in my add and remove programs list i have two listings for flash
1..Adobe flash player 10 activex version 10.0.32.18
2..Adobe flash player 10 plugin version 10.0.22.87

on computer start up i am being prompted to update flash although the activex one is current can anybody explain the difference between the two please and if the plugin will relate to firefox although there is not an entry in the plugin list within firefox

The active X is for Internet Explorer and
the Plugin is for Firefox,

There can be problems for the plugin for Firefox so check out the link here, use the tester to see if flash content works and note the "testing flash" section if your browser is not detecting the plugin.

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Flash