As a full-time Linux user, I guess you could say that I love using free and open-sourced software, and for the most part, that’s true. I don’t just use Linux because of those two things, though. I simply like how the OS works, and the sheer amount of control I have over it with Gentoo in particular. The fact that almost all of the software I use is open-sourced just makes the entire thing that much sweeter.
I use very little commercial or close-sourced software on a day-to-day basis, but VMware Workstation and Nero Linux 4 are the two exceptions. I always wanted there to be a third, Skype, but thanks to the fact that the Linux version received almost no love from the developers, I had little choice but to avoid it. The reason? I don’t have a “real” microphone, but rather a USB model from Logitech.
Because of how Skype handles audio devices, that microphone simply didn’t work. The output would, so I could hear people fine, but to actually talk back? It was a no go. Believe it or not, my workaround has been to actually use Skype for Windows through my virtual machine. While reliable, it certainly isn’t my first choice of how to do things. Little did I realize, though, the Skype developers finally released a new version of the program for Linux last week, 2.1.0.81, and yes, it absolutely fixed the issue I had.
Looking through the release notes, I’m not quite what what did it, but the options in the audio section are much more common sense, and it became no problem at all to use my USB microphone. I had an opportunity to put the latest version to the test last night, as I talked to fellow editor Bill (it was his first time actually using Skype, or “Skypie” as he pronounces it!) for about an hour and had no issue at all. Like the Windows version, the connection was reliable, and clear.
For a full run-down of what’s been fixed up in the Linux version, you can check out the release notes below. I am sure I’m not the only one who had this particular issue, so I’m sure this release will be appreciated by many. Now, if the entire thing could only go open-source, so the Linux version wouldn’t be so lackluster compared to the others!
Skype’s buzzing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, worldwide. At peak times, there are up to 20 million people online. What’s most important, however, is what Skype can do. Voice and video calling, IM and SMS are now available on a wide range of operating systems and mobile devices. They connect business colleagues, saving them time and money and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition. And they help keep friends and families together, wherever they are in the world.