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Display Devices
Questions and answers relating to your computer's display devices from CRT and LCD displays to projectors and TV hook-ups.
Can I leave my TV hooked up to my PC through HDMI all the time?
Leaving your TV hooked up all the time is unlikely to pose a danger to your equipment as long as you consider a few issues.
Can I replace my LCD screen from one laptop to another?
Many components in laptops are device specific, which makes it difficult to exchange one laptop screen with another. Replacing that screen is going to be a problem.
Can I use my 25" desktop monitor on my laptop?
Most laptops come with a video port that allows you to easily connect an external monitor. A few settings may be required.
Do I need digital video output for my LCD monitor?
Depending on what you're doing, you may or may not need digital video output for your LCD monitor.
Do I need to install software for my monitor?
Many hardware add-ons come with installation CDs. Some need the additional software, some actually do not. The trick is guessing what's really needed.
Do I need to use a screen saver if I have an LCD screen?
Screen savers were initially intended to keep CRT monitors from burning images into the screen. Now there are other reasons to continue to use them.
How can I fix my computer from going to blue screen?
A sudden blue screen does not always mean that your computer is dying. It may be an easily fixable problem.
How do I connect a monitor to my laptop and have it work?
Most laptops include a VGA or DVI connection for an external monitor. Setting it up is relatively easy, if you know the tricks and have patience.
How do I get my two monitors to run different programs?
Attaching additional monitors to laptops is common. There are several settings to look at in order to make them work as expected.
How do I make my cursor larger so I can see it?
Cursor size is not determined by the kind of computer that you buy; it is set by your monitor and the software in your computer. It can easily be adjusted.
How do I set up a system with more than one screen?
Putting more than one display device or monitor on your PC is relatively easy these days. With the right hardware you can create huge virtual desktops.
How does screen resolution work?
Screen resolution is a simple concept but when combined with the myriad ways that Windows can be configured, screen resolution can quickly be confusing.
Troubleshooting computer monitor problems: the sideways stretch
Stretched or horizontally elongated screen are a common computer monitor problem. We'll look at the most likely cause, and resolution.
What do I do if a program requires 16 bit color?
Some graphics intensive games may be written to require your video be set to 16 bit color. If you're running something else, it's an easy change.
No Signal is a message that's not from your computer but from your display device, indicating that it has nothing to display. I'll review possible causes.
What is the difference between high color and true color?
High color, true color, bits per pixel, whatever you call it color settings can be confusing. I'll outline the differences.
Why do picture colors vary from computer to computer, or when I print them?
Color matching from device to device is difficult. Most monitors are not well calibrated initially, but doing so can return excellent results.
Why does my monitor sometimes turn purple?
When a monitor turns purple, the first thing to look at is the hardware. The good news is that you can test for hardware problems without spending a lot of money.
Why does my screen have a black border all around it?
Most flat panel displays have a default or native resolution at which they are best. If Windows uses a different resolution, the display compensates.