running axis on SIM and Step Configuration Wizard

I am evaluating EMC2 for a potentially complicated machine that starts with a precision XYZ system using 5-phase steppers and nanostep drives. I am still working on the machine and its electronics so, my experience (very limited) with EMC is in the realm of the SIM. I downloaded, checked (OK) and installed the .iso CD, as recommended. I can run all the DISPLAY modules except for axis, it just locks up ("no file" on the banner) and I have to restart box. The same is happening with the Step Configuration Wizard.
I am a total beginner in Linux, just bought the UBUNTU unleashed book and fighting to undersand its syntax and morphology. The box I am using for this has no Ethernet card so the only way to upgrade for me is by download and I could not figure out how to do that.
Please, can anybody help?
George

Thanks BIgJohnT, I did look up the .deb files......my problem now is that those files were released in January and I did download the software a few days ago. Should I consider that those updates are inctuded in my release? ......sometimes I feel so helpless; I think my idosyncrasies geenerated by my former experiences makes me overly cautious...can you advise? ...please!
George

Thanks Moses, - can you hold my hand just a little bit more?
I did download the files, Had no problem installing the main 2.3.2 file but the dev gave me: "Error Dependency is not satisfiable: g++" I also tried to run the axis; it shows the new version; but I do have a big black dot it is new that I can move it around) but I still have to restart the computer to get out of there. The title (banner) is:
"Axis 2.3.2 on EMC-Hal-Sim-Axis (no file)" I did launch it also using an ini file that works witht kemc just fine (as much as I can tell)
George

Thanks Moses,
The visual effects are: none. I will try to follow your advise and go to IRC...I do not have a client yet (yes...the idiosyncrasies..hmm.. am I inventing here an English word?) but I will jump the water.
Thanks again, George

Before I go to the wide world....I did some testing: Downloaded, burned the .iso disk again and reinstalled the whole thing (surprize: this time the axis is the last stable edition: 2.3). The situation is largely the same: I can run from the Applications>emc2>sim the tkemc; the mini, but the axis is still freezing up on me. So I restarted...what else?...and run the axis from the terminal as:
axis -ini /home/........../sim/axis.ini
I get an error:
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "/usr/bin/axis", Line 3647, in <module>
s.poll()
emc.error: emcStatusBuffer invalid err=3

I repeated the same with the first instalation disc (version 2.2) with exactely the same result.
So this ca not be a random error....is something systematic here ...but what?
The box has an 700MHz Athlon processor, 348M ram (tested for an hour and no errors) and 6.4G HDD
George