View Full Version : Questions on Running Dual Monitors
I have the chance to pick up a second flat pannel for next to nothing (another store model thats horrendously scratched...on the back :roll: ) and had a few questions for anybody who utilizes two monitors and feels like putting up with my non-1337ness with this concept:
1. I've got a video card so after I plug the second monitor into the motherboards integrated video slot that is currently not in use what next? (Properties -> Settings -> :-s )
2. Do the two monitors work as one - as in, can I be working in Excell on one and drag information to a Powerpoint/Word document as if they were one large monitor?
PenguinMaster
06-01-2006, 02:38 AM
1. You just have to click on the second monitor when it appears in that screen and click "Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor".
2.Yes you can drag things from one to another, and there are also many programs that add things like buttons at the top to move things from one to another (UltraMon for example).
1. Like penguin said, but but be aware that some video card drivers require additional steps to enable the 2nd monitor. These are usually found under the desktop->properties->settings->advanced. ATI and NVidia put custom tabs under here for all of the fancy settings, including multi monitor support. Since you'll be using separate "cards" this probably doesn't apply to you, but I thought I'd mention it.
2. Yes, and you can change the relative geometry of the monitors by dragging the monitors around on the desktop->properties->settings tab. That way, you can tell the system which monitor is on the right/left, or top/bottom if the monitors are stacked. When you've got it set the way you want, it's just like having one big monitor. You can even have a window span across both monitors.
Just a note on integrated graphics. Many BIOSs will disable integrated graphics if another video card is found. If this is so, you may or may not be able to override this in the BIOS settings. If you can't, then you're screwed.
cheapfrag
06-01-2006, 11:14 AM
1. I've got a video card so after I plug the second monitor into the motherboards integrated video slot that is currently not in use what next? (Properties -> Settings -> :-s )
I've only done it with a single video card that has two outputs (i.e. VGA and DVI). I used a DVI to VGA adpater to set up 2 CRT monitors with my ATI 9800 PRO.