A firewire connection is also called a IE3394 or something like that, it is a small rectangular port(about 3/8" long with a small indent on the top, with 4 pins) on your computer. Your video camera if it is a miniDV should also have this slot. I think sony vegas will be a good program as well, we got adobe as a gift but i believe it is $125 compared to about 80 for sony vegas. If you have a dell notebook without a firewire port you can also add one as rusty mentioned in your PCIA slot with an adapter card. I have a used card and cable for sale if you need one.