I am in the process of learning about Saltwater tank setups.. .i hope to have one set up in the near future. So far i have a 60 gallon hexagon tank with hood, and i have chosen the Fluval 306 canister filter. What is the deal with protein skimmers? i would rather not have the type that hangs on the back of the tank, but aside from that, i have no clue what to shop for. Advice?

I dont use one in my 30 gallon nano tank. I dont think its necessary. What i would do is continue with your set up and if you feel the need for a skimmer at a later time... purchase one then. I think with regular water changes (i do mine every other week) filter/media cleaning/changing out carbon monthly, having good clean up crew and vacking sand with water changes... i dont find that i need a skimmer.
It also depends on your fish loading too. More fish = more waste. I only have 4 fish, mostly coral in my tank. plus i know they can be noisy.