Firefox and Java

I have Firefox 6 installed on my Laptop and Desktop. Both running Win 7 Home. On the Desktop, I Java 6 installed. On the Laptop, no Java according to 'Program and Features'. Nor does it have any Java plugins. Yet, the Laptop behaves just like the Desktop when I visit the same sites I visit on the Desktop. I'm almost sure at least one of those sites have Java applets.

Why is the Laptop able to do Java in the above circumstances? I must be missing something here.

Thank you.

Thank you, Steve! Now I understand.

BTW, I think there used to be a little set of scales on each post to allow someone to give rep to the sender. I seem to have lost mine: or did they do away with that feature? I would like to give you some rep.

Thanks, Bongo. But those three little icons are missing on all messages. Go figure!

I have no idea what caused the problem but when all else fails, do a System Restore. I did just that and the problem cleared up.

Thanks again.