

Users can check their subscription status from the main window in Skype for Linux 4.2

Microsoft's Skype division has updated the Linux version of its proprietary voice, video and text messaging client with a number of bug fixes and minor features. Skype for Linux 4.2 makes it easier to log into the application with a Microsoft account and the user interface has been improved. When entering screen sharing mode in a multi-monitor setup, the application will now share the screen on the monitor that includes Skype's call window. The size of the Skype icon has also been modified to fit in better in different desktop environments.

The user interface tweaks to Skype 4.2 make it easier for users to find the voice message functionality of the application in the options dialog and they can now check their subscription status for calls to landlines and mobile phones through a link from Skype's main window. Users can also start a conference call right from the conversations view. The ability to turn off birthday notifications has been added, along with some other minor improvements. The new version includes a number of bug fixes including one for a crashing problem with the call interface.

Skype for Linux 4.2 is available packaged for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE and CentOS for 32- and 64-bit systems. The download page also includes detailed installation instructions. The developers point out that users of 64-bit Debian and Ubuntu need to install the libasound2-plugins:i386 package to get the application to work correctly.

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(fab)