How to Install Multiple Monitors

Nothing says productivity like a workstation with a boatload of monitors hooked up to it. Using multiple monitors allows you to display several different applications at the same time, which improves workflow because you no longer have to shuffle through different windows to find what you need. Here's how to hook up an extra screen to your PC!

Getting Starting: Check Out Your Video Card
It's important to keep in mind that not every PC comes equipped with multi-monitor capabilities. Therefore, before going shopping and filling a cart full of flat screens, you will first want to check out your computer's video card capabilities. To find out how many monitor ports your PC has, follow the cord that hooks up the monitor to the back of your PC. If you see any open ports that look like what your monitor is plugged into, then you might be good to go.

You will be looking for an additional VGA or DVI port. You might even discover that your PC is equipped with an RCA or HDMI port. These extra ports are usually located on the same video card that your main monitor is hooked up to, which means that they will be located to the immediate right or left of the port that your current monitor is plugged into.

Once you've found your second video port, you will now make sure that your extra monitor has the correct hook up so that it will plug it into your PC. If the ports don't match, then you can still make it work by purchasing a converter. There are many different converters available that will hook up just about anything to anything. USA Computer Services can find you the equipment you need to make almost any kind of monitor to display on your PC. We can also help you install a new video card to give you extra ports if your PC only has one video port. We can even add multiple video cards to your computer so that you can hook up as many monitors as your heart desires!

Make Sure that Your New Monitor Fits Your Needs
For best results, we recommend going through USA Computer Services to select and install your next monitor. When you shop for a monitor on your own via box stores and discounted websites, you may find an inexpensive monitor and think that you're getting a good deal, but deals like this are often too good to be true because there's something wrong with them, like a dead pixel, low resolution, or poor color display. By going with USA Computer Services for your computer hardware needs, you will get equipment that works properly and fits your needs perfectly.

The Magic of Plug and Play!
Once you've found the right ports and you have all of your hookups in order, you will now shutdown your PC, plug in the new monitor, and then turn it back on. Thanks to the magic of Plug and Play, your computer will instantly recognize the new monitor and it will be working when your PC powers on. Be grateful for this Plug and Play feature. Those of us that installed CRT monitors back in the days before Plug and Play had to install new drivers via CD-ROM for every new monitor added. It's much easier now.

Customize Your Monitor Settings in Windows 8
Windows gives you the option to optimize your monitor settings to your liking. You can adjust the power-saving settings for each screen, disable different screens if you're not planning on using them, duplicate the main screen onto different monitors, or extend the PC display across multiple screens. To access these settings in Windows 8, view the PC under the Charms Bar (when you swipe to the right of your screen) and click on Devices. From here, click on Second screen (if available), and now select your second-screen preference. For advanced multi-monitor configuration, access the Screen Resolution window by using the Search charm or the Control Panel.

Once you've experienced the efficiency and luxury of working with multiple monitors, you will find it difficult to go back to just using one!