Just installed the 2.1.0.47 Beta on Juanty 64-bit ext4 laptop. Skype works with built-in webcam, but I can only see about a [top left] quarter of my own frame, as if it's been cropped / zoomed in. The reciepient sees normal full frame video. Incoming picture is fine too. Strange this one. There is still a problem with avatars in 64-bit (i.e. there are none - just the generic user and skype test), and to fix it I would have to go back to stable version, but then I would loose texting (SMS) ...
Unfortunately all my business contacts are on Skype, so ...

I am having some problems with skype. When I can see the other person on my program but at times they can not see me. If I click to view large screen the pic is still small and then when I click to return I lose the video

this program is not yet set up for Linux. It seems to especially get bolloxed by proxy problems. I tried the program and wasn't able to even connect. I got tired of beating my head against the wall. I may not be a Geek, but I have gotten other chats working in linux. wtf?

Skype has been using a buggy OSS implimentation and has, so far, failed to correct the problem. I would use it to great extent if it would work more than once before failing. Having to restart the program every time is more than a pain.

This could be easily worked out if the folks that control the code would open it to the linux community and let the greater numbers of programmers address the issue.

Being as the income made by this program is made by the use of calling long-distance at a minimal charge, there no reason to keep it the code closed from the community that could both help foster a useful program that would be stable and the flagship of the company.

Instead they fail to fix or ignore the problem through at least three releases of the program. When used, I keep getting notices of "Problem with sound device" -- it doesn't release the sound card. C'mon! This would be a Windows 3.0 problem if you would excuse the analogy. (No offense to Windows folks meant.)

Suggestion:

More control on sound, implimentaton of ALSA are two suggestions that the program needs. So far as can be assertained these are known, widely known, problems.

For now? Skype is not quite ready for prime time.

Try another program. Linphone, Wengo and Cornfed come to mind, though I've not used them--- yet. (Kept waiting for skype. Wife uses Win and I loaded skype for her on that with great expectations.)