How to install/configure skype in debian based linux?

skype:

 is a VoIP based software application which is mainly used for peer to peer phone/video call, instant messaging over internet connection in free of cost^*.  To use this one should have a valid user account with skype.  Now, skype have features like file transfer,  video conferencing also.

free of cost^*  - Only between skype accounts,  yes you can call/sms any landline/mobile phone... but with applicable call charges :(.

1. Download the latest linux version of skype from here.  Select your exact distribution like debian, Opensuse, ubuntu etc..

2. Install the downloaded package using your package manager.  I am using BOSS GNU/Linux 4.0 and it is a debian based one.  So, the following steps regarding installation is applicable to only to the debian based linux  distributions like ubuntu, BOSS GNU/Linux, linuxmint, knoppix etc.

GUI way:
Right click the downloaded skype-xy-z.deb package -> Open with gdebi package installer -> Install

Command line way:
$dpkg -i fullpath-to-downloaded-directory/skype-xy-z.deb

Once installed, as per your distribution's application classification skype menu will be placed either below internet or sound & video.  In BOSS GNU/Linux it will be placed under Internet.

3. If you have skype user account already then just use it.  If not create your user account by "Do not have user account.? create " link from the Skype GUI application.

GUI -> Graphical User Interface
BOSS -> Bharat Operating system solutions
GNU -> GNU's Not Unix
VoIP - Voice over IP(Internet Protocal)