tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1449937844778821927.post-16231650998318609922008-03-10T22:08:00.003+01:002008-03-10T22:24:17.339+01:00I remembered that I have read somewhere that Skype for Linux also uses video calls. But when I ran the 'default' (pre-installed) Skype, there was no video option in Skype. On Skype site I have discovered that I need version 2.0 which is still in beta in time of writing. I wanted video chats, so I decided to install it anyway. But how? I downloaded the package from <a href="http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/linux/beta/">Skype download page</a>. I chose version for Debian and at the time it was version 2.0.0.43. File name was skype-debian_2.0.0.43-1_i386.deb. In Easy interface I opened <span style="font-style: italic;">Work</span> tab and <span style="font-style: italic;">File Manager</span>. I tried to double click the file (as on Windows to install it) but nothing happened. I right clicked on it and there was an option <span style="font-style: italic;">Install DEB file...</span> Something started to happen and Skype got installed. Nice!<br />When I tried to first run it by selecting <span style="font-style: italic;">Internet</span> tab and <span style="font-style: italic;">Skype</span> still the old version opened. I was not sure if the installation was not connected to the icon or something else. I restarted my Eee (just for sure) and when it came back <span style="font-style: italic;">Skype</span> was already 2.0! So I guess restart is needed.<br /><br />I opened options and <span style="font-style: italic;">Video</span> preferences, but there was no webcam. Hmm, how come, there is one on my Eee?! I found out that you have to first turn on the cam by opening terminal window (some sort of DOS window; you can do this by CTRL - ALT - T). When the window opens, I had to type this:<br /><pre>sudo echo 1 > /proc/acpi/asus/camera</pre><br />This turns camera on. when you run Skype again then the video is enabled and the webcam is found! I clicked <span style="font-style: italic;">Test</span> button inside Skype's Video preferences and - you won't believe it - the green light on my Eee (by the cam above the screen) turned on and moments after I could see myself smiling to my Eee. Yeeeah!<br /><br />To turn the camera off you need to type this in the terminal window:<br /><pre>sudo echo 0 > /proc/acpi/asus/camera</pre><br />I'm not sure if doing this saves battery, but until otherwise noted I'll use it every time after using (video) Skype.Mihahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15108024507260280722noreply@blogger.com