal press CTRL + ALT + T from the desktop.

For Ubuntu/Xubuntu/Linux Mint 32-Bit

$ sudo apt-get install libxss1 
$ cd /tmp 
$ wget http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu-32/skype-ubuntu-precise_4.1.0.20-1_i386.deb
$ sudo dpkg -i skype-ubuntu*.deb

For Ubuntu/Xubuntu/Linux Mint 64-Bit

$ sudo apt-get install libxss1 
$ cd /tmp 
$ wget http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu-64/skype-ubuntu-precise_4.1.0.20-1_amd64.deb
$ sudo dpkg -i skype-ubuntu*.deb

If you receive any dependency error or issues while installing Skype 4.1, first remove the older version of Skype, if you may have installed.

$ sudo apt-get remove skype skype-bin

Then try to reinstall the newest downloaded Skype .deb file.

Alternative Method

Alternatively, you can use the following commands to automatically detect OS architecture and install latest Skype.

$ sudo add-apt-repository "deb http://archive.canonical.com/ $(lsb_release -sc) partner"
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install skype && sudo apt-get -f install

For other issues such as scrambled, green or black video image, check out Skype 4.1 known issues page.