Skype 5.0 for Linux beta is now available for download. It brings in much awaited video calling support and screen sharing feature. Though it is still in beta, I have tested it personally and found to be stable. It is a must upgrade for those who are still on Skype 4.3 alpha build.
Note that you can’t upgrade Skype 4.3 alpha build to Skype 5.0 beta. When you install Skype 5.0 beta, you will still be able to use Skype 4.3 alpha. I believe this comes as an advantage – you can try out the beta and see if everything works for you.
Install Skype 5.0 Beta in Ubuntu, elementary OS, and Linux Mint
Elementary OS Loki users must first enable PPA before proceeding further. Skype is available in .deb binary package. I suggest to use gdebi to install Skype via Terminal.
STEP 1: Launch ‘Terminal’.
STEP 2: Enter the following command to install gdebi package installer.
Enter root password to complete gdebi installation.
STEP 3: Now you can install Skype. We shall use the wget command to download the latest version.
STEP 4: Use gdebi command to install the downloaded .deb binary package.
STEP 5: Enter root password when prompted.