the ipod can work with either usb2 or firewire, however, usb2 can't supply enough power to run the ipod so there is a combo cable that gets power from the included power adapter. it might work with usb1 but transferring music is going to be really slow...

if you get a firewire/usb2 combo card you'll have both, and it will be easier to use the ipod too.

the ipod does not play wma files.