Packet dependencies - Installing Software on Ubuntu

[lummerz]

I've just switched from XP to Ubuntu, I have some basic knowledge of Linux
as I use to use Red Hat 9.0, however I want to install a C compiler (that
possibly compiles other languages as well, as I want to learn other
languages in the future) and software so that my laptop is capable of
playing any sort of media.

I've tried installing software, and googling the problem however I still can
not solve my problem as every program I try to install through add/remove or
synaptic packet manager always needs dependencies, plus when I download
tar.gz files and extract and then use ./configure, I can't seem to find any
./make or ./install files.

Sorry for all the information! I would be extremely greatful for a solution,

thankyou,

James.

PS. I'm using Breezy Badger