Skype for Linux now is officially in the Ubuntu repository after Lucid just by enable partner repo. Also there’s an alternative if you want to try the latest version on your machine, and following is how to do it.

First, open up a terminal window under Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal to type commands. Run following to install dependences:

sudo apt-get install libqt4-dbus libqt4-network libqt4-xml libasound2

Then, download Skype from the official site: http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-computer/linux/. Or use wget command in CLI:

for 32-bit

wget -O skype_Ubuntu-current_x86.deb http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-beta-ubuntu-32

for 64-bit

wget -O skype_Ubuntu-current_amd64.deb http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-beta-ubuntu-64

Finally, install Skype with the command:

sudo dpkg -i skype-*.deb
sudo apt-get -f install

Done!