Things to Do With a PS3 Controller

Movie Watching

• Your PS3 controller can be used as a remote when you're watching either a Blu-ray disc or a DVD. Once your PS3 is playing the movie, press the "X" button to pause it. You can also press the "Start" button to pause it. Pressing the "Triangle" button will bring up an array of options, including volume control. Use the directional pad to navigate through your options and press "X" to activate an option. Pressing "Triangle" again makes the option menu vanish. Pressing "Square" takes you back to the main menu of the film. The "LI," "L2," "R1" and "R2" buttons control the speed of the film. The "R1" button allows you to jump to the next chapter, while the "R2" button allows you to fast forward through a scene. The "L1" button takes you back a chapter, while the "L2" button allows you to rewind.

On The Go

• Your PS3 controller can be used for any other PS3 system. Simply plug your controller into a PS3. The four red lights on the controller should start to flash. Press the center button -- the one with the PlayStation logo on it -- and the four blinking lights should turn into one solid red light. Unplug the controller and you'll be good to go. This is ideal if your friend only has one controller but you want to play a two player game. Once you're done, simply press the center button again and click "turn off the controller." This will deactivate the controller until you plug it into another PS3.

Wii Action

• You can use the PS3 controller in the same fashion as the Wii controller for certain PS3 games. One such game is "High Velocity Bowling," which is a simple bowling simulator. The PS3 controller utilizes the Sixaxis' motion-sensing feature built into the controller. When bowling, bring the controller back and then swing it forward to control the velocity of your throw. The "MotorStorm" franchise also utilizes the Sixaxis motion-sensing feature, allowing you to use the controller as a steering wheel. Tilting the controller to the left or right will make your vehicle drive left or right.

The PC

• You can also use the PlayStation 3 controller to control the games you play on your PC. Visit Motioninjoy.com and download the required driver and install it onto your PC -- it comes in x86 (32-bit operating system) and x64 (64-bit operating system), so make sure you download the right one. Then connect your PS3 controller to your PC using the USB port. An icon should appear on your system tray indicating that installation is taking place. Click on the "Load Driver" button and wait for the installation to finish. You will be alerted once it is by a message that reads: "Success: Install Completed." You can now use your PS3 controller to play PC games -- you no longer need to use the keyboard. This is ideal if you have become accustomed to using the PS3 controller for your gaming adventures.