GeekoZoid...: How to setup Skype on Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy on Asus P5K-E Wifi/AP

Saturday, June 14, 2008

How to setup Skype on Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy on Asus P5K-E Wifi/AP

It took me some time to get this working. So I'm writing it down so I can go back to it in case I have to do it again. Here's how I got mine to work:

1) Edit sources.list
prompt%> sudo vi /etc/apt/sources.list

2) Add the following line:
deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free

3) Update & install skype
prompt%> sudo apt-get update
prompt%> sudo apt-get install skype

4) If you encounter problems with libraries, do the following:
prompt%> sudo apt-get install -f

5) Run skype
prompt%> skype &

Now, the more difficult part is getting the mic to work. (Assuming you have no problems with audio playback). Luckily here are the tricks:

1) Go to System->Preferences->Sound. In the Devices tab->Sound Capture, select ALSA.

2) Open up a terminal, type the following:
prompt5> alsamixer -V capture
Now, make sure all Captures are set to CAPTUR. You can set/unset using the space key. Make sure input source is set to mic. Press ESC to quit.

3) Try recording from your mic using Applications->Sound & Video-> Sound Recorder. If that now works, you're looking good.

4) In Skype, go to Options->Sound Devices->Sound In. Select HDA Intel (hw:Intel,0)

5) In the same tab, uncheck Allow Skype to automatically adjust my mixer levels.