using skype on linux

Hi, I have reported my success with using the skype plugin for pidgin on some mailing lists. However, Nobody else has had success with the same process. So I'll try to recapture how this can be accomplished.
First we have to install skype. in hardy: open the terminal window.
code:
sudo apt-get install libqt4-core libqt4-gui
download the deb package from skype and install using dpkg.
go to google.com and search for skype plugin for pidgin. click on the first result. download the appropriate skype.so file and copy it to
/usr/lib/purple2
start skype, you will need sighted assistance to complete the initial steps i.e. accepting license, signing in with user name and password. alternately you can issue the following command after accepting the license:
echo "userName Password" | skype --pipelogin.
now start pidgin and create a new account. choose skype as protocol, enter your skype name and press save. here you will again need careful sighted assistance. you have to allow this API to interact with skype in the ensuing dialogue. a checkbox has to be checked and one has to click on yes twice. Most of the people have reported getting stuck at this point. if this is the case, look at your account settings in pidgin for skype. on the advanced tab choose no proxy and try again.
This procedure has worked successfully for me. not once but I have at least tried it 10 times. Please note that I have followed and installed this plugin on ubuntu hardy and opensuse 11.
Please feel free to leave comments.