Has anyone used internet phone (e.g., skype) with MEPIS?

If yes, then:

1) How easy is it to install / use?
2) Any suggestions, recommendations, etc?
3) Do you know how I can find alternatives to skype; I am sure it is not the only internet phone available.

My mom is going to use her new computer for basic stuff, such as email, printing, photo viewing, etc. I know linux can handle such tasks easily. The only complex thing she would do would be using an internet phone. I don't know how well linux can handle that task.

If I can (easily) get linux to work with an internet phone, then that saves $140.00 from having to go into Microsoft's pocket for a new XP cd.

Thanks!

/ MEPIS 7.0 user

Hi.
I'm also a Mepis 7 user. Skype can easily be used with mepis, I use it. To install it, do the following:
1. open favorite web browser
2. go to skype.com
3. go to download, and choose the debian etch version (and download it of course)
4. open a terminal (konsole)
5. type su, and then the root password
6. navigate to the folder where you downloaded skype (skype-debian_2.0.0.72-1_i386.deb)
7. type and run the command: dpkg -i skype-debian_2.0.0.72-1_i386.deb
8. skype is being installed
9. search from kmenu and start skype (or press Alt+F2 key combination, type skype and press ENTER)
10. Voila, you have a working skype. I think no extra configuration is needed.

You can try some other internet phones, like wengophone (homepage) or ekiga (homepage).
I didn't try these two, but should work.

Wow....I will try that.

So you did not download from synaptic, correct?

1 - How do you like the quality of skype?

2 - On step 7, you state "type and run" . . . .
I am not too good with command line, so tell me if this is correct: I simply type the command (dpkg -i skype-debian_2.0.0.72-1_i386.deb) then hit enter. Then exit konsole. Is that correct?

Thank you!

You're correct. I didn't download from synaptic, because you can get a more up-to-date version from the skype website.

How I like the quality of skype? Well, I could imagine a bit less memory usage for it, but otherwise its good for the purpose. Of course, the sound quality depends on your microphone quality and your internet connection speed. It supports speech with multiple people at the same time (more than 2, its name: conference call), chat, voice messages, etc. Its good.

On step 7 you understood everything correctly. Do as you wrote there. But before exiting the konsole, be sure that the install process finishes (you'll be able to type commands again). And another thing. Before running the command, exit synaptic or kpackage, because if they are running you won't be able to install anything from konsole. After the install process finishes, you can start synaptic again if you wish.

Good luck!

As for info. just:
MEPIS LIVECD has already in the package skype with video:
http://www.mepis.org/mirrors

What a great cdrom !!

I know, but as I worte...: