I recently bought a new laptop and am starting to do a little bit of gaming on it. I wanted to use a controller for some games but I have no idea how. Does anyone know how I can use a PS3 controller for PC games? Do I need to download some sort of program for it?

I use Motioninjoy. It emulates the PS3 controller as a 360 controller.

Actually, it emulates PS3, PS2, PS1 (dual shock and original), 360, and a keyboard. Here's the link to the site. http://www.motioninjoy.com

Yup, motioninjoy.

Works like a charm.

I have a bit of a problem. When I plugged my PS3 into my Laptop it was installing it and I accidentally clicked cancel. Now I try to plug it back in but the installation thing doesn't come up anymore. When I open Motioninjoy it says device not connected even though my PS3 is connected to my Laptop.

Nvm fixed it.

Yup I got it and tested it out. Works fine. It's a little confusing see the Xbox buttons pop up on the screen though lol. Mainly wanted to use a controller for racing games. Easier to controller the speed/direction with analog sticks and the R2/L2 buttons.

For anyone looking, +1 to Motioninjoy from me. Been using it for something like a year and a half with epsxe and PCSX2, works like a charm!

I don't think I've come across that yet, so I keep it at the PS3 emulation. Granted, I only play MMO's and emulated GB Advance, SNES, GENESIS, DS, Gamecube, Wii, PS1, and PS2 games

Haven't found any games worth buying on Steam yet, except for the Sherlock Holmes collection.

I use motionjoy. When I first got my laptop, I tried using it but could never get it to work.
I recently decided to try it again, and it turns out I actually have to have the program open while I'm playing the game!
Who would have thought!