Would you like to add a second monitor to your computer setup? Using dual monitors can hugely improve your work productivity. By creating more screen space you have the opportunity to multitask and work on several pieces of work at the same time. But how difficult is connecting a second monitor and do you need any special software or equipment? Today we will explore what options you have to add a 2nd monitor to your current computer and what benefits you will experience by having a dual system setup.

 

Hardware requirements for connecting a second monitor

 

There are a few items you will need to successfully connect a 2nd monitor to your computer, these include:

 

• A second PC monitor in addition to your original one
• 2 Monitor Cables
• 2 monitor ports on the back of your computer (VGA, DVI, S-Video or HDMI) or video adapter/card

 

Connecting a 2nd monitor in Windows Vista and Windows 7

 

Setting up your second monitor in Windows is easy thanks to the quick plug and play nature of the operating system. Once you have connected each monitor to your computer, Windows will normally automatically detect the 2nd monitor and pop up the Display Settings Window. If you don’t see this immediately, you can change the settings yourself by visiting Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Display > Screen Resolution. You will now be able to configure your 2nd monitor to the customization you prefer including what is displayed on your new second screen.

 

Advantages of using a 2nd PC monitor?

 

There are many benefits of using a second PC monitor, these include the following:

 

• Improved efficiency – Your productivity levels will dramatically increase with the help of a second monitor. Not requiring to constantly minimize and maximize tabs will save you time and you can cross reference information quickly at a glance thanks to the huge amount of screen space you know benefit from

• Widescreen wallpapers – If you enjoy desktop wallpapers, then you will love the beautiful widescreen wallpapers that you can experience using 2 PC monitor
• Dual Screen gaming – Video game fans will enjoy being able to play their favorite games on 2 PC monitors which are now becoming popular with gaming setups across the world.
• Separate Work from Leisure – If you are tired of having your work life overlap onto your leisure time, then you can use 2 screens as a great solution. Why not keep your office work and documents on one screen and your social networks and online games on the other screen.

 

We hope that this guide has helped you to understand how easy and effective adding a second PC monitor can be. Some novice computer users may feel overwhelmed at the thought of using 2 PC monitors, however for most people who have upgraded the rewards are remarkable. You should find a true spike in productivity thanks to be able to keep everything on your two screens and for cross referencing. Once you have upgraded to a 2nd monitor you will wondered how you ever managed with a just single screen before, and may even begin exploring the option of a third monitor.