You can install skype from Medibuntu Repository and thus if there is a new update for skype it will be available for your via Update Manager.

You need to add the Medibuntu Repository to your repository list. If you have not done it yet, read Adding Medibuntu Repository and Installing Restricted Extras.

Install Acrobat Reader with Firefox support:

sudo apt-get install acroread acroread-plugins mozilla-acroread -y

Install Skype

sudo apt-get install skype -y

Set up Skype

Open Skype Preferences - Skype>Preferences.

General tab - check Start Skype minimized on the system tray.

Privacy tab - check Allow my status to be shown on the web.

Notifications tab - find Contact Came Online and COntact Went Offline and disable these events - uncheck Enable Event.

Audio devices tab - configure skype to use pulse.

Chat tab - select Create a minimized chat window, check Show animated emoticons.