Replace that keyboard with a brand new joystick.

With the advent of Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices, true cross-platform plug-and-play seemed to be within the grasp of every computer user. Well, except Linux users. But don’t worry—using a USB game controller under Linux isn’t that difficult. (Yes, even if it’s a Microsoft Sidewinder pad.)

If you do not already have a USB joystick or gamepad, they can be acquired at practically any computer store, online at Newegg (http://www.newegg.com), Amazon (http://www.amazon.com), approximately one zillion other online retailers, or even your local Radio Shack. The Gravis Gamepad Pro (USB) is a fine entry-level model that should set you back around $20. And of course, if you have a PlayStation 2, Xbox, or other video game console controller lying around, you may want to check out “Use Console Controllers on your PC” [Hack #51] .