Install Skype on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux: Best Communication App

This guide aims to provide a clear and concise walkthrough on the Steps To Install Skype on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. In today’s digital age, internet-based communication through video and voice calls has become indispensable. Skype, a widely recognized and free communication software, offers a seamless solution for connecting with teams and colleagues across various operating systems. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for both personal and professional use.

This article focuses on installing Skype using the RPM package specifically designed for RHEL-based distributions, including AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, covering both versions 8 and 9. This method ensures compatibility and ease of installation on these popular Linux distributions. We’ll also explore alternative installation methods later in the article.

To successfully Install Skype on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, you’ll need access to your server as a non-root user with sudo privileges. The following demonstration will utilize AlmaLinux 9 to illustrate the installation process.

Let’s proceed with the step-by-step installation.

Step 1 – Install Skype from Terminal on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux

Begin by updating your system packages to ensure you have the latest versions. This minimizes potential conflicts during the installation process. Use the following command in your terminal:

sudo dnf update -y

Next, download the latest Skype RPM package using the wget command. This command retrieves the package directly from the Skype website.

sudo wget https://go.skype.com/skypeforlinux-64.rpm

Once the download is complete, install Skype on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux using the dnf package manager. The dnf install command handles the installation process, resolving dependencies and placing the Skype application in the appropriate directories.

sudo dnf install skypeforlinux-64.rpm

Step 2 – Start and Run Skype on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux

With Skype successfully installed, you can launch it from the terminal or through your desktop environment. To launch from the terminal, use the following command:

skypeforlinux

Alternatively, you can search for "Skype" in your application finder or desktop menu and click on the icon to open the application.

Once Skype is launched, you can sign up for a new account or log in with your existing credentials. This allows you to connect with friends, family, and colleagues through text chats, video calls, and voice calls.

Skype’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and utilize its features for seamless communication on your AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux servers.

Conclusion

Skype remains a top-tier communication application, facilitating effortless video and voice calls for collaboration with colleagues and teams. Its rich feature set caters to various business needs, making it a versatile tool for meetings and other tasks. This guide provided a straightforward approach to install Skype using the RPM package for RHEL-based distros like AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. Remember to keep your system updated to ensure optimal performance.

For additional guides and articles, please visit the Orcacore website.

Alternative Installation Methods for Skype on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux

While the RPM package method is reliable, alternative methods exist for installing Skype on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. These methods offer flexibility and may be preferable depending on your specific environment and preferences. Here are two alternative approaches:

1. Installing Skype via Snap Package

Snap is a universal package manager that works across many Linux distributions, including AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. Using Snap can simplify the installation process by automatically handling dependencies and updates.

Explanation:

Snap packages are containerized applications that include all the necessary dependencies to run. This eliminates the need to manually resolve dependencies and ensures that the application runs consistently across different systems.

Installation Steps:

Enable Snapd: If Snapd is not already installed, you need to enable it.

sudo dnf install snapd
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Install Skype via Snap: Once Snapd is enabled, install Skype using the following command:
```
sudo snap install skype --classic
```

Code Example:

sudo dnf install snapd
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap
sudo snap install skype --classic

This single command downloads and installs Skype from the Snap store. The --classic option is required for Skype as it needs broader access to the system.

2. Installing Skype via Flatpak

Flatpak is another popular universal package manager that, like Snap, provides a sandboxed environment for applications. Flatpak is often preferred for its integration with GNOME desktop environments, which are common on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux.

Explanation:

Flatpak allows applications to run in a sandbox, isolating them from the rest of the system. This enhances security and prevents conflicts with other applications.

Installation Steps:

Install Flatpak: If Flatpak is not already installed, install it using the following command:
```
sudo dnf install flatpak
```
Add the Flathub Repository: Flathub is the main repository for Flatpak applications. Add it to your system:
```
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
```
Install Skype via Flatpak: Install Skype using the following command:
```
flatpak install flathub com.skype.Client
```

Code Example:

sudo dnf install flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak install flathub com.skype.Client

After the installation is complete, you can run Skype using the command flatpak run com.skype.Client. You’ll also find the Skype icon in your application menu.

These alternative methods provide additional options for Install Skype on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, catering to different preferences and system configurations. Both Snap and Flatpak offer automatic updates, ensuring you always have the latest version of Skype. The choice between these methods often comes down to personal preference and existing software infrastructure.