I usually use this page: http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp

Hopefully someone will fix the plugin check site.

This is getting way too complicated for normal peop. First: the "Update Plugin" does not work, it goes to a page with all sort of computer jargon but no "Update button" anywhere. Second: this forum jscher2000 gives a good solution, but I downloaded the incorrect java update, because my computer is 64 bit. how am I supposed to know my browser is what it refers to and that FF is 32 bit.....???$%^&*()?? Third: some of those "critical update" software are not even on my computer....well at least I don't think it is, I search for "shockwave" and did not find it.

I love Moz FF but the updating is starting to get out of control. why give us (computer idiot) an auto recommendation update not tailored to our computer? Perhaps in big letters at the top there should be an explanation "this is general suggestion these plugin needs updating, not to tailored with your computer, do your own research" and/or add info I need to know like the 32 bit thing, took me forever to download the 64bit update for JAVA and it was the wrong one.

Now I am just afraid to update anything for FF because it is too darn confusing.

Hi Gina, the plugin checker site was overhauled several weeks ago and still has some bugs. I'm sure someone is working on them.

When you install Java, it also installs its own update checker. I don't know how often it runs, but unless that gets disabled, you shouldn't need to manually check for Java updates.

Flash does the same thing, but only checks when you restart Windows.

For the less frequently updated plugins, hopefully the plugin check site still is useful.