Why You Need to Use Dual Monitors
My coworkers always ask me the key to my productivity success. The answer is always simple and comes fast: get dual monitors. If you can grab a third monitor, even better, but dual monitors is the rock bottom number for a productive and spacious working desktop area.
How to setup dual monitors
Typically, my coworkers were expecting some unique software or component addition. Maybe a new hard drive, or maybe that new PC cleaning program. No -- it's dual monitors.
The benefits in using dual monitors are quite easy: more room equals more productivity. You can drag windows from left to right, and you can also look at one screen while working in another. This is a classic setup for most software developers who are writing software in one monitor and watching the output in the other. Watch out for the possibility of productivity loss with this setup, though. You might fall into the trap of watching TV or reading silly things on one monitor while "working" on the other. If you stay disciplined, this won't be an issue.
The newest versions of Windows: Windows Xp, Vista and Windows 7, are built to to work very nicely with dual monitors and more. It's extremely simple to connect up the second monitor if you have the available slot on the back of your PC. As long as you have that available, Windows will 99% of the time take care of the rest for you. Typically it's only a matter of visiting the Control Panel or the Display Settings section to simply tickcheck off "Extend My Desktop To This Monitor." It is so easy.
It's also inexpensive to buy a dual monitor setup. In the worst scenario, you'll need to add a graphics card and a monitor. Usually, the video card will cost approximately $50. The monitor will set you back between $80 and up, depending on the quality and size. You can buy a very high-end 23" monitor these days for a couple hundred dollars. That was unheard of just a few years ago. This is the time to jump into dual monitor working!
You'll also have the fun benefits. If you're a flight simulator enthusiast, dual monitors adds a whole new feel that surrounds you even more into the game. You can even have one monitor to house all the guages while the other shows only scenery. First-person shooters wil have added benefit by adding to the field of view. Racing games will be even more enjoyable as the player can see more of the road.
It really is a no-brainer, in these times, to add a second monitor and join the dual monitor ranks. It's inexpensive, fun and it can add much to your productivity.
For more tips, please visit Dual Monitors World
How to setup dual monitors
Typically, my coworkers were expecting some unique software or component addition. Maybe a new hard drive, or maybe that new PC cleaning program. No -- it's dual monitors.
The benefits in using dual monitors are quite easy: more room equals more productivity. You can drag windows from left to right, and you can also look at one screen while working in another. This is a classic setup for most software developers who are writing software in one monitor and watching the output in the other. Watch out for the possibility of productivity loss with this setup, though. You might fall into the trap of watching TV or reading silly things on one monitor while "working" on the other. If you stay disciplined, this won't be an issue.
The newest versions of Windows: Windows Xp, Vista and Windows 7, are built to to work very nicely with dual monitors and more. It's extremely simple to connect up the second monitor if you have the available slot on the back of your PC. As long as you have that available, Windows will 99% of the time take care of the rest for you. Typically it's only a matter of visiting the Control Panel or the Display Settings section to simply tickcheck off "Extend My Desktop To This Monitor." It is so easy.
It's also inexpensive to buy a dual monitor setup. In the worst scenario, you'll need to add a graphics card and a monitor. Usually, the video card will cost approximately $50. The monitor will set you back between $80 and up, depending on the quality and size. You can buy a very high-end 23" monitor these days for a couple hundred dollars. That was unheard of just a few years ago. This is the time to jump into dual monitor working!
You'll also have the fun benefits. If you're a flight simulator enthusiast, dual monitors adds a whole new feel that surrounds you even more into the game. You can even have one monitor to house all the guages while the other shows only scenery. First-person shooters wil have added benefit by adding to the field of view. Racing games will be even more enjoyable as the player can see more of the road.
It really is a no-brainer, in these times, to add a second monitor and join the dual monitor ranks. It's inexpensive, fun and it can add much to your productivity.
For more tips, please visit Dual Monitors World
