RE: flight sims
To use your radio, you need [link=http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11996]an adaptor[/link], also widely available on Ebay (with FMS disc). Then go into the calibrate mode and set it up.
I've got XP and it works fine. Until you get the adapter you can fly with the keyboard, which will still help your brain with the orientation of flying a plane toward you and away from you. This is how it helps you fly a real RC plane - once you get your radio hooked up, your thumbs will know the proper amounts of input to fly the plane. That's pretty much what it's good for - just basic practice.