confusing version numbers in Adept Manager

[nepal]

Using Kubuntu 7.10 with updates AFAICT.

Can someone please explain how I am supposed to know what 
version an item of software is when the version number in 
Adept Manager bears no resemblance to official version 
number. If I see a kde app with 4.3.5.8 ok, this is obvious 
(my assumption) that it is for kde 3.5.8, but there are 
many items with numbers nothing like this sometimes like 
5:17 or somesuch.

This has caused me to screw up my 7.10 installation and is 
making me feel like I'm using Mandriva again. i.e. if it 
works, don't touch anything cos it will only break it.

I liked Kubuntu in the beginning because it seemed like even 
a noddy like me can update it as and when it is needed, now 
I do not see that at all and am completely confused.

I have held back updating to 8.x for this very reason, my 
linux experience has always been changes = f**ing headaches 
since I started using linux 8 years ago.

I have a fresh install of 8.05 on another disk but am loathe 
to migrate. 

What is your best advice, I don't want the latest bells and 
whistles, just a simple system that works, and that I can 
keep uptodate easily if at all possible.

TIA

nepal.