How do I know what version of Java I have?

I have recently been having problems with my Cox email online where I'm getting error messages: "Unable to get HTML message; Unable to initiate applet, etc. I never had problems before with my email. I went on the Apple forum and they left me totally confused. When I go into Tools in Firefox and add-ons, my Java version is 13.9.8 dated 10/8/2013. Apple told me to download the the updated version 17 which I did. Firefox still has the 13.9.8 listed and I still have the problem. When I go on Safari, the Java preferences appears to be updated. The Apple people told me to go into Terminal app to find the latest version. I don't have the Terminal app on my computer. They told me to reinstall my operating system (10.6.8) because of this. I never needed this app before. Why would I have to reinstall? I have no clue how to do this. I don't have a CD.

Terminal should be in /Applications/Utilities.
Once you find it type:
java -version
Should get something like this:

craig@zinger:~$ java -version
java version "1.6.0_65"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_65-b14-462-11M4609)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 20.65-b04-462, mixed mode)
craig@zinger:~$

Or System Preferences > Java > General (in the Java Control Panel that opens) > About...

You have a Java system pref? Must be a Canadian thing
Seriously, I don't.

Also a Aussie thing Craig as i do as well. . . . Down the bottom where 'Other' is

I've got it also. I guess I've been dense because until Van mentioned it, I've never bothered looking for it in System Preferences, Other.

Did you install Apple's or Oracle's?
EDIT: Just checked the wife's, she has it. It's an Apple vs Oracle thing. I installed hers from Oracle. Mine offered to install when I started Minecraft. Guess it was from Apple?

chscag said:

I've got it also. I guess I've been dense because until Van mentioned it, I've never bothered looking for it in System Preferences, Other.

Click to expand...

cradom said:

Did you install Apple's or Oracle's?
EDIT: Just checked the wife's, she has it. It's an Apple vs Oracle thing. I installed hers from Oracle. Mine offered to install when I started Minecraft. Guess it was from Apple?

Click to expand...

Yea well it never used to be there at all. Its only since ML i think that i have seen Java there in System Preferences.

EDIT : @Craig i just checked my sons MBP and he has it, and he only has Minecraft (and Steam) on his. I can't remember what happened when i installed Minecraft on his machine, but i know the other day, he went to somewhere and it wouldn't let him until he/I updated to the latest Java, so . . . . .¿¡¿¡¿

It's definitely a part of Oracle's Java package. Apple never shipped a pref pane for Java. Not that any of that matters because how often do we need to configure Java?

I don't have Terminal on my computer. In my applications/utilities folder. I do have a Java Preferences folder which shows the current version. I think I figured out how to attach files to my post.

Or the easy way .....

Verify Java Version

Cheers ... McBie

OK, but what about the Terminal.app. Do I really need it?

Depends. If you haven't needed it til now probably not. You might someday though.
Wonder what happened to it.

I have no clue where it went and I haven't done anything to the operating system files. I don't touch that. If I should need it in the future, how would I get it back?

Terminal should appear in Application > Utilities.

I don't have it. I sent images in my previous post showing just what is in my Applications/Utilities folder.

IF you made an install USB stick you should be able to get it with Pacifist.
You would need to mount the install .dmg which is in the SharedSupport folder in the installer app.

I bought this computer from Best Buy in Dec. 2009. I received nothing with it. No DVD and no USB install stick. Could Best Buy have messed my computer? I know I didn't.

If you really need theTerminal App there is iTerm 2 you can download and keep in your Utilities Folder for IF/WHEN you need Terminal..

That's the easy way. If you insist on doing it the HARD way and get the original Terminal back let me know.
Neither one is necessarily better than the other, depends on your preferences.
And to answer your question, it's entirely possible the guys at Best Buy borked your computer unless it was new in the box.
If it was, then probably no, they didn't.