{Ctrl + P}, then verify that printer is selected. Hit the Properties button and locate that preference in your printer's settings.

If that setting doesn't "hold", either after printing once or after a Firefox restart, you'll need to get support from the printer maker or their support forum. Not every printer manufacturer provides the same options / settings for all browsers. For me the Epson printers I used from 1999 thru 2008 wouldn't hold a setting like that from one page to the next; whereas with the Brother printers I now use, one holds that type of setting as long as Firefox is open, and the other holds that type of setting across multiple Firefox restarts - but I need to reset it if I restart the Operating System. (not a problem for me because my desktop PC is running 24/7)

That depends on your printer and the software that came with the printer. You can consult your printer manual or the online site for your printer manufacturer.

Generally, to change for the current session only, File > Print, click Properties, in the new window see what options are offered. Take special note whether there is an option to use black cartridge only.

To change for all future sessions, click (Windows) Start > Settings > Printers and Faxes, click you printer from the list, in the new window, click Printer > Printing Preferences. You will see the same window as in the instructions for current session only above, see what options are offered and look for use black cartridge only option. You may need to restart your computer. Test by printing one page that contains colored text or elements.

Other issues that need your attention

The information submitted with your question indicates that you have out of date plugins with known security and stability issues that should be updated. To see the plugins submitted with your question, click "More system details..." to the right of your original question post. You can also see your plugins from the Firefox menu, Tools > Add-ons > Plugins.

• Macromedia Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in, version 8.5
  • This is a very old version. You may need to remove it in Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs before installing the new version.
• Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape
  • New Adobe Reader X (version 10) with Protected Mode just released 2010-11-19
  • See: http://www.securityweek.com/adobe-releases-acrobat-reader-x-protected-mode

1. Check your plugin versions: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
   • Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions
2. Update Shockwave for Director
   • NOTE: this is not the same as Shockwave Flash; this installs the Shockwave Player.
   • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the link in the article below (Desktop is a good place so you can find it).
   • When the download is complete, exit Firefox (File > Exit)
   • locate and double-click in the installer you just downloaded, let the install complete.
   • Restart Firefox and check your plugins again.
   • Download link and more information: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Shockwave+plugin+with+Firefox
3. Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):
   • From within your existing Adobe Reader (if you have it already installed):
     • Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
     • Click Help > Check for Updates
     • Follow the prompts for updating
     • If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
   • Download complete installer (if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed):
     • Use the links below to avoid getting the troublesome "getplus" Adobe Download Manager and other "extras" you may not want
     • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the appropriate link below
     • Click "Save to File"; save to your Desktop (so you can find it)
     • After download completes, close Firefox
     • Click the installer you just downloaded and allow the install to continue
       • Note: Vista and Win7 users may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
     • Download link: ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/
       • Choose your OS
       • Choose the latest #.x version (example 9.x, for version 9)
       • Choose the highest number version listed
         • NOTE: 10.x is the new Adobe Reader X (Windows and Mac only as of this posting)
       • Choose your language
       • Download the file, SAVE it to your hard drive, when complete, close Firefox, click on the installer you just downloaded and let it install.
       • Windows: choose the .exe file; Mac: choose the .dmg file
   • Using either of the links below will force you to install the "getPlus" Adobe Download Manager. Also be sure to uncheck the McAfee Scanner if you do not want the link forcibly installed on your desktop
     • Also see Download link': http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/
     • Also see: https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Adobe+Reader+plugin+with+Firefox (do not use the link on this page for downloading; you may get the troublesome "getplus" Adobe Download Manager (Adobe DLM) and other "extras")
   • After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.