Hi guys.
Well I have already 3months using linux Os and well every day you learn something new. Because the thread is totally about Ubuntu debian base linux. i have some really easy steps you can follow. Because we are now in 2008 you may be using 7.04 or 7.10. as per 7.10 there is a installer manager for .deb name gdebi. Yes you can also install this in 7.04 but i am not sure if other version, but i have kubuntu 7.04 and i manage to install it. gdebi will manage to install all for you, so no need to worry about dependecies or stuff like that. it is more easy but for some linux-geeks prepare to have source and so others will like to control of dependecies.

anyways hope it work for you. if any help just post or send me an email. ill be glad to help.