So I know that basically the industry standard for vector design is Adobe Illustrator. I, however, first started learning how to use vectors and such on Macromedia Fireworks, as such it's still what I'm using (er, Adobe Fireworks).

Can someone tell me, the advantages/disadvantages, or just the differences between the two programs.

Just an aside, I generally go in and manipulate the anchors one by one, and that's how I make a picture, I have a tablet, but use it rarely.