JVM and j2sdk

[Wayne Sheehan]

Dear List:

I searched through the available lists looking for information on Java 
and the Java SDK.  I just want to be sure that there is not already a 
DEB package(s) that I can use the apt-get install command or must I 
follow the instructions at 
http://www.ubuntulinux.org/support/documentation/faq/helpcenterfaq.2004-09-16.3469703387.  
I am new to Debian, a convert from RedHat :).  I am still coming to 
grips with the packaging system in particular as it applies in this 
document http://wiki.osuosl.org/display/DEV/Java+on+Debian.  Why do I 
need to install this

apt-get install kaffe equivs java-common java2-common, why cant I just do something like

apt-get install j2sdk1.4.deb?

Sorry if this is a stupid question :), as you can see I am use to RPM.

Regards Wayne