Package Request

[DblMtn]

I may be way off base here, but I don't find "Skype" listed in the repository.  Does someone need to package it, or is it as simple as downloading from the skype webpage?  If one downloads it from the webpage, for which distro?  I don't see Vector listed.

[JohnB316]

We technically can't package Skype, as it's proprietary software. If you download the Skype software from their site, get either the linux-static version or the linux-dynamic version. The major difference is that the static version has qt-4.2.1 linked into it, whereas the dynamic version requires qt-4.2.1 or later to be on your box. Fortunately there is a qt-4.3.0 package in the repository. However, if you don't plan on doing any compiling of programs from source, I would get the linux-static version.

Once you download the tarball, extract it using the tar command like so:

Code:

tar xjvf skype-1.0.4.74-static.tar.bz2

Go into the directory to which skype was extracted and read the README file for instructions on installing it.

HTH. Post again if you have further questions.

John

[blurymind]

We technically can't package Skype, as it's proprietary software. If you download the Skype software from their site, get either the linux-static version or the linux-dynamic version. The major difference is that the static version has qt-4.2.1 linked into it, whereas the dynamic version requires qt-4.2.1 or later to be on your box. Fortunately there is a qt-4.3.0 package in the repository. However, if you don't plan on doing any compiling of programs from source, I would get the linux-static version.

Once you download the tarball, extract it using the tar command like so:

Code:

tar xjvf skype-1.0.4.74-static.tar.bz2

Go into the directory to which skype was extracted and read the README file for instructions on installing it.

HTH. Post again if you have further questions.

John

the new skype also needs the newer version of something that i believe vector doesnt have.
When i try to run the static qt version i get:

Code:

shadow:$ skype
 skype: /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6: version `CXXABI_1.3.1' not found (required by skype)
 skype: /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6: version `GLIBCXX_3.4.4' not found (required by skype)

static version doesnt work.Havent tried dynamic.
and yes,i copied the files where needed.
(and in the package there wasnt any /emoticones folder)

[easuter]

I could whip up a package using more up-to-date libraries from other distros like Fedora (the static skype seems to work fine there).
But Skype's license doesn't allow us to host the package in our repos, unless they give us permission for it...

[mr_volvo]

I was getting the same errors with the static package as blurymind.

Using these instructions:
http://forum.skype.com/lofiversion/index.php/t89124.html

I managed to get it working on my system. Alas, I can't test the actual speaking to people online as my internet is currently at genuine 1998 speeds.
Hope this helps some people.

[wcs]

static version doesnt work.Havent tried dynamic.
and yes,i copied the files where needed.
(and in the package there wasnt any /emoticones folder)

Maybe not a problem anymore, as this is an old topic, but in order to start skype I not only need to copy those lib files, but also start it with:

Code:

LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/opt/skype-beta /opt/skype-beta/skype &

This is in 5.8 , with Skype 2.0 Beta.

[Triarius Fidelis]

We technically can't package Skype, as it's proprietary software.

Would it be legal to make a 'fake' skype package that simply installs it from install.sh?

[exeterdad]

I've wondered that Hanu.  I can't see any reason it wouldn't be legal.  I think packaging the installation file, and fill the package with stubs (touch file file1 file2) so slapt-get has files to uninstall later.  Then have the doinst.sh launch the installer.

I know the fella's that teach you how to install MS core fonts can't actually distribute the fonts, but they give you the tools/scripts to install and extract them from .cab files.  I'd think if that wasn't legal MS wouldn't hesitate to shake things up a bit.

[blurymind]

well,i think it will be leagal to have an install script which downloads skype and whats needed and places it where needed.

Btw,the new beta skype 2 for linux has webcam support.

[Triarius Fidelis]

well,i think it will be leagal to have an install script which downloads skype and whats needed and places it where needed.

Btw,the new beta skype 2 for linux has webcam support.

Good, because I made such a dummy package and sent it to easuter. Awaiting his upload.

[blurymind]

well,i think it will be leagal to have an install script which downloads skype and whats needed and places it where needed.

Btw,the new beta skype 2 for linux has webcam support.

Good, because I made such a dummy package and sent it to easuter. Awaiting his upload.

sweet 
 I will open it to examine the script. Maybe i can learn something from you,hanu. This procedure can be applied for other packages,that are not gpl.

[Triarius Fidelis]

I will open it to examine the script. Maybe i can learn something from you,hanu. This procedure can be applied for other packages,that are not gpl.

It's a pain in the ass. Basically, you have to create a 'skeleton' of empty files in the package (so that installpkg has the right list in case you want to delete it), then download the archive into a safe temporary directory, then copy relevant parts where they belong, overwriting the empty files, then finally get rid of the temp dir. I can guide you through the process if you want.