So how do I do this?

[lacktheknack]

Wait.. You can do that?!

How would the computer distingush from which one you're controlling though?

You put them side by side, and configure it so the cursor jumps from one to the other as it exits the screen.

This is old technology, you know.

 

[Je Suis Ubermonkey]

I wanted to link up another monitor but didn't have room, so I used a projector instead! Totally impractical for managing both screens at once but awesome for watching TV.

If you can't link up a second monitor try getting your friend who suggested it to help you; sounds like he should know what to do.

 

[Wintermoot]

simply hook it up to a second VGA output if you dont have one you need to install a video card (if one is already installed there should be one on the main board) once it is hooked up you need to configure your PC to support it

 

[Gildan Bladeborn]

Turn off computer, plug in new monitor, restart computer. Every OS since XP will automatically find it and set it up.

Then just go into properties and set which you would like to use as your primary desktop.

It's fairly simple. Though I will say that once you goto two monitors, you will never be able to go back to a single monitor. Ever.

Alright, I right clicked the screen, went to properties, settings, but nothing there mentions adding a second monitor,I plugged in the monitor, the computer didnt say anything, and the other monitor shows an exact image of my primary. Its one resolution setting below what it should be but when I apply the proper res setting, the second monitor goes blank, HELP ME!

Your monitor is currently set in one of the two main display modes - they can either clone the primary display (which sets up a mirror image), or extend the desktop onto an additional monitor, in which case Windows treats them like separate monitors that are each displaying parts of an even bigger desktop. Your computer is defaulting to clone mode, if you want them to act like an extended desktop then you're going to need to delve into the properties for the graphics adapter itself and change that setting. So Catalyst/Nvdia Desktop Control Panel/Intel whatever they call it/etc, that's your ticket to a solution.

From what you've just described it sounds like you have two monitors that aren't the same size, so it's restricting the display to a setting they can both display (you will always be restricted by the constraints of the secondary display if you are attempting to clone to non-identical displays).

 

[Urgh76]

Wait.. You can do that?!

How would the computer distingush from which one you're controlling though?

You put them side by side, and configure it so the cursor jumps from one to the other as it exits the screen.

This is old technology, you know.

had to

Edit: what the hell? That was supposed to be "this is illegal you know"!

Damn ipod

 

[lacktheknack]

Wait.. You can do that?!

How would the computer distingush from which one you're controlling though?

You put them side by side, and configure it so the cursor jumps from one to the other as it exits the screen.

This is old technology, you know.

had to

Fix'd. You just need the ID number, not the rest.

And first I've heard that it's illegal. Looks like I have to report my Dad to the police.

 

[Blemontea]

There should be an extra port to plug in another monitor behind your comPuter after you plug it in go to your monitor preferences and there should be some function around there to have two monitors.

 

[TheRundownRabbit]

Turn off computer, plug in new monitor, restart computer. Every OS since XP will automatically find it and set it up.

Then just go into properties and set which you would like to use as your primary desktop.

It's fairly simple. Though I will say that once you goto two monitors, you will never be able to go back to a single monitor. Ever.

Alright, I right clicked the screen, went to properties, settings, but nothing there mentions adding a second monitor,I plugged in the monitor, the computer didnt say anything, and the other monitor shows an exact image of my primary. Its one resolution setting below what it should be but when I apply the proper res setting, the second monitor goes blank, HELP ME!

So Catalyst/Nvdia Desktop Control Panel/Intel whatever they call it/etc,

.

Where do I look for this, I cant find it.

 

[Gildan Bladeborn]

Where do I look for this, I cant find it.

Generally if you right click on your desktop there will be an additional option or category that pertains specifically to your graphics adapter (on the system I'm posting this from, there's an option to launch the Catalyst Control Center right at the top of the drop-down menu that appears when I right click on the desktop, as I have an Ati card). Alternately, there may be a setting under Properties/Settings/Advanced (button along the bottom of the Settings tab) that will launch the page you're looking for. It might also be an option on the Control Panel.

 

[Aur0ra145]

Turn off computer, plug in new monitor, restart computer. Every OS since XP will automatically find it and set it up.

Then just go into properties and set which you would like to use as your primary desktop.

It's fairly simple. Though I will say that once you goto two monitors, you will never be able to go back to a single monitor. Ever.

Alright, I right clicked the screen, went to properties, settings, but nothing there mentions adding a second monitor,I plugged in the monitor, the computer didnt say anything, and the other monitor shows an exact image of my primary. Its one resolution setting below what it should be but when I apply the proper res setting, the second monitor goes blank, HELP ME!

check the "Extend my windows desktop" option. SHould be good then.

 

[Retardinator]

Actually, once you plug them both in, there should be an option in the regular Desktop>right click>properties>settings menu to use them both. There was no need to poke around Catalyst/nVidia menus when I tried it.
For those wondering how this works, once you cross the right edge of the first monitor, the cursor moves to the second monitor. Really helpful when mapping or doing similar multitask-y stuff.

As for the cords, just try and plug them in. It's not like you can make a mistake, aside from keyboard and mouse, possibly. Even that takes a significant amount of force.

Same thing as above, I right clicked the screen, went to properties, settings, but nothing there mentions adding a second monitor

I forgot to mention you should restart after plugging them in. Otherwise maybe your graphics card doesn't support two monitors or something.

 

[TheRundownRabbit]

Turn off computer, plug in new monitor, restart computer. Every OS since XP will automatically find it and set it up.

Then just go into properties and set which you would like to use as your primary desktop.

It's fairly simple. Though I will say that once you goto two monitors, you will never be able to go back to a single monitor. Ever.

Alright, I right clicked the screen, went to properties, settings, but nothing there mentions adding a second monitor,I plugged in the monitor, the computer didnt say anything, and the other monitor shows an exact image of my primary. Its one resolution setting below what it should be but when I apply the proper res setting, the second monitor goes blank, HELP ME!

check the "Extend my windows desktop" option. SHould be good then.

I do not see that option

 

[TheRundownRabbit]

Actually, once you plug them both in, there should be an option in the regular Desktop>right click>properties>settings menu to use them both. There was no need to poke around Catalyst/nVidia menus when I tried it.
For those wondering how this works, once you cross the right edge of the first monitor, the cursor moves to the second monitor. Really helpful when mapping or doing similar multitask-y stuff.

As for the cords, just try and plug them in. It's not like you can make a mistake, aside from keyboard and mouse, possibly. Even that takes a significant amount of force.

Same thing as above, I right clicked the screen, went to properties, settings, but nothing there mentions adding a second monitor

I forgot to mention you should restart after plugging them in. Otherwise maybe your graphics card doesn't support two monitors or something.

The graphics card may be the problem, unless...would I still see the option in the settings if another monitor isnt plugged in? (only question I can think of asking right now)

 

[Retardinator]

The graphics card may be the problem, unless...would I still see the option in the settings if another monitor isnt plugged in? (only question I can think of asking right now)

You plug both monitors in, restart and then poke around the settings. The option doesn't appear otherwise. If it isn't there it could be either your graphics card, or your PC didn't recognize one of the displays. If it doesn't show up in device manager (My Computer>Right click>Manage>Device Manager>Monitors, just to avoid further questions about that) it could be either one of the problems.

 

[TheRundownRabbit]

The graphics card may be the problem, unless...would I still see the option in the settings if another monitor isnt plugged in? (only question I can think of asking right now)

You plug both monitors in, restart and then poke around the settings. The option doesn't appear otherwise. If it isn't there it could be either your graphics card, or your PC didn't recognize one of the displays. If it doesn't show up in device manager (My Computer>Right click>Manage>Device Manager>Monitors, just to avoid further questions about that) it could be either one of the problems.

Thanks, whats the cheapest graphics card I can get that allows me to do that?

 

[EHKOS]

Wait.. You can do that?!

How would the computer distingush from which one you're controlling though?

Think the moniters on the Nebbachanezzer. They all use the same image, just spanned across three moniters.
Or you know, magic. One or the other.

 

[Jelly ^.^]

Immediately thought of this...

 

[Retardinator]

Thanks, whats the cheapest graphics card I can get that allows me to do that?

Seems like anything from the ancient GeForce FX series to the most modern cards has this capability, so take your pick.

Immediately thought of this...

Spoiler: Video

Yes, it does kinda have that effect.

 

[Urgh76]

Wait.. You can do that?!

How would the computer distingush from which one you're controlling though?

Think the moniters on the Nebbachanezzer. They all use the same image, just spanned across three moniters.
Or you know, magic. One or the other.

Oh, so like this?

 

[EHKOS]

Wait.. You can do that?!

How would the computer distingush from which one you're controlling though?

Think the moniters on the Nebbachanezzer. They all use the same image, just spanned across three moniters.
Or you know, magic. One or the other.

Oh, so like this?

Exactly, and for the record, I love your avatar.