Dual Monitor Setup

Dual Monitor Setup

Posted on 08. Jun, 2009 by Eric in Uncategorized

Have two monitors but you only have a use for one? Consider setting up dual screens. Once you experience the freedom and flexibility of dual screen monitors, chances are, you will never go back. Below will give you all the info you need to get started.

Setting up dual screen monitors is fairly intuitive to the geek population of the world, yet it is not so simple for those of you who are not so nerdy. In recent months I have talked to several individuals who have asked the question, “How do I set up dual screens?” Today I’m going to explain just how easy it is to double your screen real estate.

For those of you with a laptop computer, setting up dual screen monitors couldn’t be easier since almost all laptops have a built in VGA output. If you use a desktop computer, check the back of it to see if your video card has 2 outputs. Modern video cards usually have one VGA output and one DVI connector. Don’t see 2 video outputs? Don’t loose hope, you can purchase a reasonably priced video card with the capability, yet that is beyond the spectrum of this post. Below are a few images of VGA connections so you can distinguish what it looks like (click to enlarge).

vga-examples1

Alright, at this point we have established that you have the hardware required for dual screens so follow the steps below to make it happen.

1. Plug in the two monitors and turn them on.

2. Press the right click button on your mouse while your cursor hovers over the desktop

3. Select “properties” and a window will appear.

4. At the top of the window, click on the “settings” tab.

5. You should see 2 black boxes in the middle of the window. One will have a “1″ in the center of it, while the other a “2.” Click on the black box with the “2″ in the center.

6. Check the “Extend desktop on this monitor” box toward the bottom of the window.

If you are using windows XP the instructions above will work perfect. For those running Vista, there is a slight variance. When you right click on your desktop you will have to select “personalize.” From there you will click where you see “Display Setting.” That should be the only differences so hopefully there won’t be any confusion.

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