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Since Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx), Skype is part of the Canonical partner repository. Users of 64-bit Ubuntu, should enable MultiArch if it isn't already enabled by running the command Simply launch Ubuntu Software, search for Skype, then click 'Install'. Skype is available in the Snap store, which means it can be found in 16.04 and above directly in Ubuntu Software. Links to detailed information about Skype issues on Ubuntu can be found in the Resources section below. In order to broadcast video, you'll need a webcam - see SkypeWebCams. Most modern computers have sound output out of the box, but you need a microphone (headset) for the input. You need a working sound input and output configuration in order to use Skype.
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Open alternatives Softphones using open protocols include Ekiga and Twinkle. SkypeEthics gives information on why some users do not use Skype. The Skype software is free to use, but it is not free software the source code is proprietary and not available for review or modification. It uses its own proprietary communication protocol to achieve this. Skype uses semi-decentralized peer-to-peer technologies, so your calls do not go through a central server, but through a pool of dedicated servers.
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Skype is proprietary software that allows you to make calls over the Internet using your computer.
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