multiple mepis problems (webcam, repositories, etc.)

Hi: I have been using Mepis for several months, primarily on a Compaq presario r3000Z with AMD64. I know a little about Linux (self taught), but mostly point and click guy. I keep trying to leave windows but find things I cannot do in Mepis. This is partly a gripe, but also a request for help. Since I live in Hawaii and am now in New Zealand for 6 months, computer, especially skype are important: it seems the linux version of skype is less versatile, for instance does not include feature of forwarding calls (fortunately windows does and still works even when I am in Mepis). I will try the suggested wengophone or ?egika, but I assume the webcam has to be working and I have never been able; I see something about getting source code for ?sca5xx driver, but that probably involves using "make" which I have never been able to get right. (Perhaps I should visit a LUG).

Also because of reduced vision, I am using more audiobooks and mpg downloads of news podcasts, etc.. This works pretty well with windows and ipod, although not very intuitive, but I have no idea how to do this in linux. I can use the ipod as an accesary drive and store mpgs there and listen to them on the laptop, but can never find them using the ipod.

Another thing: I was using version 6 in Hawaii and never had problem with synaptic or repositories; since being in NZ, I have never been able to reach repositories using synaptic, always error message. Upgrading to version 6.5 and later 6.52 has not helped. I can reach the internet, get email, etc.. but not the repositories.. Not by command line ether.

Appreciate any help anyone can offer: should I try pclinuxos?