How to setup dual monitors

If you have a spare monitor at home and want to put it to good use, why not go dual monitors. Its quick and easy to set up and will definitively increase your productivity. Below are a few easy steps to get you up and running. Enjoy!

Step1
Check your video input on the back of your PC. If you only have one VGA (video graphics adapter) or one DVI (digital video input), then you need to purchase a video card that supports two inputs. Before purchasing a video card make sure you know the bus type of your card is, for a perfect match. Once you do that go to step 2

Step2

click to enlarge I will assume you don't have a dual video card but if you do move to step 3. In the event you need to install a new dual monitor video card once a card is purchased, turn off your PC and open it up. Then remove your old video card and put the new one in. Make sure it fits snug usually video cards will snap in. No snap no dice.

Step3

click to enlarge Once your video card is installed close your box up and attach both cables to each monitor. Fire up your PC and install the software with the drivers that come with your new video card. If you already have a video card that supports dual monitor most likely you can skip this step, as the drivers most likely are already installed. If you have issues after installing the drivers right click my computer click device manager, click monitors and to see if the device driver installed properly.

Step4

Restart your computer once the install is done. In most cases you will see one monitor active and the other blank when you reboot. This is because you haven't changed the properties to extend the desktop into the next screen.

Step5

click to enlarge To activate the second screen,go to your desktop and right click. Then select properties and select settings. You should see the second monitor option, click on it and it will open up the option to "Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor", check that box and restart your pc. On reboot you can enjoy your new dual monitor experience, by dragging and dropping where ever you desire. Make sure to open the graphics card software to play around with the settings. Shoot me an email if you have issues.