The Benefits of Using Dual Monitors

Imagine doubling your computer workspace and having the ability to keep multiple windows maximized and in view.  Many business and personal computer users have been switching to a dual monitor setup to increase productivity and gain the most possible amount of screen space.  Using two monitors, the available screen area for running applications is effectively doubled which creates many benefits for the user. 
With the lower cost of LCD monitors and the better support of newer operating systems, adding one, two, or even three additional monitors to your computer has become a trend.  Whether you are a business owner, business professional, or support staff, the benefits and cost of dual monitors far outweigh the cost of a new higher priced large LCD monitor.

Here are a few usage scenarios:

• Work on one monitor and keep your e-mail and instant messaging clients open on the other so you do not have to switch between windows when a new message arrives.
• Rather than printing large amounts of information for research, you have the ability to open a web browser in one monitor, and take notes in Microsoft Word on the second monitor. 
• Designers can drag all of their toolbars to the second monitor and use the entire surface of the first monitor as an uninterrupted workspace. 
• If you use an application that has to be constantly monitored, the application can be maximized on one monitor while you continue to work on the primary monitor.
• Dual monitors allow you to have one monitor facing the customer and the other monitor facing yourself.  You can add only the information or applications you want the customer to view through the second monitor, concealing confidential information being viewed on the monitor facing you.
• With Microsoft Power Point you are able to display a slide show on the second monitor while using the primary monitor for things including reading presentation notes, calculating prices, referring to online help or anything to help enhance your presentation.
• Windows Media Player automatically detects a double display configuration.  When you play a media clip Windows Media Player automatically plays it in full screen mode on the second monitor.  On the primary monitor the full version of Windows Media Player is available to adjust volume, settings and properties while the full screen version is being displayed on the second monitor.

 What do you need to set up dual monitors?
Connecting a second monitor can vary depending on what type of computer you use and the hardware available in your computer. You can connect a second monitor to a desktop computer, laptop or Tablet PC.  Technical support may be needed to make it possible.  Below are the essentials of adding a dual monitor setup:

• Two Monitors
  The two monitors can be the same or completely different; two LCD’s, two CRT monitors, or one of each.  The monitors can also be different sizes and different resolutions.
• Microsoft Windows XP or Vista
  To easily setup dual monitors you can use Windows XP or Vista.
• A Second Video Adaptor Card
  Your video adapter card must support dual monitor mode and the appropriate drivers should be loaded.  Some PCs come with dual monitor support built-in, check to see if an additional video adapter card is needed. 
• Optional Dual LCD Monitor Stand
  If you have two LCD monitors with standard VESA compatible mounts, a dual monitor stand is a great way to save space while keeping both monitors at the same level.   

Dual monitors mean more productivity.
The first major finding was in a study conducted in 2003 by NEC-Mitsubishi, ATI, and the University of Utah called "Productivity and Multi-Screen Displays." The results stated: "Participants in the study considered multi-screen configurations significantly more useful than single screens and preferred multiple monitor setups on every measure of usability. They found them 29% more effective for tasks, 24% more comfortable to use in tasks, and found it 39% easier to move around sources of information."
The use of dual monitors has proven to increase productivity, provide a much larger screen workspace, and eliminate annoyances such as frequently using alt-tab to toggle between applications.  The use of dual monitors is also economically friendly as most users of dual monitors tend to print less as they are able to view more than one thing at a time. Wouldn’t it be great if you could significantly reduce the time it takes to complete tasks and get more done in a shorter amount of time?  By implementing a dual display setup, you can do just that!