Hi Rosie
I have been using Ubuntu for a while now and you are right it really is a great OS.
I have Skype running although it is still in Beta stage and have sorted out uploading pics from phones and camera etc the only thing i still have issues with is getting my webcam to work, would be interested to hear if you have heard back from an engineer as to how to fix this problem.
Other than ironing out the first bumps once you have it fixed Ubuntu really is the way forward, it offers way more security on line than using Windows.
Good luck with getting your system sorted out.