Skype 4.1 for Linux Brings Performance Improvements

While many Windows and Mac users swear by Skype for VoIP calls and videoconferencing, Skype doesn't have as much traction with Linux users. Microsoft isn't seeking to leave it that way. Back in June, we covered the arrival of Skype 4.0 for Linux, a viable, usable version. And now, Skype 4.1 is out. It's available in a slew of languages, and is a free download. Here are the details. 

The new Skype 4.1 may be especially attractive to people who use Microsoft's other tools and services. For example, you can sign into Skype using a Microsoft account and chat with contacts on Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook.com.

Some Linux users reported problems with audio and visual quality in previous versions, but Microsoft claims quality is improved in version 4.1. As a review of what the Linux 4.x series for Skype brings, you'll find these features:

• improved chat synchronization
• new presence and emoticon icons
• the ability to store and view phone numbers in a Skype contact's profile
• much lower chance Skype for Linux will crash or freeze
• chat history loading is now much faster

There are complete release notes for version 4.1 found here, and installation instructions, which include instructions for creating a Skype account, are here. 

Of course, there are Linux and open source alternatives to Skype, and we covered a number of these in this post.