What type of connection do you have? When using computer-to-phone software over the network that I'm on, these problems often occur because I have limited bandwidth. On days when there are very few people here, I can call almost crystal clear. For the clipping, try to talk quieter and farther away from the microphone. Keeping your speakers and microphone far apart is also advisable so you don't get feedback, and can help with the echoes as well. Although I sometimes use the computer to make short, unimportant calls to my parents, etc, it's no replacement for long distance!!