Love or hate it, Skype is very popular program for many computer users. While not open source, I do appreciate Skype making client for Linux users. Skype had two common problems under some Linux distros.

1. Skype did not work with Pulse Audio: This was fixed with the first Skype 2.1 beta1 (2.1.0.47).
2. Skype does not work well with dark themes in Gnome: This is fix in the Skype 2.1 beta 2 (2.1.0.81)

Now, I’m a big fan of dark themes, the following is a quick guide to installing under Ubuntu with a dark Gnome theme:

1. Uninstall previous version of Skype from Medibuntu.
2. Download Skype from http://www.skype.com/download/skype/linux/choose (don’t worry about the Ubuntu 8.10 version, works with Ubuntu 8.10 thru Ubuntu 9.10)
3. Install the deb file
sudo dpkg -i skype-ubuntu-intrepid_2.1.0.81-1_i386.deb
4. Run Skype and goto Options.
5. Under the General tab, set Choose style to Desktop Settings or GTK+.

6. Restart Skype.

For more disucssion on Skype and Open Source, I suggest listening to the Shot of Jaq podcast episode: Has Skype Won the War?

Ubuntu Tutorials also has a great write-up on the new Skype.