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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.
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 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 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 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.