On the Linux desktop, Skype is a widely used communication tool, but Skype is not for everyone. As a result, the linux platform offers a number of Skype alternatives that support video, voice, and instant messaging, as well as better privacy, lighter performance, and open source options.

The first one, recommended is Zoom. One of the most popular video conferencing tools available today, widely used for job assessment, learning and networking, the software offers high-quality video calling, screen sharing and conferencing capabilities that are ideal for team collaboration and webinars.

Zoom has certain features, such as supporting high-definition video and voice calls, providing screen sharing and file sharing functions, supporting group chat and meetings, the free version supports video conferencing with up to 100 people within 40 minutes, and supports end-to-end encryption with high security. Zoom provides an installation package for Linux, supporting Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora and other distributions.

You can download the.deb or.rpm installation package directly from Zoom's official website. Install (using the Ubuntu command as an example) :

sudo apt update

sudo apt install wget

wget https://zoom.us/client/latest/zoom_amd64.deb

sudo dpkg -i zoom_amd64.deb

sudo apt install -f

Slack is a team collaboration tool that is primarily used for team chat and supports language calls, video conferencing, and file sharing. Slack

Offering rich integration and automation capabilities, it is ideal for teams to communicate and collaborate daily. Slack features support for instant messaging, voice calls and video calls; With rich integration functions, support for third-party services such as GitHub; Provide channels and private chat function, suitable for team communication; Supports screen sharing, file sharing, and search. Install (using the Ubuntu command as an example) :

sudo snap install slack --classic

Jitsi Meet is open source video conferencing software that supports video, voice calls, and screen sharing on browsers and desktops. Free, encrypted, privacy protection. Features can support multi-person video conferencing; Open source and free; Screen, chat, file sharing; No registration required for anonymous meetings; Customizable for development. Supports Linux Desktop clients and web pages, and can be installed using Jitsi Desktop or other tools.

sudo apt install jitsi-meet

Telegram is a secure and privacy-focused instant messaging software that supports text, voice, video calls and media sharing.

Features support end-to-end encryption to protect privacy; Multi-platform synchronization; Group and channel functions; Robots support automation. The Linux desktop installation package can be directly provided on the official website. Install (using the Ubuntu command as an example) :

sudo snap install telegram-desktop

Discord is a popular communication platform for gamers and teams that supports voice, video, and text chat. Features include team and community channels; Voice and video call; Screen sharing and file transfer; Robot integrated automation; The free version is powerful, and the paid version is more customized.

The official Linux desktop client is provided. You can download it from the official website or software repository. Install (using the Ubuntu command as an example) :

sudo snap install discord

These tools are alternatives to Skype and each has its own characteristics. Zoom is ideal for video conferencing, for remote work and education. Slack is great for team collaboration and integrates multiple tools. Jitsi Meet is privacy-friendly and suitable for non-commercial users. Telegram is private and secure for all communication needs. Discord is suitable for community and team communication. The choice depends on your needs: Jitsi Meet and Telegram are suitable for privacy and open source users; Zoom and Slack are good for team collaboration and video conferencing; Discord is for gamers and community managers.