I’ve tried different ways to download Skype but always get message that “We’re having trouble connecting to the download server.”
Is it possible Avast is blocking this download process?
Have you tried downloading it here ???
I seriously doubt it. I say this since you did not indicate whether or not there was an avast pop-up.
Is Skype in the exclusions or “trusted” programs in your firewall.
If you use your bank debit card to pay Skype you might find the Skype paysite is a phishing or fraud site.
There have been reports that something fishy is going on with the Skype paysite. I have found Paypal to be very useful.