I am trying to find a bootable "live" CD that contains Skype. I've read that the Mepis Linux contains Skype and their page shows that it is one of the packages bundled with version 8.0. I downloaded the iso and made the CD but cannot find Skype anywhere. I'm trying to get this set up for a friends wife so she can stay in contact with him while he is serving in Iraq and they have an old laptop with a crashed HDD so a Live CD seemed like the perfect option. Can anyone please tell me what distro to use or where to find Skype on the Mepis Live CD? Many Thanks!

If installed, the Mepis 8.0 user's manual says KMenu --> Internet --> More Applications --> Skype.

If not, you could try remastering a CD.

Looks like I'm going to have to try my hand at remastering a CD. I did find out that although the package is included on the Live CD (can be installed) that particular package is not pre-installed in the Live CD environment. I'm fairly new to Linux so this should be a very good exercise. Thanks for the links to some very useful information.

If you use Debian or Ubuntu, Remastersys is a great easy way to remaster the live/installer CD to include Skype (and any other changes you want to make).

Is it even possible to include Skype legally in a distribution? I know there are installers for skype, but it's not open source/free software, so how can any distributor include it as a package?

It seems that the distributed live CD does not have Skype, it need to be specifically added after Mepis installation. :-(

Moved: This thread is more suitable in Linux-Distributions and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

It's Not installed by default - but it is in synaptic list of M8.

You might also consider a live usb-stick (If your Laptop supports booting from USB).

This allows you to save any changes, your phone book etc.

(Ubuntu, for example, supports creating a live USB-stick through a menu option.)


Dutch

First if you install your linux - as far as I know nearly all distros offer skype via their packetmanagement system.
Even small distros as Puppy Skype can be installed.

As a liveCD
CDLinux, sphinxos v4.5-rc2, AUSTRUMI, Comfusion should have it for sure
there is slax which is extremely modular,....

Remastersys works great and is really easy to use. I remastered Ubuntu to include Skype, now I need to remember to pick up some blank DVD's as the new image is to large for a CD. I might as well pick up a USB stick to and try that option as well. Thanks to all for great feedback.