How to Link Two Monitors to One Computer
Adding a second monitor to is a simple way to expand the amount of space you have on your desktop. You need enough video outputs on your computer with appropriate connectors for your monitors. Depending on your computer, you might need a dual-head video card, which has two outputs, or two single-head video cards. Make sure you have the right connections. These are the most popular standards: Digital Video Interface (DVI), which feature three rows of 8 pins with a blade next to them; High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), which look like skinny trapezoids; and VGA, which have three rows of five pins.
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Things You'll Need
- Dual-head video card (optional)
- Two single-head video cards (optional)
- Video cables
Instructions
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Hardware for PC and Mac
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1
Turn off your computer and monitors. Install any needed hardware in an open PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) or AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot on your motherboard. PCI slots are long, thin and raised off the motherboard. They are situated near the back of computers so the outputs of peripherals, like video cards, are accessible.
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2
After placing the card(s) in the slots, press firmly down on them to make sure they are well-seated. Screw the metal bracket attached to the card into the back of the computer. It should match up with a slot on the back of the computer.
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3
Connect the video cables that came with the monitors to the appropriate outputs on your video card(s). Refer to the introduction, or the monitor's documentation, for information about what kind of cable you need if the monitor did not come with one.
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4
Turn on the computer and monitors.
Windows XP
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5
Click the "Start" button. Click "Control Panel" and then click "Appearances and Themes."
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6
Click "Display," and in the window that appears click on the "Settings" tab.
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7
Two monitors will be displayed in the main section of the window. Click on "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor" to enable a desktop that stretches to both monitors.
Mac Setup
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8
Click on the Apple icon, and then click on "System Preferences." Click on "Displays."
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9
Windows will appear on both monitors. You can change the resolution of each in their windows.
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Click on the "Arrangement" tab and drag the two windows to position how the monitors display your desktop.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When installing computer hardware, always touch a piece grounded metal before touching the actual components to discharge static electricity, which can damage the hardware.
