I would really like to install Skype onto my computer and be able to chat with friends and family but haven't got a clue how to go about it. Any good samaritan(s) around willing to help? Thanks in advance

1. do not use skype unless you have to. Skype is evil non-free etc. Use ekiga instead. Windows users can connect via any sip service.
2. assuming you have mandriva - get the mandriva package and install the usual way.
http://www.skype.com/download/skype/linux/


... didn't I hear that mandriva ships with skype since 2006... or is that in the nen-free version.

Mandriva offers two versions.

The first is in the Main repository (presumably stable):The second is in the Main_backports repository (less testing):For those who are unfamiliar with the Mandriva repositories (Software Media Sources), Mandriva uses the Main, Contrib, and Non-free repositories for the stable packages. The Main_backports, Contrib_backports, and Non-free_backports repositories contain newer, less tested packages.

I have had no trouble with using packages from the backports repositories, but if you are unfamiliar with Linux or do not know what to do if things go wrong, you should avoid using them.

HTH,

For 2007.1 (and perhaps 2007.0) Skype is one of the "commercial" packages available only to Club members and to those who buy one of the paid-for versions.

The version of Skype on Skype's "headline" download page is a beta of Skype 1.4. To get the stable version, 1.3x, (if you don't have access to the Mandriva rpm) you have to do a bit of hunting around, although I've read it is somewhere on the Skype site.


Jim

If you do want skype, google rpm search, then search for skype, download version 1.2. its not the newest but it works form an rpm so is very easy.

Thanks for that it worked a treat Richie55. Shall be getting a full boxed version of Mandriva soon which will have more packages that the version i presently have.