How do you determine if you need a firmware upd

I'm an iMac newbie, so if this is a stupid question please forgive me.
I need to find out which version of firmware I currently have and what version is current.
I have found the Apple web site where they can be downloaded, but these sites do not tell you how to determine if you need it or not. At least I couldn't find it if they did.
How do I make these determinations?
iMac Intel 20" Mac OS X (10.4.7) The absolute best computer I have ever owned!

Jon,
System firmware updates have been very rare, and have never been distributed by Apple through Software Update. The reason is that they have always required special handling, not simply a matter of download and restart.
Firmware updates are not software, but are irreversible changes made to the logic board or some other operating unit.They must be downloaded to the intended computer first, then all applications, etc. disconnected, then the installation proceeds according to specific instructions for each particular firmware update.
The SMC (System Management Controller) Firmware Update for Intel Macs is different from a system firmware update and is capable of being handled the same as any typical software update, therefore it was included within Software Update and most of us downloaded and installed it without giving it any special attention. I'm guessing that the newest iMacs that are sold with OS X version 10.4.7 installed already have the updated SMC firmware which is an older update than 10.4.7, but my assumption may be mistaken.
It very well may be that your PowerMac never have had a firmware update issued for it, as the majority of PowerMacs have never had one issued, as can be seen in this listing:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86117

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How do you determine if you need a firmware upd

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