kubuntu configuration

[Alma J Wetzker]

kubuntu configuration gurus,

This week I installed kubuntu on my wife's laptop.  kubuntu works great.
 Unfortunately, that does not include the applications that my wife
requires.

I need to get cmap (Concept Map), a java app, working.  Near as I can
tell, I don't have Java.  How do I get it?

I need to be able to play DVDs.

I need to get the windows codex files so that youtube works.

I need to get 'R' running.

Where am I now?

I am at a loss as to how to get java running.

I found the automatix instructions and loaded it.  That does not include
libdvdcss2 nor does in include the windows codex files.  I have found
(and downloaded) the libdvdcss2*.deb, but I can't find the magic
incantation to allow installation of a *.deb on the disk, instead of on
the web.  I tried copying the *.deb to the /var/cache/apt/ spot where
all the rest of the *.debs are hiding.  What am I missing?

Where can I get the windows codex *.deb files?  The site listed in
kaffeine is defunct.

If I can get local *.deb files loaded, that should solve my 'R' problems.

Any pointers or helpfulness gladly accepted.

    -- Alma