Tips for first-year programmers

[ctccromer]

Okay so my first REAL question question (for those of you that have used controllers before):
I'm looking for a controller as identical to an xbox 360 controller as possible.
1) I think I remember someone telling me you can use a normal x360 controller if you install a driver for it. Is this true? If so I'll just buy a cable to make my wireless controller wired, download the driver, and things'll be super easy!
2) If not, then is the controller on the right in the picture what I need to get? Is there something better? Any idea where I could buy this?
http://techgage.com/reviews/logitech...m_07_thumb.jpg

Once again, HUGE thanks to everyone for all the help!