Dual monitor setup consist of two Monitors connected to a single Central processing Unit. In a dual monitor computer setup you can easily switch on to and fro from one monitor to another monitor window. You can view and work on several different applications at the same time, which can be used to enhance the productive work. When you have two monitors on at the same time, you can keep windows open on both monitors simultaneously and no need to minimize to have a look at the other one.
A dual monitor setup can also be seen as an arrangement where you can connect and use two monitors independently with one computer-processing unit. Adding second monitor to a computer can seriously boost work or business productivity. In case you do have an extra monitor available, in order to go with the dual monitor setup, with your desktop computer, you would need a dual head Graphics Card or in case you want to connect your second monitor with your laptop, look for already available display output. In case you do have another available display output from your laptop, just connect your external monitor to the extra available display output, in case you do not have an another display output available, a display modem with usb connection can be a quick and easy choice.
Benefits of Dual Monitor Setup
- In case you do work on many applications simultaneously, a dual monitor setup can be helpful to view multiple window content without switching between windows.
- Dual Monitor setup with a rotatable monitor can be helpful to view a long document without scrolling.
- In case you do need to keep an eye on news / stock news, you can view news on one monitor and do your work on the other monitor.
- There can be many other benefits, just imagine having dual monitors connected to you computer / laptop, extending your work area in a configurable manner.
How to Setup Dual Monitor Setup
Softwre Requirements:
This article talks about only Windows Operating System and in case you do have Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, this is all you would need to go ahead with your dual monitor setup. Third party dual monitor softwares (e.g MurGeeMon) can be of help as well and can be useful to provide more easier ways to control yourdual monitors and use them efficiently.
Hardware Requirements for Desktop Computer:
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Desktop Computer with dual head graphics card or in board dual graphics output in your motherboard.
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Dual Monitors (attached or seperate).
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Connectors / Wires to connect monitors to your computer.
Hardware Requirements for Laptop Computer:
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Laptop with extra display output port or a Laptop and suitable display modem (e.g USB Display Modem, etc).
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An extra Monitor, in case the extra monitor is big in size, it can give you wide viewing area and good resolution.
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Depending on the available monitor type and the display output of your laptop, you might need a converter (e.g DVI to VGA, DisplayPort to VGA, etc).
Once you do have the required hardware connected to your desktop or laptop computer, and do have the compatible operating system (Note : This article discusses only Windows Opearting System, other operating systems may support dual monitor setup as well, but the are no discussed here) all you would need is go to the display settings and help the os to detect the extra monitor connected (may be by clicking the detect button (or any other relavent button).
In case you do have all the things in place such as required hardware installed / configured with corresponding device drivers (if not detected, configured and installed automatically by the operating system), dual monitor supported os, etc) for your dual monitor setup, you should be ready to explore the world benefits / advantages of dual monitors.
