AstroBoy Online Forums

So, been saving up for a second computer monitor.

My computer has the extra plug, my desktop can be configured for the extra monitor, and all is ready and waiting for it.

BUT, here are some questions I still have pertaining to this addition to my computer family:

1. Do I need another mouse for the screen, or does my cursor just slip from one desktop to the other? Same question pertaining to keyboards.
2. Can I make half of my icons appear on one screen and half on another?
3. Will my speakers only work on one monitor?
4. If I play the Sims, WHICH MONITOR WILL I PLAY THEM ON?

If anyone knows the answers to these questions, I'd appreciate your help.

If it matters, I'm running Windows Vista Home.

You need a GFX card that supports dual monitors and perhaps a switch...

"The Tawashi Bus Hat" wrote:1. Do I need another mouse for the screen, or does my cursor just slip from one desktop to the other? Same question pertaining to keyboards.

No, it's just like you have a giant desktop. You still have just one computer.

"The Tawashi Bus Hat" wrote:2. Can I make half of my icons appear on one screen and half on another?

I guess, but I've never tried it.

"The Tawashi Bus Hat" wrote:3. Will my speakers only work on one monitor?

Do you mean you have speakers on your monitor? Because you still have just one computer, all your programs operate at the same time, it's just that you see them on one screen or/and on the other screen... or you could spread one through both screens, but then you'd have a separation in the middle, which doesn't make reading easy.

"The Tawashi Bus Hat" wrote:4. If I play the Sims, WHICH MONITOR WILL I PLAY THEM ON?

The one in which you put the program window in.

Beware, you have to drag the programs from one window to the other, so it may be a little less convenient if the two screens aren't the same vertical size (not sure about this, but you should study the question before buying). Also it's more convenient when you can put them about the same height, though you have the choice to align them vertically from the top or from the bottom).

I've done this before, it works quite nicely, though there can be a few little problems its pretty easy to do.

1. No, the mouse slips over the screen when you go to the right hand side of the screen. So, 1 mouse for 2 screens.

2. Yeah, you can drag the items onto your second desktop if you wish. Since mine isn't always connected I don't but you can do it. Provided you have turned on the option that allows you to move them.

3. Its based on the audio your computer is outputting, it only transfers video, not audio. So any audio will still come out of your computers speakers. If you want noise to come out of something else then you'll need to connect it to another device with audio cables. (so that means it shouldn't be a problem for what you want to do)

4. Getting programs to run in full screen on the other monitor can be a problem, however you can easily switch the screens from 1 to 2 quite easily, so if it will only maximise on screen 1 and not screen 2, then you can switch them around so the second screen is number 1 (according to the computer).
If that doesn't work, you can always go "Duplicate Display" meaning you would have Sims on both screeens

Different screen sizes might be a hastle if you have them on the table next to each other but if your using something completely different, then it wouldn't be a problem. So, check the resolution and display size of the new monitor before you get it, also, make sure you check your computer can handle it, any recent-ish graphics card should handle it.....worst case you take the new monitor back.

For example. I can connect my 17 inch computer screen to my 42 inch hd tv, they have slightly different res and very different size... however it also means I can watch all of Astroboy... or play any computer game is giant vision.

Good luck with it, if you have a problem, post it

Thanks for the help. :3 All my questions have been answered! *cheers*

-Both monitors I will be using are the same size and model, so at least that is one problem down...now to get some extra cash!-

Again, thanks everyone. ^_^