The USB ports are used for optional accessories such as a keyboard, the EyeToy digital camera, or, in the case of SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals, a microphone accessory that allows for communication with other players online and also for communicating orders vocally to computer controlled soldiers under your command.
The other port, which can only be found on older PlayStation 2 consoles, is the i.Link port, also known as FireWire. This is a high speed communications port that, unfortunately, never really saw any use on the PS-2. Because of this, Sony got rid of this port on later versions of the PlayStation 2. FireWire is typically used for high speed streaming of data from a digital camcorder to your computer for video editing and was developed by Sony Corporation and Apple Computer. - Reinhart
thanks a lot maties, been wondering what the fack the styawpid usb ports are there for, for yonks !, happy gaming dudes. i was actually wondering if u can attach an internet connection through the usb ports without having to get a network adapter...and ideas ?