[sinogap]

which is one is better for using with joomla.

[kkenny]

Fireboard is more integrated and easier to use in general compared to phpbb. phpbb is used by J!'s main site though and I guess it's because the functionality and power of phpbb is more appealing to joomla then fireboard.

Here are my opinions
Fireboard
-Simplicity
-User friendly ADMIN wise
-Easy to integrate with your skin

PHPBB
-Powerful + Customizable
-Hard learning curve
-You have to edit files to make it somewhat look like your phpbb skin to look like your joomla skin (if you wanted to)