I am helping a retired couple migrate from XP to Linux. They use Skype but they are not power users. Just basic point-and-click users.

I copied the Skype user profile files:

C:\Documents and Settings\$USER\Application Data\Skype\ -> ~/.Skype

Do I understand correctly that Skype for Linux is two releases behind the Windows version?

If yes then how will that affect migrating the user files?

Anything specific I should know to help them migrate Skype?

Thanks.

The current Linux version of Skype is 4.2.0.11. The configuration folder is called ~/.skype and not ~/.Skype (case is important in Linux). I don't think there should be any effect on the configuration files.
jdk

I have 4.2.0.13 installed.

I have verified the folder is ~/.Skype.

Sorry. You're quite correct on both counts. I just checked on Skype's website and it is 4.2.0.13-1. I've fallen a bit behind. Also I was wrong about .skype. It is indeed .Skype with an upper case "S". I still don't think the configuration file should be a problem. Try it and see.
Again, apologies for the mistakes.
jdk

Hi,
I use Skype on both Windows (7) and Linux (Fedora) alternately and occasionally on my Android phone. I have never had to copy the settings across at all. All the contacts etc. are stored on your central login, and will automatically migrate to whichever operating system you are using.

This is true, chat history will be lost if you don't copy main.db to the new host.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I have a customer that needs this migration support. I had already copied the settings profile from Windows (so probably no harm done). I was able to verify Linux Skype starts. The Linux version login dialog showed the user account name and asked for a password. Perhaps the Windows version also requires manual typing of the password with each login. I don't know because I don't use Skype.

I was unable to test further (I also had to get the web cam working to continue) and hope to be with the customer shortly to finish the testing.

Password on Linux only need be entered manually once and can be saved to auto-login.
Look for a config.xml in the Skype_identity directory in windows, it contains the creds among other things.

I met with the customer this afternoon. There was a check box to enable auto-login upon starting.

Upon logging in (Linux) we did see a basic contact list but little more.

The layout is different. In Windows there is a menu bar and a large pane on the right side of the windows with photos at the top. We did not see the menu bar or photos in the Linux version.

The base test failed. Although the Logitech C170 webcam displays video --- tested previously with guvcviewer, apparently the microphone is not yet configured correctly.

Back to the web to learn more.