Petes Blog » skype

Skype 2.0 Beta for Linux – Now with Video!

Pete — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:23:42 +0000

Skype’s new release for Linux includes video chat! It’s nice to see strong development on Skype for Linux as Linux is becoming more of a mainstream OS than ever before. I don’t use the video option that much myself, but it’s good to have the feature if I need it.

This release is not just a revolution for us in Linux, but a revolution for the Skype world at large. No longer are we, the people of Linux, prevented from socializing in the same way as our peers.

Read about the new Skype 2.0 Beta for Linux and download!

List of IM Programs

Pete — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:24:57 +0000

I remember a time that IM (Instant messaging) programs were scarce. That’s right, it was hard to find a decent program for communication. The top dogs were ICQ, AIM, and MSN Messenger and they all sucked back then compared to the features available today.

I use Skype and Google Talk on a daily basis. For me, this covers every base I need, but then there’s times that people need to communicate with me and they only use a particular medium. In those cases I only use Aim or MSN Messenger.

Anyway, here’s a huge list of Instant Messenging programs that list all kinds, from desktop to web-based to network im programs.

100 Best Products of 2007 by PC World

Pete — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:15:12 +0000

PC World put together a fantastic list of 100 products together that you will surely agree with, well mostly. A really nice selection of software and hardware that has made up this year so far.

Lots of my favorite tools are listed, including most Google apps, hardware like the 80GB iPod, and sites like Digg and Craigslist!

Our editors rank the best PCs, HDTVs, components, sites, and services. Plus: the products we’re looking forward to next year, and which technologies are rising and falling.

Check out PC World’s full list of the 100 Best Products of 2007

Skype for Linux 1.4 Released!

Pete — Thu, 03 May 2007 13:33:23 +0000

Skype for Linux 1.4 Alpha has been released. This doesn’t mean it’s ready for prime time just yet, there are some issues that still need to be worked out, but it’s a complete rewrite and a step towards a much more stable version for linux.
Video and SMS functionality is still not ready for this release, but there is a new file transfer window. You can read what the requirements and current issues for Skype 1.4 alpha here.

We’re again close to our mother nature birth cycle – nine months between 1.2 and 1.3 and seven months between 1.3 and 1.4. But this early born is an Alpha version, so we will take our two months to make it a real cute baby.

Good news is that they’re expecting release cycles to release every few weeks until they reach Gold. They’ve also put together a bugtracker for this linux alpha version where you can report bugs or keep track of them.

Read more about Skype for Linux 1.4 Alpha and download

Feisty Fawn Ubuntu 7.04 released!

Pete — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 15:52:21 +0000

Ubuntu Feisty Fawn was released yesterday.
Be sure to go over the Release Notes for upgrade / installation instructions.
If you are new to Ubuntu, you should take the 7.04 Tour and take a peak at all the features you get for free.
My personal experience with Ubuntu has been fantastic, I have been dual booting on my laptop with it for quite some time and I use it more than XP, easily running email, music, video, internet browsing, skype, google talk, and any other applications you can think of. It’s the best free solution for anyone not wanting to upgrade and spend big money for another virus ridden system.

Download your flavor of Ubuntu

A great list of 101 Shareware and Freeware programs for everyone!

Pete — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:28:22 +0000

And I’m back after enjoying a beautiful day of weather yesterday! Coming back I did find a fantastic list of applications that I wanted to share.

Lots of the programs in this list are ones I already use, but I did find quite a few that I’ve now added after reading this great list of free apps.
There are about 5 or 6 programs listed per topic. And some of the listed programs also have different OS versions (Linux/Mac).
Couple applications that I do use aren’t on the list, I’m a big fan of Google Talk and Skype for voip service ($30 a year and I get unlimited calling!).

Topics covered:

Audio | Browsers | Compression | Desktop Enhancements | Download/Upload Clients | E-Mail Tools | FAX and Telephony | Graphics & Photo | Internet (Surfing) | iPod Tools | MySQL Database Tools | Networking | Office Productivity | Personal Finance | Programmers | Security | System Utilities | Tweaks | Web Authors/Owners

101 Shareware and Freeware Programs Every Nerd Needs | The Free Geek

Ubuntu.com gets a facelift!

Pete — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 18:27:07 +0000

Ubuntu is sporting a new design on it’s main site and I think it looks great!
They really put together a nice collection of colors and the style is smooth like buttah!

I use Ubuntu on my laptop (dual-boot) and I rarely choose the Windows OS. I find that it covers my everyday activities just fine. This includes email, web browsing, instant messaging (skype, google talk, aim), listening to music, and the list goes on and on. It’s one of the easiest installs to date and I’m loving it! You should give it a try if you’re feeling like you need a change for the better.

The Skype offices tour

Pete — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:18:46 +0000

Would you like to tour one of Skype’s new offices? From looking at the video, it seems like it’s just as fun to work there as it is at Google.
A relaxed environment with pets!
I need a job like this! Doesn’t everybody?

Check out Skype’s story on this

Spring cleaning around Pete’s Blog

Pete — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 04:04:40 +0000

I decided to change some thing around the site. Mainly started adding more categories to the stories, I think it’s about time I extend that selection from the norm.
Also since I’ve given up on the google ads, it makes me feel better to throw up some banners to reflect what I do enjoy using and places I visit. These banners shown on the homepage include some free applications (Skype and Firefox) that millions of people already use, also some great resources (WTF).
I’ve managed to have them rotate randomly, so they all get equal time.

Expect more in the rotation, I’m sure I’ll run into more things to put up.

Help your parents with easy computing!

Pete — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:51:47 +0000

Parents need computers too! John over at CrunchGear puts together a great article that explains what he did to help his parents and grandparents get up to date with a Skype account, an iChat/AIM account, a GMail address and more!

This is something I’ve been thinking about for my own mother who hasn’t touched one.. ever!

Read about helping your parents get online today!

Skype 2.5 Officially Released!

Pete — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 00:17:20 +0000

Anyone using Skype? I do, who doesn’t? One of the best ways to voice communicate with someone over the web! Free!

Skype 2.5 is officially released and out of beta. The new version includes features such as SMS messaging and direct calling of Outlook contacts, as well as an improved GUI.

Yahoo Messenger launches Voice in the US!

Pete — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 20:21:16 +0000

It’s just a matter of time before all of them add this type of feature. Skype still the best one so far.

Yahoo Messenger with Voice

Skype 2.0 is no longer beta!

Pete — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 02:33:07 +0000

Skype 2.0 is now official with tons of bug fixes!
(PC and Mac)