For the most part i do potatoes in the microwave as they are quicker that way but they don't go crispy in there if that is what you are after.
I much prefer them done in the Oven and i just wash them, stab them and put them in the oven on their own (i don't put them in foil as they get crispier without the foil on). It depends on the size really and your oven as to how long you cook them for. It usually takes around 2 hours for mine.

To put the cheese and bacon or whatever in - i usually scoop the potato out and put it in a bowl then mix in the butter, cheese and cooked bacon bits then put it all back in the skins. Yumm - now i want some hehe.
I call these making skins. If i just want a jacket with topping i don't scoop it out i just cut the potato inside and add the butter then put the topping on.