Lost multiple programmes when updating FFMPEG

Trying to get my Panasonic P42VT30 to read various video files and have read hundreds of posts and installed several updates in profiles.xml in my Ubuntu 11.10 system. Went back to basics and read Wiki and followed upgrading FFMPEG. Still hit and miss with video clips, but have lost much functionality with Ubuntu. Lost such things as Update Manager, Libre Office, Brasero and my Evolution e-mail .... Some programmes are still listed in Apps folder but don't run when selected. Because I updated from Ubuntu 11.04 to 11.10 without a CD and can not now use the CD burner, I'm stuck! Any ideas please? Have reloaded Brasero and although is in the Apps menu, cannot run it. Similarly Librewriter etc. Music videos are now the least of my worries!!