How to create a two monitor computer setup

If you are the type of person who likes (or needs) to run multiple programs at the same time, but quickly finds screen space very limited; you might like to consider the dual monitor feature built into Windows. 

With this feature enabled it is possible to run two monitors from one computer, therefore doubling the amount of visual workspace available to the user.

This really is a great timesaver and once set up and used for a few minutes, you will wonder how you ever survived on just one monitor.

The set up process is fairly straight forward, but if you are using an older machine you may have to upgrade your graphics card or buy an adapter.

I am using a Dell laptop running Windows Vista and have this connected to my old 17” LG flatscreen monitor. I usually work on the laptop and use the second monitor for Outlook 2007 and any other applications or browsers I am running.

The two pieces of equipment can be connected using a standard monitor cable.

Once the laptop and monitor are talking to each other you need to make a few onscreen adjustments in the Control Panel:

Start Menu > Control Panel > Personalization > Display Settings
or
Right click on the desktop > Personalize > Display Settings

This is the window you should see:

The blue line around the number 1 indicates the active monitor.

To set up the second monitor: Click on the number 2 and tick the box next to “Extend the desktop to this monitor”, then hit OK and Apply.

That should do it. You should now be able to use two monitors to do your work.

Icons and windows from the main monitor can be dragged across to the second monitor and used as usual.