easy question for linux pros :P

my friend for some reason got linux on her laptop even though she has no idea how to use linux i think her laptop was a gift
however i want to install skype on to the laptop but dont know how to tell her to check the version as on skype there are around 8 different downloads.

i know its -uname r/a or something but how do u get the command prompt up. any chance someone could write it in like simplest english possible so i can explain it to her?

thanks

 

Do you know what distro she uses?
If it's one of the main versions like Ubuntu there are plenty of help pages like this one.

She would only need to open the Terminal (= command prompt),
then type sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install skype,
press enter, then type her password and follow instructions.

An easier way of course is to simply add Skype, using the Ubuntu Software Center or the equivalent in her particular distro.

 

i dont know what distro means lol

how do you open terminal, is it on boot up

 

also is ther a place where you can see the desktop screen for a linux. i know what it looks like on her laptop and that it hasnt been edited.

it has 4 small blocks arranged 2x2
1 has internet other has word other has system files

 

There are lots of different flavours of linux.

Try this video to see if it is anything like you friends laptop or netbook?

Acer Aspire One Video Review | Linux Netbook Video
Acer Aspire One Video Review | Linux Netbook Video

 

Just press the "PrtSc" key.

 

There is skype for Linux now?

 

Now, and for ages....

To the OP: Try going to system monitor, and under the system tab, tell us that information.

 

Alt-F2 usually brings up the Gnome run prompt. Type in "gnome-terminal". In the terminal, type "cat /etc/*release"

If Alt-F2 does not work, go to the console (Ctrl-Alt-F2), log in, and type "cat /etc/*release"

 

If you're a beginner, take it easy before jumping in to the Terminal. Try downloading a Debian (.deb) package from this link. It behaves exactly like a Windows installer package. Simply DL and double-click it.

Download Skype for Linux

 

'distro' is the abbreviation of the word distribution - a 'flavour' of linux if you like. Ubuntu is one of them. Others include fedora,knoppix,katonix,mandriva,freespire,opensuse ,pclinuxos,slackware and more

you could also open up the terminal by going to Applications>Accessories>Terminal

heres where u can install skype for linux : http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-computer/linux/

 

freespire? where'd you dig that one up.....j/k