3 alternatives to Skype for Gnu / Linux

Screenshot of Tox

This week we learned of the announcement by Microsoft of a new version of Skype for Gnu / Linux that not only made it possible to communicate with the new versions for Windows but also included an update for those who used Skype in its distribution.

This is fine, but already many users are doubting this messaging service and are looking for alternatives to Skype that are freer or that have little to do with Microsoft. Believe it or not, Gnu/Linux is a pioneer in services like Skype. Ekiga was one of those rivals that Skype had and which it has not gotten rid of yet. Ekiga is a VozIP client that despite not having been updated for a long time, it is a fairly complete and free program.

The good thing about Ekiga is that it is found in the main Gnu / linux distributions, so no external repository is needed to be able to install it in our distribution. You just have to use the package manager of the distribution.

The second option or alternative to Skype is called Jitsi, a totally free alternative offering video calls and instant messaging. Jitsi is available for all distributions and like Pidgin, it is a client compatible with other instant messaging services. In the case of video calls, Jitsi is not only capable of video calls but also makes them of high quality not only with the sound but also with the image. Also incorporates some encryption options and the ability to share your desktop.

Tox is the third option, an option that does not present many differences with respect to other services but does offer a high degree of security. Tox follows in the footsteps of the Tor philosophy, a client where privacy and security are taken care of to the maximum. Unfortunately this client is not available in the main distributions, to get it you will have to use the information from your repository on Github.

Personally, I do not use VozIP clients on a daily basis, but solutions such as Ekiga or Jitsi are the ones that I use the most, not only for offering free software but also for offering simple and fast solutions that in the end is what many users are looking for. Do not you think?


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