Software, Computer Help
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How’d you like to increase your office productivity by as much as 50%? Add a second monitor to your computer setup. Once you do, you’ll never go back to using only one monitor again.
For example, you can open a document or presentation on one monitor and use the other to conduct research on the Web. Or, see your e-mail arrive as you work. Photo editors really benefit from having an image open on one monitor and the tool bars in full view on the second monitor. Video editing suddenly becomes almost as easy as the TV commercials promise.
Adding a second monitor to your system is easy. First, you have to check to be sure your computer has a dual-output video card. If it has a single-output card, you’ll need to add a second video card.
A dual-output video card runs about $100, depending on the specifications. A single-output card costs slightly less. Your computer may already support dual monitors, though, because many newer computers do.
Installing a video card isn’t difficult, but you may not want to mess with it. An electronics store can install a card for a fee.
You could also buy an external monitor adapter, but internal cards perform better. If you use two video cards, the cards should have the same specifications. That way, there will be no lag between the monitors.
Choosing a monitor
You can use an old monitor if you have one. The experience is better if the monitors are the same size. Even better are identical monitors.
These days, you can find bargains on flat-panel monitors. Go for a 19-inch monitor if possible. Otherwise, a 17-inch screen is good. Anything larger than 19 inches may strain your eyes if you sit close.
The monitors and computer should have matching ports. Many monitors have both VGA (analog) and DVI (digital) connections. This makes things easier. (more…)