What must be done to get Skype running?

[Bill Stanley]

Hi,

I am thinking about trying to install Skype but I need to know what 
software I must install and what hardware is best.  I have Unbuntu 10.10 
(32 bit version) running and I'm not thinking about upgrading to Unbuntu 
11.XX.

I see that the software repository has Skype on it but is it acceptable. 
  Microsoft has recently bought Skype so I'm wondering if they will 
support Skype on Linux.  Is the version on the repository all the 
software that is needed to run Skype?

Now as for the hardware component...  My laptop is a Dell with an AMD 64 
bit processor, and 2 Gbytes of ram.  It's a bit old but is still quite 
usable.  There is no microphone but do any webcams come with the needed 
microphone?  What webcams are best to avoid?

Bill Stanley