Im used to programming in windows using visual c++ and all. I have found alternatives to directx(ive always used OpenGL and OpenAL looks promising once i start doing audio) in other platforms except for input. what can i use in unix/linux that is as good as directinput? Or are normal keyboard checks just as good in unix? please help.

SDL
ClanLib
PLIB
etc... Google it ("Linux game input library" should turn up some decent hits) for more resources.

SDL lets you handle input.

It also serves as an easy way to open OpenGL windows.

thanks. that really helps!

sdl is evil

allegro
http://alleg.sourceforge.net