I used DOSBox to play descent , and now I use d1x-rebirth (for descent 1) , d2x-rebirth (for descent 2) and d2x-xl , but I need memory for computer ,for d2x-xl.

Put your left hand on the keys: A, Z
Your thumb on ALT

Put your right hand on mouse. Use mouse to look around, and fire.

A = Forward
Z = Backward
ALT = Hold and move mouse to strafe. I only use this in bursts.
Q = Rotate left
E = Rotate right

Use # keys 1 - 9 for selecting weapons.

Press ESC to skip movies.

Here's my setup:

A = Forward
Z = Backward
S = Slide Left
D = Slide Right
W = Slide Up
X = Slide Down
Q = Roll Left
E = Roll Right
C = Afterburner
V = Energy-Shield Converter
F = Flare
B = Bomb
R = Rear View
Tab = Automap

This setup works well for me since I've gotten used to combinations for triple chording - ASW, ASX, ADW, ADX in particular.

Then I use either a mouse or joystick for pitch, yaw and firing. I prefer the Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro. I also like my CH sticks, either the basic Flightstick or Combatstick. I liked the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, but it was not durable at all. The Saitek X45 is just too stiff and I could never get used to an XBox 360 controller. I actually don't like the third twist axis on joysticks that have it, just my preference.

I played time ago the 3 Descent games all with a Joystick, a Logitech Wingman. It was awesome to play it like that.

Similarly to anamorphic, I also use Xpadder to play Descent I (Xbox 360 controller).

If anyone's interested, you can download the profile here: http://ge.tt/5zuOhIK

Though do note that the profile is what I find personally works best for me. eg, easy freedom-of-movement is important to me, so strafing up and down is mapped to the left-bumper and clicking the right thumbstick respectively, so that you never have to take either thumb off the thumbsticks for full movement. And due to the limited number of buttons taken-up by weapon-assignments (it's not possible to implement a non-crappy weapon-cycle), you can only barrel-roll in one direction, and a couple of the weapons are only selectable while holding the Back button first.

This, dear Sir, should be made into sticky!
Dosbox version of Descent was sometimes choppy on my MSI Wind U100 netbook I use for playing most of the GOG titles. But the source port is... AWESOME! Fluid and all! Thanks for providing this info!

Ah. I tend to read game FAQs on gamefaqs.com. That's why I probably missed the entry. I thought the topic was some standard gibberish on how to start the game, or containing some answers how to troubleshoot it. I better start reading GOG FAQs then. :)
If it was a separate post with a proper title, like "Behold! A new modern port of Descent!", I'd surely look at it. :D

A lot of people suggest Dxx-Rebirth, a source port of Descent & Descent 2.

I tried it and didn't like it.

I suggest D2X-XL. It looks better and has options to completely turn off the hud (which Rebirth doesn't have and the creator refuses to add).

you play descent the same way you dismantle a bomb...very carefully.

My movement control scheme is more or less based on the spectator camera controls in Unreal Tournament games -- WASD for strafing, Shift for sliding down, Spacebar for sliding up, mouse for rotating up/down/left/right. (And then Q and E for rolling.)

SpaceOrb 360. Turns this game into pure bliss (which the secret levels will quickly wipe away).

when i play descent i use only keyboards. 12 keys only for flying!

im downloading now purchased from gog.com! havent played maybe 4 years!

waiting forward to check some mods and see how descent looks now.. a w7

HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick, the standard for flying non-arcade flight sims) is by far the best. The increased maneuverability turns Descent into almost a new game. An incredibly smooth one, too. I've used Saitek, Microsoft, and Thrustmaster, and Thrustmaster was especially good. CH and their HOTAS system, if they're still around, have become the de facto standard these days.

It's a pricey way to go, but it makes almost as much difference in even an arcade flight sim as does using a steering wheel in a driving game.

Amazon still sells this stuff online, but the number of manufacturers making sticks and throttles has plummeted almost as fast as has the game industry's disinterest in building flight sims.

Here's my controls for Descent games with a keyboard and Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick:

WASD = Basic movements (Forward, backward, horizontal sliding)
Shift = Slide Up
Ctrl = Slide Down
R = View Rear
Spacebar = Afterburner
F = Flare
G = Headlights
T - E-S Converter
Tab = Automap
Joystick Axis = Aiming (heading and looking)
Joystick Twist = Banking
Joystick Hat = Weapon Selection
Joystick Trigger = Fire Primary Weapon
Joystick Button 2 = Fire Secondary Weapon
Joystick Button 3 = Toss Bomb
Joystick Button 4 = Cycle Bombs