Why is java not listed in about:plugins?

it's back now after following the instruction on java.com

if it's listed in about:plugins, that means it's properly installed, right?

It's better to install java by using Ubuntu Software Center and installing icedtea6-plugin.

This is the one you want to use in your
terminal:

sudo apt-get install sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin sun-java6-fonts

My wife place Pogo.com and it needs java.

It was opening the java window but would not go in to play
the game. But when I installed the command above it worked
just fine..

You need to add the partner repository too.

Thanks. It is back now. I don't know why it went away in the first place because I did not install it differently first time. thanks guys!

Thats good to hear:-)