Hi there,
I had been using skype's old version in fedora (it was 2.0, I guess) and everything was fine. But recently I downloaded it's latest version 2.1 beta from the site : http://www.skype.com/intl/en/downloa.../linux/choose/
With this version, I am experiencing a hell lot of noise. I cannot even go back to the previous version because the site now only stores the newest release.

I have noticed 1 thing: at the site, I see the software requirements being following:
I don't know whether my system is already equipped with these, or, if not, how should I install these. Moreover, I am not sure, will the quality of sound be improved after installing these. Kindly help.
Regards.