I currently use Skype to contact family who use both Microsoft and Apple products. I wish to transfer my current skype account and make it as easy as possible on the family, some of whom run AOL, just saying.

I have a Dell Latitude laptop 64 bit, dual boot with Windows 7/LM 18.1 cinnamon connected via ethernet. I wish to install Skype but when I check the different choices of distro, Linux Mint is not listed.
Choices are:
Ubuntu 12.04 (multiarch)
debian 7 (multiarch)

There are also offered three 32 bit choices of ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Fedora and dynamic. I reviewed 'similar threads' but they were for older distros and I saw contradictory advice.

As Skype is a Microsoft product do I need to add WINE first?

What do you think is the easiest/best path forward? Is there a recommended open source alternative? I have read that there is not but I am not sure I am reading the most current articles.

If there is no good skype installation for linux mint I could just put it into my windows 7 but this will be a short term solution as eventually support for win 7 will stop. By that time, I will likely be more savy and also maybe some open source alternative will be developed so I am okay with that solution.

See how I can really over think this problem?
Thanks in advance for your advise!

Zupe,

Not good news:

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/02/s...o-update-issue

I use the repository version of Skype on Linux Mint 18.1. It works fine.

To install, on the command line:

apt install skype

Thanks beachboy2
I read the article and a couple of the links. As it happens, my skype function on a Vista OS stopped working after an update by Microsoft. (I think) Many people are angry that the update was forced even though they had specified no automatic update. And after Microsoft had recently come out with an 'apology for pushing updates on people.' Enough of that.

Hydrurga: I attempted to find the "repository version of Skype on Linux Mint 18.1" and found several repositories. I also just winged it and put 'apt Install skype' and just got a list of commands guide. Tried again with a small i in install was asked for admin password with no letters showing like usual, and presto changeo it worked!
Downloaded the proper software and after a few minutes it installed it all automatically!
I used my skype username and password and all my contacts were there!
Tested the automatic echo sound test and it worked!
Don't know why I am using all these exclamation points because so far Linux with its helpful community is MUCH easier then windows. You would think I would be less amazed by now... but I'm so grateful to this community!!!

None of my contacts are online right now so I can't finish testing the connection but I do not see why it wouldn't work. Thanks Hydrurga! This is the second time you have helped me out.

I'm glad it worked out!

Believe it or not, the apt install skype in my previous message had a lower-case i in "install", it's just that my making it bold made it look a little like an upper-case I. Well done on finding the correct command.

Using apt install packagename (substituting packagename with the package you want to install e.g. Skype) is very useful - it will automatically check the repositories to see if a package of that name exists and install it if it does. You will always be asked for your password because installing a package changes the system.

Before using apt install packagename, you should always run apt update to retrieve the latest package info from the repositories.

A useful hint: you can also find software to install in Linux Mint 18.1 by running the Software Manager program from the menu. It contains, for example, Skype.

Hey Hydrurga
So now I am officially putting up solved as a family member has called and verified that skype is the same old shitty skype as usual. Hard to hear with significant delay unless you turn off the video but free.. so okay.

Thanks for the additional tips.