How to start skype?

English Applications
1

How should I get skype started?

I’ve downloaded (via yast2) the libraries and plugins for skype but don’t find a “skype” program in the start menus. If I open a terminal and enter skype it can’t find such a program. Is some software besides the libraries needed and if so where would I get it?

Thanks, Tom KG7CFC

2

You have to download skype from their homepage and install it. It’s proprietary software, so can’t be included in openSUSE.

Skype auf Ihren Computer herunterladen – Mac, Windows, Linux – Skype

3

The way I handle external RPMs:

  • I create a folder “RPMS” in my homedir. That’s where I download f.e. the rpm provided through Skype’s website
  • In Yast - Software - Software repositories, I Add - Local folder - Browse and select the RPMS folder, name it RPMS, check “Plain RPM folder”, and save it.
  • Then in Yast - Software - Softwaremanagement - View - Repos I tick the RPMS repo, select the skype package for install. This pulls in the needed libraries too.
  • I accept and let the installer do it’s job.
  • The KDE menu then shows Skype.
4

if you install the skype rpm from the skype download page then you should get an entry in the menu - in KDE if I remember correctly it is always added to internet > other programs.
I always drag it from there and move it to chat.

If you can’t see the menu entry then simply typing skype from terminal should launch the program.
If it doesn’t, then something is wrong.

5

oh . . . and this might also be helpful for you

SDB:Skype - openSUSE

6

If you are using 64bit openSUSE, remember to install the package - **alsa-plugins-pulse-32bit **

7

You can also install the external RPM with zypper by specifying the file. When done, you can also use ldd to make sure that zypper didn’t miss any dependencies.

zypper in ~/Downloads/skype-4.2.0.11-suse.i586.rpm
ldd /usr/bin/skype