If the settings aren’t quite right, you can adjust the setup in your computer’s control panels or system settings. — TNS
Where I work, many of the employees have two computer monitors. Being able to see multiple application windows at one time can be a real timesaver.
Most of us keep our email and communications apps open all day, along with whatever apps or browsers we work on during the day.
We use Dell desktop and laptops. The desktops all have two monitor connections – usually DisplayPort or HDMI connections. The laptops all have a built-in screen, plus an HDMI connection.
The Dell monitors we use have DisplayPort and HDMI inputs, so we have a choice in what connection to use. We usually opt for DisplayPort for the desktops, because the monitors all come with a DisplayPort cable. Laptops use the HDMI connection unless they are connected to a docking station.
Docking stations are a great way to keep your desktop peripherals connected to your laptop. All the peripherals connect to the dock (monitors, keyboards, mice, USB devices and ethernet cables). The dock connects to the laptop with just one Thunderbolt cable, which makes it easy to set up or take down.
Docking stations are usually necessary for laptop users to add more than one external monitor.
My docking station has two DisplayPorts and one HDMI port. I run four external monitors with three connected to the dock and one connected to the HDMI port on the laptop. Four displays is the limit for my system. To get four monitors working, I have to close the lid on the laptop. If I open the laptop lid, one of my external monitors shuts off.
Ideally, you’ll have matching monitors, but you can use any compatible monitors you have available.
One thing you’ll need to know if you want to use multiple monitors is how to configure them so your onscreen cursor will act correctly.
When you use external monitors, your cursor should be able to move between them, like they are one big monitor.
If the settings aren’t quite right, you can adjust the setup in your computer’s control panels or system settings.
Windows users can right-click on any empty spot on their desktop and choose "Display settings."
You’ll see a visual representation of your monitors, and their relative position to each other.
The monitors will be numbered. Click "Identify" to show the monitor numbers on the screen. If your mouse doesn’t travel across the monitors as expected, just click on the monitor blocks in the display settings and drag them to the position that works for you.
You can set up your monitors to mirror each other, or the second monitor can be used to extend the desktop.
Mirroring is good for connecting to a projector, when you want to show your screen in a presentation.
Most people place their two monitors side by side and choose to extend the desktop.
Mirroring or extending settings are a bit lower down on the display settings dialog box.
Mac users need to open their system settings from the Apple menu and choose "Displays." If you have multiple monitors, you’ll see their configuration at the top of the Displays preference widow. Again, you can move them around to suit your setup. – Tribune News Service
