How do I hook up 2 monitors to one computer?

Question

I have two monitors and I would like to hook them up to one computer. When answering please assume that I am not computer saavy. There is not an area on the back of my computer for the second monitor. Can you tell me the steps to hook up the second monitor and any websites I should visit.
Thank you

Ok my head is already spinning with all of the great answers so far (lol). But I know I can do this.. I am sorry left off the following details
hooking up to desktop running windows xp

Answer 1

You need a video card that supports dual monitors. The majority of card do these days, but double check when you buy it.

Also most cards come with either 1 VGA and one DVI-I connector, or two DVI-I connectors. VGA connectors are blue, DVI connectors are white.

DVI-I has the the same signals as the VGA connector, so all you need is a DVI to VGA adapter. Most good cards will come with one or two in the box. Again double check when you buy the card just in case.

If either of your monitors has a DVI connector then use that with a DVI-D cable, you will get a better image. If they are both VGA make sure any DVI connectors on the card are DVI-I and not DVI-D only.

You also need to know the connector type in your computer. This could be PCI (really old computers) AGP (older computers) or PCI-Express (AKA PCI-e, newer computers) and buy the video card that will fit that connector. look in your computer/motherboard documentation. Most will have PCI slots plus one AGP or PCI-e.


If you have an existing video card, pull that out.

Put the new video card in.

If you have a video connector on the motherboard then you may need to go into the BIOS to disable the onboard video. How to do this varies, but there should be directions when the computer is starting to boot.

Connect up both monitors

Uninstall the old drivers. (Control panel > add/remove software) and install the new ones, rebooting the system as necessary.

configuration and tweaking of the two monitors can be done in the display properties:

Control Panel > Display Properties > Settings tab.

You can enable or disable each display, set the resolutions for each, make either the primary (Most dialog boxes pop up on the primary monitor) Drag the monitors around so that they match their physical locations. Remember you need to click Apply to make most of the changes.

Answer 2

If you're running Windows XP or even 98 there are several ways to do this.

First you can get a dual video card (the configuration I have) which allows you you plug in two monitors. It's rather easy and works GREAT. I have Asus ATI Radeon 9600 (yeah it's old but it works)

Another option if you already have a video card (NOT one on the Motherboard) is to add a second video card. This is a configuration I used prior to my current configuration and worked just as well.

With these options just turn off the computer, install the card (or cards) startup Windows (only one monitor may work OR both will be the same) then right click on the desktop to get the properties and then select the monitor and extend the desktop to that monitor.

The last option is a USB solution Personally I don't have ANY experience but for some it works pretty well.

Search for Multi-Monitor,

Answer 3

It would help to know whether you're trying to connect the monitors to a laptop or a desktop, and whether you're using a PC or a Mac. If this is a windows desktop PC that has room inside to install a dedicated graphics card in place of whatever onboard video is on the motherboard, you can install a graphics card that supports two monitors. If this is a windows laptop, a company called Matrox make a device called DualHead2Go that allows the use of two monitors with a laptop. A Mac desktop will also allow the use of a graphics card that supports dual monitors, while a Mac laptop is limited to one monitor over the external monitor connection.

Answer 4

First, you need two video cards. When you do, plug the monitors to each of the ports, and start the computer. Only one of the monitors will work during the first time. Go to control panel->display properties then the settings tab. Click on the number "2" and check "extend windows desktop onto this monitor".

Answer 5

dude,

first of all you need a video card that supports duel displays, it wont work if u dont have it.

second. then you are going to need an extra connection, a splitter to split the two display connections into two separate ports. its not that expensive.

best thing to do, go to ur local computer store, and those guys in there will tell you exactly what to do.

and do u want a display that splits the monitor into one big space or do u want the monitors to act independently on their own ?

Answer 6

Your graphic card needs to support dual VGA slots; you'll see in the back of your machine if you have one slot or two, they're usually in blue color and you'll see exactly that it fits the monitor male cable. If your graphic card does not support it, you'll have to go to your local computer hardware store and buy a card which does support dual monitors.

Answer 7

particular that's obtainable yet first you may desire to envision some issues: a million) seem interior the returned of your video card.. if it has 2 video demonstrate connections If it does, you're 0.5 way abode. circulate to the video card settings (authentic click on your laptop, click homes, then settings) after plugging interior the 2d video demonstrate and alter the settings. 2) in case you dont have 2 connectors.. dont panic basically yet. some video enjoying cards are "twin head" which skill they can assist you 2 video demonstrate gadgets yet you desire a definite cable which will split your single video demonstrate connection into 2 connections. to be certain in the journey that your card is "twin head", i might examine the documentation. good success!!

Answer 8

You need a special port on the back. Its usually white and is wider than the regular one. If you have the port, you can buy a splitter cable that will allow you to plug in two monitors.


Alternatively, you can buy a video card that has two ports.

Answer 9

You need a switch box, or an adapter. Office Depot has a small little adapter for $60 or somewhere around there that will do this for you, no software required.