Uses

• Firewire is typically used for video editing. For all other storage and peripheral purposes, USB is preferred.
  
  

Speed

• According to tech writer James Galbraith, USB 2.0 has a maximum bandwidth of 480 Megabits per second (Mbps), while Firewire 400 has 400 Mbps and 800 Mbps for Firewire 800 specifications.
  
  

Prevalence

• Since Firewire is an Apple creation, you can find them on Apple computers. However, most PCs have at least one Firewire port. USB, on the other hand, is found in almost every Mac and PC, and at least two can usually be found on a computer.
  
  

Connections

• USB can handle up to 128 connections per port, while Firewire can handle 16 devices, according to Apple.
  
  

Computer Usage

• Both USB and Firewire devices typically have generic drivers for computers, eliminating the need for installing drivers with a CD.