Articles News Reviews Releases Downloads Contact Us White Papers

VoIP Comes to Linux & Mac


Voice over IP (VoIP) has long been the realm of PC users. All of that changed this week, as Skype released the final version of its software for Macintosh and Linux.

Skype had previously released both versions in beta form. The final versions are fully functional, including a full address book, the ability to manage your presence from different locations and the ability to send files. Linux and Mac users also have access to SkypeOut, which allows Skype users to make calls to regular phones, instead of being constrained to computer to computer calling.

Skype for Mac OS X 1.0 requires a Macintosh computer with Mac OS X v10.3 or newer, a G3, G4, or G5 processor, a minimum 400 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM, 20 MB free hard drive disk space, sound card, speakers, microphone and an Internet connection.

Skype also said that the Linux version of its software had been tested against many distributions, including SuSE 9, Gentoo 1.4, Debian "unstable", Fedora Core 2, Sun Java Desktop System Release 2 and Xandros. However, the determining factor will be whether or not the user has the correct glibc and Qt libraries.

Skype for Mac OS X V 1.0 and Skype for Linux V 1.0 features include:

-Skype's Global Directory - the user-built global Skype contacts directory with numerous search options and an easy add-a-contact tool

-Instant messaging - cross platform messaging ability

-Conference calling - instantly create a free 5-party conference call

-Logs - reference or discard call and message history

-Presence - easily manage availability and view status of contacts

-Customization - MyPicture image display, ring tones, call alert options

-File transfer - send and receive files via Skype

-Mobility - sign in to a Skype account anywhere in the world

-SkypeOut - pre-pay to call traditional phones around the world, at local rates

-Multiple Skype accounts on one computer

-End-to-end encryption for superior privacy.





Site Meter