Are Java updates free to install ?

Yes, they are! Go ahead!

Java is provided by Sun Systems as a Free Enhancement to IE, FireFox and various other interfaces. Updates and patches are available for FREE from Sun

Java is completely free thanks to the authors standing up to Sun microsystems and literally risking their jobs and careers to make it so. Sun initially wanted to sell Java after it was developed but the main coders and architects protested and threatened to walk out if Sun did not release it for free. Sun eventually caved in and Java has been free since.

What isn't free is certain Java related tools such as the IDE which Sun sells to help pay for Java development. All Java upgrades, JDKs and such are free. As far as I know all java browser plugins are free as well. You can always get the free one from Sun if you have something else.

Yes they are. You may see a window pop up that says java updates are ready to be downloaded. Click download now. Once they are downloaded, you be asked to install them.

How long have you waited when it has closed out,it has a habit of doing that when it is downloading,if nothing happens for about 1 to 2 mins when it closes out then something wrong but first of all give it a couple of mins and see how you go.

yes

http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp

yes they are

Yes, or at least, mine are.

SOMETIMES.