Ubuntu - Messaging

Ubuntu - Modern Messaging Applications

While Ubuntu doesn’t come with a dedicated desktop messaging client pre-installed by default (beyond basic system notifications), many popular messaging services are easily accessible or installable.

Installing Skype

Skype, by Microsoft, is a widely used application for voice calls, video calls, and instant messaging. It can be installed on Ubuntu in a couple of ways:

Method 1: Using Snap Package (Recommended)

Snaps are containerized software packages that are easy to install and update. Skype is available as a Snap.

Step 1: Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T).

Step 2: Install Skype using the snap command:

sudo snap install skype --classic

The --classic flag is needed because Skype requires broader system access.

Step 3: Launch Skype. Once installed, you can find Skype in your applications menu or search for it in the Activities overview.

Method 2: Using the .deb Package from Skype’s Website

Step 1: Go to the official Skype download page: https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/

Step 2: In the downloads section for desktop, choose the option to ‘Get Skype for Linux DEB’. This will download a .deb package file.

Step 3: Install the .deb package. You can usually install it by double-clicking the downloaded file, which should open it in the ‘Software Install’ application. Click ‘Install’ and enter your password.

Alternatively, you can install it via the terminal (navigate to your Downloads folder first):

cd ~/Downloads
sudo apt install ./skypeforlinux-64.deb  # Replace with the actual filename

The apt install ./ command will also handle dependencies.

Step 4: Launch Skype. After installation, find and launch Skype from your applications menu.

Using Skype

Once launched, Skype will prompt you to sign in with your Microsoft account or create a new one. After signing in, you can use its features for messaging, voice, and video calls.

Other Popular Messaging Options on Ubuntu

Many other messaging platforms are popular and work well on Ubuntu, either through native Linux applications or web browsers:

• Discord: Popular for gaming and communities. Offers a native Linux client (downloadable as a .deb or Snap) and a web version.
• Slack: Widely used for team communication. Has a native Linux client (.deb or Snap) and a robust web interface.
• Telegram Desktop: A security-focused messaging app with a native Linux client available from its website or as a Snap/Flatpak.
• Signal Desktop: A privacy-focused messaging app. Installation instructions are available on Signal’s website, typically involving adding their repository.
• WhatsApp Web: While there isn’t an official native desktop client for Linux, WhatsApp Web can be used through any modern web browser. Some third-party wrapper applications also exist.
• Element (Matrix): An open-source, decentralized communication platform. Native Linux clients are available.

Many of these can be found in the Ubuntu Software Center (which aggregates .deb packages, Snaps, and Flatpaks) or installed via their official websites or package managers.

Actual Application Scenario: A remote team using Slack for daily communication. Each team member on Ubuntu can install the Slack desktop client for notifications and a dedicated workspace, or simply use it in a browser tab.

Common Learning Obstacle: Choosing the right installation method (Snap, .deb, Flatpak, AppImage). For beginners, Snaps or .deb packages from the Software Center or official websites are generally the easiest. Each format has its pros and cons regarding sandboxing, update mechanisms, and disk space.