How to Add a Second Monitor to Your Computer

Wide screen monitors are popular and have come down in price, and they can display a lot of windows and content. However, having a second monitor is still a great option for those who use their computers to multi task. A second monitor can be handy for photo editing, keeping your email and instant messaging open while you work. If you write having a second monitor for researching is an excellent way to stay organized as you work. Hard-core gamers can use duel monitors, one for playing and the other for quick access to the helpful walk-through when they get stuck. Two monitors can make multitasking and your computing life easier.

I am not a professional computer tech, however, I am a bit of a computer geek. The information provided is based on my own research, my success at installing a graphics card, and adding a second monitor to my computer. So, here's how I increased my productivity, and made my computing life easier.

How I set up two monitors on one computer

First, you need two monitors or displays. I'm sure if your reading this you have at least one monitor connected to your computer or you're using a laptop. If you already bought a second monitor and are reading this because you were searching for help setting it up, you're on the right path. Otherwise, the first step is to purchase a second monitor that is capable of connecting to your computer, today you can buy monitors at pretty good prices.

Hooking up the hardware is not that complicated. Many PCs come with integrated graphics, that is motherboards with built on graphics, and outputs for more than one monitor. Some computers may have a graphic card installed that has duel monitor connectors. If your computer has this type of graphics card, good for you. You can plug in your monitors then all you need to do is set up your monitors, and that is really easy.

If not then you will need to upgrade your hardware to support two monitors. When buying a graphics card be sure that the connectors it has match the connectors on the monitors you will be using. Also, be sure your computer has the required power supply for the graphics card.

Identifying these connectors is as simple as reading the monitors' manuals or looking at where you plug in the cords/cables; if your still not sure ask someone who understands display connectors. Basically, there are two common types of connectors used today. The video graphics array or 15-pin VGA connector which is rectangular, and the digital visual interface or DVI connector. If your not sure what either one looks like then take a look at a DVI connector, and then check out the VGA connector to see the difference.

Almost all graphic cards today come with either two DVI ports, one DVI port and one VGA port; and some have a DVI to VGA adapter right in the box. You can buy the adapters separately.

Also, be sure to check what type of open slot you have available, most computers today have the PCI Express (PCIe) x16 slot. Again, refer to your manual for this information if your not sure.

Installing A New Graphics Card

This may sound complicated, but it's rather easy. Turn off your computer, unplug the power cable, and then open the case. Look for the longest open slot on the motherboard, the PCIe slot. If your upgrading a graphics card and the slot isn't empty, remove the old card. Or release the small levers on the ends of the open slot, align the gold-colored connectors on the card with the slot and gently push the card into place until it's secure.

Note: If you purchased a high-end model graphics card that needs a direct feed from the power supply you need to find a free six-pin or eight-pin connector from the power supply, and connect it to the right jack on your card.

Next, close up the case, and replace the power plug. Connect both your monitors to the video connectors on your card, and plug in the monitors. Then turn on each monitor, and boot up the computer. If you see the same image on both displays then you've done everything right. After installing a new graphics card you do need to install the drivers for it, graphic cards come with a CD that have the drivers on it, put the CD in the drive and simply follow the instructions. Or you can visit the manufacturers website and download the proper drivers.

Finally, Setting Up Your Second Monitor

After installing your graphics card and connecting the monitors you need to tell Windows how to recognize it. The Display Settings dialog box will allow you to set up and configure the monitors. If your running Vista right click on your desktop, click display setting in the Personalize appearance and sound window that pops up. For Windows XP, right click on your desktop to bring up the display properties window, and click the Settings Tab.

Both versions of Windows needs you to tell it how to "see" the second monitor, and what to do with it. Computers are great, but without human input they don't always know what to do. Anyway, in the display settings window one monitor will be big and highlighted with the number "1" showing; this is your main monitor. Your secondary monitor will be smaller and dark with the number "2" on it.

Right click the secondary display and select Attached to activate it, then click the check-box that says Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor. Great, we're almost finished, now you can use the slider to adjust the resolution if you want until you find one that you like. Once your done, click Apply.

Congratulations, your second monitor is now ready to use. To navigate onto your second monitor simply move your cursor off the upper-right edge of your screen.