Does the PC have to be on in order to use a VOIP phone for landline calls? I need a new phone and am looking at ones compatable with BT and Skype. I am a Skype user but don't use it very regularly at the moment. And which type(s) or models would you recommend?
It depends. If you connect it to the PC, then yes.
However, there exist base stations for VOIP phones that plug into your router. Then, only the router and base station need to be on, and not your computer.