Many computer users have never really considered the full benefits of setting up dual monitors. In 2006 the New York Times published the results of a survey by Jon Peddie Research which concluded that a second monitor increases employee productivity by between 20 and 30% http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/20/technology/20basics.html?_r=1. The addition of a second monitor is also relatively straightforward, even for the technophobe, we guide you through this process in clear step by step instructions.

We have split this guide into three main sections. These sections will prvoide you with some good reasons to implement a dual monitors approach. Also provided will be a statement of the equipment you will need and how to approach the implementation. The sections are summarized below:

1. Step 1: Benefits of dual/multiple monitors
2. Step 2: Equipment required to support multiple monitors project
3. Step 3: How to implement multiple monitors

Implementation time takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, provided everything runs smoothly, which most times it will.http://www.pcworld.com/article/157672/how_to_set_up_multiple_monitors.html

Costs of the project are:

1. A graphics card supporting dual digital monitors, for a good quality one - $90 (inc delivery)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103013
2. A decent quality 17” monitor from about $110 (inc delivery)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236031&cm_re=17"_monitor-_-24-236-031-_-Product

For most projects the user will already have one monitor so will only need to purchase one more. Therefore the costs for this project start from $200. Costs can be higher if you wish for very high quality graphics card and monitors (e.g. for games industry, graphical design industry, etc). There is also the possibility you will need to buy a DVI to Analog Adapter.

The benefits of dual/multiple monitors are many and various, we have provided the various benefits in the list below:

1. View several documents at once (especially beneficial for Lawyers, Media, Law Enforcement Officers)
2. Dual monitors are ideal for certain professions (e.g. graphic designers, games designers, video editors) who need to maximise the size of their onscreen presence
3. For software reviewers, they can have the application open on one monitor whilst writing a review on the other. This saves an enormous amount of toggling and is much less disorienting http://www.applematters.com/article/the-benefits-of-dual-monitor-display/
4. Dual monitors generally save paper. People don’t have to print out as much because they can keep a Word Document or PDF permanently open, whereas the temptation with one monitor is to print it out rather than repetitively toggle
5. If you need to stay on top of your e-mail while working, you can keep your inbox open on one monitor and work on your photos on the other. http://www.microsoft.com/athome/organization/twomonitors.aspx
6. If you want to monitor a forum thread or twitter thread as it develops you can decide to leave the thread open on one monitor
7. For those who like YouTube and similar video services you can play a video on one monitor whilst working on the other
8. When editing photos, you can use one monitor to browse the pictures with Windows Explorer or a photo library program, and use the second monitor to edit the pictures with your photo-editing software
9. Dual monitors increase productivity and in some industries this is the only practical way to work
10. Dual monitors can be implemented on laptops as well as desktops

These are just some of the benefits of dual monitors. The list above conveys the potential of this technology and maybe you are able to think of additional benefits that are applicable to your situation.

Like with any technology hardware project there is always equipment required to complete the work. In step 2 we list the equipment required to support dual/multiple monitors.

1. Two monitors – Obviously you will need a minimum of two monitors. We recommend a minimum size of 17” monitors. If you can it is best to try to get two monitors of the same size and brand. This eliminates certain issues but is by no means obligatory.
2. A graphics card which supports two video outputs (N.B. in many cases you will be fine with the graphics card you have).
3. An anti static wristband. This protects you and the computer from static electricity when opening the computer to install a new replacement graphics card.
4. A screwdriver to open your PC.
5. An Analog VGA and Digital DVI Connector (If monitors have a VGA plug then you will need a DVI to Analog Adapter (normally supplied with a graphics card).

Once you have decided that the benefits of dual monitors are right for you (step 1) and you have all of the required equipment (step 2) you are ready to implement the dual monitors solution. To keep this as straightforward as possible, we have provided a convenient step by step approach. This is listed below:

1. Back up your PC – Before installing a new graphics card back up your PC. It’s the content on the PC that has the value and you wouldn’t want to lose any critical information. This is always a good safety precaution.
2. Uninstall old graphics card drivers as these will no longer be required – To do this go to control panel and find the option for uninstall programs and execute the uninstall routine.
3. Ground yourself by touching a metal object, wear an anti-static wristband. This will protect you and your computers internal electronic components.
4. Shut down your PC – Complete this through Microsoft Windows or your operating system.
5. Unplug your PC from the power supply.
6. Open your PC case with a screwdriver. This may be a good time to remove any dust from inside your system too.
7. Remove the old graphics card and install the new graphics card (if needed add the Analog VGA to Digital DVI Connector).
8. Once the graphics card is installed, plug your computer back into the power socket.
9. Plug in both monitors to their respective ports at the back of the PC.
10. Reboot your PC, go through your usual boot-up procedure.
11. The PC will recognize the card and will install your new software drivers (N.B. Initially exactly the same image will appear on both monitors).
12. Go to Display Control Panel, select settings, tick the box which asks “Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor”.
13. You will now be able to drag applications between the two monitors.

Add a monitor to your laptop computer

If you have a laptop computer all you need to do to support an external monitor is to connect through the VGA or DVI connector ports. The external monitor will act as a secondary display to the laptop's own built-in display. You will usually have to restart your computer before the second monitor is operational. As with the process described previously you will need to alter your display control panel settings.