Skype workaround

[sci_fi]

Hope this is useful.

Basically, the skype 2.1 module from slax works. You can download it at:
http://www.slax.org/modules.php?search=skype&category=

1. Using the slax lzm2dir command create the files needed for execution.
(there may be another way to extract these files but this is how I do it).

2. Save these files hard drive or usb

3. Boot tiny core

4. Copy the files into the tiny core directory structure.

5. Run shell

6. type "skype" at the prompt.

This works for me and has the additional advantage that some of the later skype voice quality improvements are present. Voice quality was noticeably better than the skype 1.0.3.53 version that jls was kind enough to let me test.

7. You may wish to save the files via .filetool.list

My filetool.list section looks like:

***** SKYPE until proper module is built

****From SKYPE 2.71
/usr/bin/skype
/usr/share/applications/skype.desktop
/usr/share/icons/hicolor
/usr/share/skype

Please note, as this is not a proper skype module (hopefully someone more knowledgeable than I will make one shortly), skype does not appear in wbar and must be run via the shell. Also makes for a large configuration file. But it works for now.

Best regards,

sci_fi

[bmarkus]

Did not try yet, but interesting, thanks! If it works, to make a proper extension for TC is not an issue I'm ready for the challange

Great, 2.1 works here at first glance. Will play a bit with it and will make a .tcz for testing if not major issue found.

Tried 3.0 beta from SLAX but it quits after logging in with the weill known iconv bug.

[jpeters]

Did not try yet, but interesting, thanks! If it works, to make a proper extension for TC is not an issue I'm ready for the challange

more of a challenge than you might think.......    

[bmarkus]

jpeters: We edited/created our posts parallel... Made some tests with 2.1 and it looks promissing
Chat is OK, sound also...

Will make a .tcz to play with...

[Jason W]

Skype is not freely distributable, so a fetch/install script would be needed. 

[jpeters]

jpeters: We edited/created our posts parallel... Made some tests with 2.1 and it looks promissing
Chat is OK, sound also...

Will make a .tcz to play with...

Looks like it needs full alsa.  Unfortunately, alsa doesn't work on my dell anymore (think it worked with ver 1, but then again so did skype....).

[bmarkus]

Skype is not freely distributable, so a fetch/install script would be needed. 

Hm.... It was already available as a .tce and was removed due to inoperability ?

[sci_fi]

Good Morning:

I needed alsa to get it to work on my PC. I assumed this was a PC specific issue (HP 8430) between OSS and my sound card. Perhaps not.

Looking forward to a tcz module for this version of skype.  jls_legalize has done a module of an early version of skype. Not generally available, however.

He kindly provided me a copy to test. It works fine, but the sound quality is generally poor. I believe, this is due to the early version of skype.

In any case, I will be pleased to test a new module prior to release.

Best regards,

sci_fi

[bmarkus]

Skype is not freely distributable, so a fetch/install script would be needed.  

Problem is, that only the latest version is available for download, you can't fetch older versions, at least not from Skype WEB.

[tclfan]

He kindly provided me a copy to test. It works fine, but the sound quality is generally poor. I believe, this is due to the early version of skype.

Just a side question to all: Realistically how much we are losing in terms of sound quality by using Linux version of Skype comparing to Windows version? Is this because the Skype version is behind comparing to Windows version or that Linux sound drivers are not quality tuned?

[bmarkus]

If you want to test Skype 2.1.0.47 drop me a PM to get the download link of skype.tcz

[bmarkus]

Adding v4l-dvb-2.6.29.1-tinycore.tczm my WEB camera works fine with Skype on my Acer Aspire 5720Z notebook.

[bmarkus]

According to the licence, this is not allowed to redestribute it:

License and Restrictions

License. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Skype hereby grants you a limited, personal, non-commercial, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, non-assignable, free of charge license to download, install and use the Skype Software on your computer, phone or PDA for the sole purpose of personally using the internet communication applications provided by Skype and any other applications that may be explicitly provided by Skype. For the avoidance of doubt, you are allowed to use Skype software at work, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Skype software is the software distributed by Skype for internet communication applications, including without limitation the Skype API, UI and documentation (online or offline), as well as any future programming fixes, updates and upgrades thereof.

It allows only to download your personal copy using communications applications provided by Skype.

Anyhow, I see many LINUX distributions preinstalled with Skype, Skype packages in different format, etc. So it doesn't look very strict in practice. Iknow, I know.... This is just my personal note and fully understand that it is not for the official TC repository unfortunately 

[Jason W]

I understand the frustration that comes with the practices of proprietary software makers.  As finicky as Skype seems to work with Linux across different kernels, libc, alsa, etc it would be better if they allowed access to older versions even if they don't allow redistribution.  But upon reading up on it, their logic seems to be that skype works best when both parties using it are using the same version, the current version in particular.  So they kind of do have a point, and their practice would most likely reduce the number of support cases they are faced with.

[jls]

my webcam crashes skype