I keep trying to install programs, by simply downloading the program, and clicking on it, but I see things are not that simple. Has anyone come up with a simple way to install different programs, without having to rely on Synaptic or Aptitude?

Example: I tried to install a .deb package. Went to the site, downloaded the package, opened up the command line (after making the file executable), the errors began. First there was a dependency file that was required, then there was a public key that was needed, man can someone make this a little bit simpler for a newbie. I think a newbie spends half of his time searching google to figure out how to make things work on Linux. Someone please help make this more simple? Tanks