I have read through some forums. don't understand a lot of it. have updated the apps (I think). don't really know which ones I needed. download (http://download.skype.com/linux/skyp....72-1_i386.deb) than worked. don't know where Skype is or how to search for it on my machine.
thanks for any advise...I did check out "find similar threads"

Did you try to install it from the option in synaptic(Package manager) ?

Before it is available from Synaptic you need to install the Medibuntu repository. Instructions are here: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Me...20Repositories

Not that it is a 2 part installation - 1) Add the repository 2) Get the GPG key.

I followed ronlau9 to the option in synaptic options and did a search for Skype - I checked off sky - I think it loaded but again when I tried opening the download i386deb it again asked to change the properties (which I don't really understand). I understand that of the multitude of listed items (under options), one of them may be for Skype - I don't know which one

I also followed arochester and installed the two part instructions which I think was hardy. That may be the wrong system - I have Ubuntu 8.10 The Intrepidipex on my machine but I did not see a download describing that. My inputs to the terminal appeared to be accepted with out errors.

If you wish to install the medibuntu repositories a suggest visit the medibuntu website again .
I use Ubuntu 8.10 I have add the repros directly after installing Ubuntu 8.10 because I wish to have Google Earth
Look carefully with version you need

Thanks for the walk through from you both - I now have Skype up and running (although I have to get the output - mike working)