-- MikeGore - 03 Sep 2009

Skype Setup

Note: Audio settings in Linux are a bit tricky. So first we need to get Sound Recorder working - then move onto Skype
Do not be surprised if you have problems - many people do

Ubuntu

8.10

* Note: read SKYPE PRIVACY STATEMENT http://www.skype.com/legal/privacy/general/*

• Setup Medibuntu Archive, See: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu#Adding%20the%20Repositories
  • Aside: All Medibuntu packages available can be viewed here: http://packages.medibuntu.org/
              The apt sources setup that CS uses can be viewed here: https://www.cs.uwaterloo.ca/cscf/software/ubuntu/common/AptSourcesUpdate.shtml
• apt-get install skype-static

Configuring System Sound Devices

• Device Settings: System -> Perferences -> Sound
  • Sound Playback: autodetect typically works for playback
  • Sound Capture: ALSA
  • Default Mixer Tracks: Alsa Mixer
• Testing and Configuring Gain settings
  • Open Applications -> Sound & Video -> Sound Recorder
  • File -> Open Volume Control
    • Device: Alsa Mixer
      • Playback: Adjust volumes you want to control
      • Recording: Adjust recording volume you want to control (unmute and turn them all up until you isolate which one you want)
      • Switches: Headset - for example
      • Options: Front Mic - for example
  • Press Record and test for a few seconds and press stop - test long enough for the time slider to clearly move
  • Press Play - if you do not hear anything try plugging the MIC into the back of the machine and repeat - otherwise check mixer device

Configuring Skype Sound Options

• Sypke -> Main Menu -> Options (Main Menu is Skype "S" ICON in lower left of Skype Window - ICON with drop down arrow)
  • Sound Devices
    • Sound Out: pulse
    • Ringing: pulse
      • Make a Test Sound - try differing sound devices until you hear this
    • Sound In: - try them all until you hear something doing a Make a Test Call for each device

Skype Securty Configuration

• Outdated? SkypeConfiguration