Dual Monitor

[azianai]

Just wondering, what exactly is the procedure to have dual monitors that you can be running separate applications on. I've done it where it mirrors my existing desktop, but I never had the chance to try to set up 2 separate display consoles. Our accountant at work is looking to get a dual monitor setup, so i get the lucky task of setting it up for her. Basically just looking to get a whole new computer for her, but we're keeping her 17inch LCD and just getting another one for her. My main question would be the resolution as well, i know when i connected my notebook to my TV, it automatically limited the resolution on my display to that of the TV (1280X1024)

[Hitman]

If you use dualview you can have separate resolutions for each monitor. When you go into display Properties, and hit the settings tab, you should see two boxes representing monitors. The box with a 1 in it is your primary display and the box with the 2 is your secondary. You can drag and drop the boxes so they are positioned the same way the monitors are positioned on your desk. Click on the box that corresponds to the monitor you want to adjust and set the appropriate resolution. Dualview allows you to drag and drop windows from one screen to the other.

This is a good walkthrough with setting up DualView.

Windows XP: Learn how to expand your workspace with multiple monitors

[azianai]

thanks a lot hitman!

[screwballl]

I've been running dual monitors for a few years now and it is very easy... just check the box to enable the second monitor and set the resolution to whatever it will use.
I usually have 1440x900 on the LCD and 1280x1024 on the secondary CRT, and keep the main desktop and taskbar on the LCD.

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by screwballl

I've been running dual monitors for a few years now and it is very easy... just check the box to enable the second monitor and set the resolution to whatever it will use.
I usually have 1440x900 on the LCD and 1280x1024 on the secondary CRT, and keep the main desktop and taskbar on the LCD.

Under Windows you really have to check out UltraMon from Realtime Soft. It offers awesome features that once you grew used to are hard to live without.
There's a fully functional trial available from their website and 1 license is $40.00.

A free alternative would be MultiMon, however it's not Windows Vista compatible (might work, just not tested and Vista approved). Also, it's not as advanced. Monitors need to have the same resolution, second monitor must be on right, and other stuff.

[screwballl]

I tried MultiMon before and it completely screwed 2 of my systems so the standard windows utility is fine for me.

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by screwballl

I tried MultiMon before and it completely screwed 2 of my systems so the standard windows utility is fine for me.

Yeah MultiMon isn't quite the most compatible piece of software you could use.
UltraMon with Windows XP though never gave me any problem.
I know Nvidia has something too you can install for multiple monitor window management though I've never really fiddled with it. I don't know for ATI.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

So, is there a way I can run a full-screen game on one monitor and keep my IMs and musicks open on the other?

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by wtcnbrwndo4u

So, is there a way I can run a full-screen game on one monitor and keep my IMs and musicks open on the other?

Yes, the game will open on the primary monitor, whats ever on the secondary will stay where it is.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Originally Posted by Hitman

Yes, the game will open on the primary monitor, whats ever on the secondary will stay where it is.

Well, yeah, but when I do run it like that, the game runs fine on the first monitor, but then all the random stuff that was on the first monitor (i.e. Windows Sidebar) gets stuck into a place on the left of the secondary monitor and the backgrounds get all messed up.

It's weird...

I'm not using two monitors anymore though, so it's all good. I was just wondering if it could work... seamlessly.