Installing WIcd Using Ubuntu CD After NM Quit

[Leonard]

Just installed karmic on an old Dell Dimensions XPS T450.  Everything OK
until I upgraded and installed kubuntu-desktop.  Called for a reboot and
after rebooting completed NM wifi connection quit working. Tried to
reconfigure NM again but no luck. Attempted to install wicd but that
didn't work without a network. Ticked to use the cd/dvd to install in
software sources and reloaded but only get failure to connect on the
Ubuntu main mirror. Tried installing wicd from the Karmic CD recovery
mode using a root shell on the installed partition and even on the CD
environment or whatever it's called but no luck.  Aptitude command not
recognized maybe should have used dpkg or gdebi but didn't think of it
at the time. The crick in my neck says I've been fighting to get wicd
installed for about 3 hours.  Would someone please tell me how to
install a package using the Karmic alt CD of from a booted up Karmic
using the alt CD with SS ticked to use the CD. Maybe need both for the
benefit of new users and old ones like me who still has a lot to
learn-:o) Many thanks,
-- 
Leonard
lenc5570 at sbcglobal.net