How to Use Two Monitors at Once

When it comes to working (or playing) with multiple windows open at once, one monitor just doesn't cut it anymore. So why not use two-or even three-at a time? Bill Gates does it-he has three screens hooked up to one desktop in his office at Microsoft-and claims that it increases his productivity. Spreading out over a couple of displays won't necessarily bring out your inner tech mogul, but it can help with video editing, gaming, and office tasks. Here's how to get hooked up:

 

1. Check to make sure your Windows XP laptop has a VGA or DVI port to support a second monitor.

 

2. Plug in an external monitor. This will serve as your secondary screen.

 

3. Right-click on your notebook's desktop. Click on Properties to open the Display Properties, and then click the Settings tab.

 

4. Right-click the dark box containing a 2 (this is the external display) and click Attached.

 

5. Make sure the box next to Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor is checked. If at any time a window pops up asking if you want to enable the monitor, click Yes.

 

6. Hit the Apply button in the Display Properties window. This should fire up the external monitor with the same wallpaper as the laptop monitor. You should now be able to move the mouse cursor and any windows or other items seamlessly between the two monitors.

 

7. Note that when using maximized windows, they will lock onto the display in which they are opened.

 

Change Monitor Orientation or Size
1. Go back to the Settings tab in Display Properties and move the dark boxes containing the 1 (your laptop screen, which remains the primary display) and 2 to the right, left, up or down.

 

2. You can also resize displays by pulling at the corners of box 1 or 2. If the external monitor looks pixilated when attached, adjust the screen resolution meter under the Settings tab.

 

3. Click Apply to confirm these changes.