Your First Step - Choosing A Connection

Determining what which port is where, what you have available, and where the cables connect to is your first step.

I am using an old (cheap) laptop I bought at a pawn shop and an older Acer computer monitor. The only port I had available (without purchasing an adapter) is a VGA port. Not the best set up but it works.

*Checking your display manual before starting could be helpful.

VGA vs DVI vs HDMI vs DisplayPort

VGA - Video Graphics Adapter

Some call this a Video Graphic Array. You may also hear it used to describe the resolution of the output from the computer.

Connectors and cables carry analog signals. It is pretty "old school" but like I mentioned. That is what I am using and seems to be working fine.

DVI - Digial Visual Interface

A DVI can carry both analog & digital signals. It is newer and offers better, sharper display compared to the VGA

The Video signal over DVI is basically the same as HDMI. It generally does not do audio

HDMI - High Definition Multimedia Interface

Most televisions and computer monitors have HDMI. It is easy to use, inexpensive, and carry's audio.

DisplayPort - Most Expensive and Not Always Needed

The DisplayPort cable is similar to HDMI but has super mega bandwidth. It is possible that it may be too high that your screen may not even support the resolutions.

It is more expensive than an HDMI plug and not necessarily needed for most people who are connecting a computer to a monitor.

I did not wish to get too techy with these explanations in this tutorial. I just wanted to give a basic idea of your choices. If you would like further information on this subject, YouTube is the place to go.


Lesson 3 - The Four Display Modes & How To Access Them





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emerald860 Premium
When I got a new laptop, I added the old monitor and it's been amazing! I can't believe how I functioned without it! I love having a second monitor! Great training! Alanna
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SuzetteH Premium
Thank you Alana, that is exactly what I did. I went from a pc to a laptop so I already had the monitor and the cable. It sat downstairs on a shelf for a long time until my husband mentioned me using dual displays. It has been great!

Thank you for the compliant about the training. I truly appreciate it.
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spurway Premium Plus
thanks for the training.
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SuzetteH Premium
Your welcome. I learned somethings as well by doing the research and training. I really love having the multiple monitors!
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MKearns Premium
I'll have to do that at some point. Right now it's multiple files, tabs and split screens!
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SuzetteH Premium
I absoulutely hated using the split screens on my laptop. Having the larger screen as my main display and then the laptop as my secondary has been much easier for me to be more productive.
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sinwm Premium
Good info. Thanks for sharing.
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SuzetteH Premium
Thank you, it was my pleasure
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Loes Premium
Very nice explanation on how to use 2 screens! Thank you!
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SuzetteH Premium
Thank you Loes
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