Summary: 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.
I have a second CRT monitor which I want to use with my system. How do I hook it up and what advantages can I derive from this hook-up? My present OS is Windows-XP.
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Windows XP actually does a very good job of handling multiple monitors and display devices. In fact, I'm writing this on a dual monitor system right now.
There are a couple of approaches to connecting more than one screen to your display.
And you don't even have to stop at two. Add three, four, or more screens if you like.
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The biggest limiting factor is typically where to plug it in. Your desktop computer likely has a place to plug in exactly one display device.
One option is to install a video card that supports more than one display, and that's the approach I've taken. I ordered my current desktop machine with a ASUS 8600GT video card that provides two DVI outputs, to which I have my two 23" displays connected.
Another approach is to simply install an additional video card. Years ago it used to be the case that only one video card could be installed and work at a time, but no more. You can install two, or more, and have each one provide the video output for a different device. In my case were I to install a second identical card I'd have the ability to drive four different monitors.
A more recent, and fascinating entry into the multiple-monitor market is a USB device that, when connected, provides an additional DVI/VGA output. The EVGA UV Plus is small and portable and a convenient way to inexpensively add additional displays (you can use more than one). The drawbacks I've seen so far in playing with one are that it is software based, and thus uses some CPU resources and requires additional drivers to be installed to manage your multiple displays. It also seemed to have an issue handling full-screen video.
Yet another approach is to use a product called MaxiVista. MaxiVista allows you to use another computer, and thus its monitor, as if it were an additional monitor connected to your PC. The classic case is using a laptop's screen as an extension of your desktop computer's display.
Speaking of laptops, most these days are already multiple-monitor capable. Not only do they have a built-in LCD display, but almost all laptops have a DVI or VGA connector for an external monitor. Through (often obscure) keystrokes and software settings, you can have your laptop display the same thing on both internal LCD and connected display, or treat them as a single multiple-monitor display. (The "obscure keystroke" I refer to above is often the laptops "Fn" key combined with one of the function keys to cycle through the possible display combinations. Confusion often arises as each switch can take a few seconds to actually happen, so be sure to wait each time you make a change to allow the hardware to catch up.)
Once you have your second (or third, or fourth) monitor plugged in, the Settings tab of Display Properties will actually show you both monitors, and allow you to arrange them and set the specific characteristic and options for each.
Having multiple monitors available can be a surprisingly powerful productivity enhancer. While, yes, I could do all my work on my laptop's single screen, I'm actually more comfortable if I'm going to work on something for a longer period of time behind my desktop with its dual screen configuration.
I'm so much more comfortable that I'm likely to add a third display soon.
Related:
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Can I use my TV as a second monitor? Your TV can often be used as a second monitor, but unless you have a newer digital TV, the results will likely be very disappointing.
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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.
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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.
Article C3551 - November 1, 2008
A way to do this that you did not identify is to use an A/B VGA switch. I have done this and it works quite well. The only disadvantage is that one screen becomes blank.
Posted by: James Panter at November 4, 2008 9:18 AMI found this article to be very helpful in setting dual displays, and video cards etc. It certainly will be very useful when I get the right cables.
My biggest issue when it comes to adding anything to my main desktop, are the cables. What cables go where, what do they look like, and what are their function. I'm sure there are a lot of people who have the same problems. As we add something, cables do not always come with the card or hardware. Also, not all sales people know what all the cables are. I have a Dell Dimension4700, which can be used as an intranet server. I have another computer with monitor, that I want to use for storage but I don't have a clue what cables I need to connect the two computers together. If you don't have time to answer this question in the Newsletter, how would I find this information on the Internet? The tags to use.
Thanks
Posted by: Lelani Grose at November 4, 2008 9:32 AMThanks for the instructions -very helpful,íf not for me,then for many others who are interested in a dual (or multiple) monitor setup.
Posted by: Peter at November 4, 2008 10:56 AMI've been using this for the last 7 years though ;)
You may want to check out DisplayFusion (free) http://www.binaryfortress.com/displayfusion/
for additional features using multimon displays.
Another way to get a multi-monitor setup is with a DualHead2Go from Matrox. This is a small box that connects to your computer's video output (VGA or DVI) and lets you hook up two monitors without having to open the case. It works with laptops and desktop computers, PC and Mac. Unlike the EVGA UV Plus mentioned above, it uses your own system's graphics capabilities, so you get great performance across all monitors, including 3D and video. More info at (www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/dh2go/).
Posted by: James at November 4, 2008 11:09 AMAt work I have a Dell desktop which has both DVI and VGA outputs. I have a two Dell 19" flat screens connected, one to each output.
Posted by: Adrian Martin at November 4, 2008 2:14 PMBe warned! Once you have used additional screens, there just ain't no going back! I use a mere two although I could sometimes do with more and when I have to revert to a laptop, I don`t know what's hit me! Withdrawal symptoms set in. I also use a free multi-monitor task bar from http://www.mediachance.com/
Posted by: David at November 4, 2008 2:37 PMand this, coupled with Microsoft`s virtual desktop power toy just about covers all bases.
Here's my experience:
http://www.geocities.com/terryhollett2003/dual.html
I currently DO NOT have dual monitors setup. My sister's monitor crapped out and I ended up giving one of mine to her. I also removed the second video card - I didn't want the drag of extra drivers for something not being used.
I also want to point out, as in my case that I had to go into the BIOS and change the boot up order of the video devices.
Posted by: Terry Hollett at November 5, 2008 7:47 AMI've been using dual monitors for about two years. Don't think I will ever be able to settle for just one again. The only problem I've encountered (and it is a small one) is that I can't figure out how to use any screen savers that are outside of the few boring ones that Windows allows AND when I got my second monitor, even that list became shorter. Anything I download simply will not show up on the list so I can switch from ho-hum Starfield.
Posted by: Kelly Hamblin at November 7, 2008 10:59 PMI use an HP2215 PDA hooked to my laptop via USB and MyMobile (freeware) to keep a small screen on my laptop (can minimize it when wanted) to provide a second access to the web (use a CF wifi card to hook up to my local wifi). It is slower than my laptop but still works well. And it enables me to work on my PDA in the PDA screen.
Can I use a second monitor to view the PDA screen instead of having it take up part of my main screen?
Posted by: John Kizer at November 8, 2008 8:49 AMI would like to set up duel monitors. Can I take a video card from another computer and install it into mine to make this happen, or do they have to be the exact same kind?
10-Feb-2009