Yeah, I use a controller, it looks like a playstation controller and I like it.
Same here, I use mine for nearly every emulator. The only one I don't is Project 64. It is a lot more comfortable than trying to use the keyboard. Funny thing, my first controller lasted 3 months, second lasted 6 months and my current has lasted 16 months so far.
My first proper PC game was Command & Conquer Red Alert + the 2 add-ons that was back in 2000. The couple that came with my first PC were rubbish and were hardly ever played.