Questions[skype](ubuntu)

Following topic describes how I could connect to Skype for Business account under Linux:

Free software to connect to Skype for Business

However, what if I do not have a Skype for Business account?

I received an invitation to the meeting in form of the following URL:

https://meet.lync.com/SomeCompany/SomePerson/SomeID

I do not need to have a Skype for Business account to join such meeting. On my Android phone, I just installed the appropriate application and when I click on the mentioned link, I can join after providing my name.

When I click on the link on the Linux machine, it redirects me to the page where msi file is downloaded.

After I restarted my computer to finish a upgrade, I could not log in at Skype anymore.

It only shows the message:

Skype can't connect.

If I try web version it works. I'm using Skype 4.2.

I love Ubuntu, but one thing I think is a pain is skype for it. It's outdated, buggy and generally just not as smooth as a lot of the other Ubuntu software.

Is there an alternative for it? I'm not speaking about another IM like AIM or Live Messenger. Put another piece of software like the native app that comes with Ubuntu, that allows me to sign into Skype as well? Or is there perhaps a plugin for the native Ubuntu chat app that allows Skype contacts, calling etc. etc.

How do I make Skype use the default Ubuntu notify-osd to display notifications (incoming messages, users connecting, etc.) instead of the Skype's own "ugly" message box?

I want to install Skype, but I can't locate it in Software Center or by using Synaptic Package Manager. Can anyone help me?