Games that run in a 'window'
Throughout the site, we refer to games that will run in a 'window.' This is when a game does not 'take over' the whole of the desktop, but is contained within the sort of window that one can move around the screen, minimise etc. The importance of this feature is that often, if a game does 'take over' the whole screen, it indicates that it may not allow other software to run simultaneously. This is a problem if one intends to use an alternative pointer (like a headpointer, for example) which needs its own software visible to the user. Many games that are based on the internet will run in a window, usually meaning that they are easily controlled by alternative access devices, and there are a growing number of non-internet based games that will give you this choice when you're setting up the game.
AutoHotKey
This is a program which enables you to simplify mouse and keyboard tasks. It allows you to write a 'macro' (a short piece of programming code) to make a 'new' keyboard/mouse command. For example, if you wanted to hold a key down for a specific period of time and then release it, a key could be 'programmed' to perform the function created in the macro, rather than its usual function. This may sound a little technical, but the code for the above example would only be a few lines long and there are numerous examples and a tutorial available to get you started. AutoHotKey is available to download, free, from: http://www.autohotkey.com/
Dual Monitor
This is a useful set up option which will work with games that run in a window. It literally means having two monitors running with one computer and enables you to have the game enlarged on one of the monitors, and the control software (like an on-screen keyboard, or a mouse emulator like Dragger) on the other.
Cheats
Many of the more complex games will have 'cheats' available.They are hidden key sequences that have deliberately been put in the game to give the player an advantage. For example, in The Sims, a popular simulation game, you can type 'rosebud' to get more money. An internet search for the name of the game and 'cheats' will usually provide numerous results. A common, useful cheat is removing the limit on the number of 'lives' a player has in many games.
MAME Games
MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulation) games usually require simple controls, like keyboard only, and have built in 'cheats' which make the game easier, and provide the option of slowing the game down. They usually also run in a window. More information on MAME games can be found here.
