Three Ways to Setup a Multi-Monitor Computer

1) You can buy a pre-manufactured Multiple Monitor Computer. Of course, the best place to purchase a multi-monitor computer is right here at: Multi-Monitors.com. We carry a multi-monitor computer line called SUPER PC that can support from 2 to 12 monitors (or more if you ask). We offer the best quality for the lowest prices and we are the original pioneers of this new breed of multi-tasking!

2) You can get a USB to VGA Adapter, or USB to DVI Adapter that will allow you to add an extra monitor to your computer via any USB2.0 Port. You can also add multiple extra monitors by using multiple adapters. This is a great option for viewing documents, surfing the web, using Microsoft Office and many other business tasks. This is not a good option for intense graphical situations such as HDTV, Blu-ray, Gaming and 3D / CAD Workstation applications. For those types of scenarios, it is highly recommended that you purchase a high-powered Multi-monitor Workstation.

3) You can replace or add an extra video card to your existing computer, depending on how many monitors you wish to support. Although this sounds easy enough, this is a rather complex solution for a beginner, especially when trying to find a compatible graphics card. For this reason, I am going to write an entirely seperate post on that topic and will link to it here, very soon.

Once you have your multiple monitor system set up and ready to use, you will need to enable all of your monitors in your “Display Properties” Control Panel. Here is a great link to a complete and animated walkthrough of how to enable your multiple monitors in the Windows Control Panel.

How to Setup Multiple Monitors (Instructions)

Nothing speaks louder than a video. For a better understanding about how multiple monitors work, watch this video:

How to Set Up Dual Monitors in Windows

If you’re using Windows XP or Vista, did you know that you can configure your desktop run on multiple monitors? It’s easier than you might think, and I am going to give you step-by-step instructions on how to use this feature. The whole process should only take a few minutes. This is a pretty neat trick, and once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to one monitor again, I guarantee it.

(PSST… if you need additional help, I’ve also included a video for Windows Vista users. Read through the article and if something doesn’t make sense, just watch the video below for additional instructions.)



Windows XP Users:

As a side note, you should be aware that one of these monitors will serve as a primary monitor which will display the logon dialog at start up. Also, most of the items you open will default to the primary monitor. The cool thing is that you can select different resolutions for each screen as well as adjust the color settings individually. To connect additional monitors you will need an additional video out or a video adapter that supports multiple outputs.

Configuration Step:

1) Go to START -> CONTROL PANEL

2) Select APPEARANCE AND THEMES -> DISPAY

3) Select the SETTINGS TAB and click IDENTIFY which will display a large number on each of the monitors. This shows which monitor is going to correspond with each icon.

4) Click the icons and drag them to the real world position in which the monitors are set up.
Click APPLY or OK



That’s it, your screen will flash most likely and Windows may ask you if you’d like to keep the settings. If everything looks good, then go ahead and hit OK.

To change the primary monitor in Windows XP you can do the following:

Steps:

1) In SETTINGS TAB of the Display Properties Dialog box, click once on the monitor icon that you would like to make the primary monitor.

2) Click to select the USE THIS DEVICE AS PRIMARY MONITOR check box. This box will not be available if you select the monitor that is already your primary monitor.

Windows Vista Users

Note: Windows Vista is designed to be a little more user friendly. When I plug in my additional monitor, Windows automatically sets it up for me, MOST OF THE TIME. So, I’ve included these directions for the times when Windows is unable to set up your monitor on its own. Also, as mentioned above, I’ve included a short video for the Vista setup, just in case you have trouble finding anything.

Configuration Step:

1) Go to the START button (actually, it’s the circular Window logo in the bottom left hand corner of the screen on most Vista desktops.)



2) Select CONTROL PANEL from the right hand column.

3) If you are in Classic View, then select CONTROL PANEL HOME.

4) Under the Appearance and Personalization, click ADJUST SCREEN RESOLUTION



5) Now you should see two or more black boxes if you’ve already connected your additional monitor. The icons are representations of the real world position of your monitors. You can drag and drop the icons so that they accurately represent where your multiple monitors are located on your desk.



6) Now select the additional monitor by click the icon and make sure the check box below that says, "Extend the desktop onto this monitor" is selected, then click APPLY

7) You may see the screen flash, and the desktop should now be extended on to your extra monitor. You should get a little pop up that asks if you’d like to keep these settings. If everything looks good, click OK. If something isn’t right, click CANCEL button and try one more time from the top.

Top Five Users of Multiple Monitor Computers

Each day that passes results in a surge of the use of multiple monitor computers. And there are several reasons why. I’m going to share with you a few of these reasons, and by the time you finish reading, you may be searching for the reasons why you haven’t already upgraded to a multiple monitor system.

Forex and stock traders are probably the top purchaser of multiple monitor computers. And there is good reason. When it comes to day trading or currency exchange, the last thing you have time to do is figure out which task bar is needed to make a quick exchange. With multiple monitors this no longer an issue, when the timing is right, you simply look up, down, to the left or to the right. This gives the forex or day trader time to make split second decisions and increase profits. If you’ve been trading without multiple monitors the only question you should ask is why?

On-line Poker players are another top buyer of multiple monitor computers. Having multiple screens allows players to have more tables open and therefore play more hands per hour. So if you think about it like any professional online poker player, it really comes down to the math. If you’re able to play on one or two tables with only one monitor, imagine what you can do with 6! The profit increases exponentially. When it comes to math, poker players are on the top of the scale.

Video gaming advocates and flight simulator nuts are number three on the list. When it comes to video games realistic graphics are a priority, but having more screen space is just about as important. Whether it’s RPGs or real life fighting and action, gamers prefer more screen space. And flight simulators need the additional screen space to create the peripheral type views that give flight simulators a realistic feel. The gaming experienced is improved with better graphics cards and more screen space.

The recording computer industry isn’t new, but using multiple monitors to control Pro Tools or whatever recording software you use may save you time and create a better recording experience. These guys are catching on and are the number four buyer of multi-screen computer systems. Having the additional space makes the job easier. If you’re still convinced that using a Mac with one screen is best, consider this, some of the most talented and brightest producers and engineers in Hollywood as well as elsewhere have now started using multiple monitors to make the recording process flow more smoothly.

Number five on the list is multi-taskers. I use multiple monitors because it allows me to increase my productivity. I usually have the news on one monitor, my music on another, a few Firefox browsers open and a couple just in case I need additional space. I write reviews for a living, so being able to quickly browse the net for research without having to minimize and maximize repeatedly saves me time. And at the end of the day, time really is money. I can produce more material and provide a better living for me and my family, and having multiple monitors has played a significant role in being able to do so.