Get loads more done with less clicks...

[Neil Morgan]

A couple of months ago, a few of us discussed the merits of using a dual screen system.

For those that don't know what this is, it means you plug a 2nd monitor into your PC, doubling the screen estate you have available to work with.

With an upgrade to your graphics card, you can add even more monitors if you want.

On Friday, I was just reviewing my hardware setup and realised just how much more efficiently I'm working now. This is one of these things where the total benefit feels like more than the sum of the individual parts. I want a third monitor now!

When you get over the novelty of dragging stuff from one screen to the other and get down to serious work, it really is amazing how much more efficiently you can work because there is so much less clicking, dragging, minimizing and maximizing to do.

I'm sure most of us have several programs open at the same time and it's extremely useful to be able to keep them maximized and onscreen at the same time.

It actually feels like you have 2 (or more) computers that are controlled by the same keyboard and mouse and which all have the same programs and data on them, and you can drag stuff from one to the other, or copy and paste between them.

If anyone hasn't written their letter to Santa yet, this is something that really worthwhile doing.

Cheers,

Neil

[internetmarketer99]

I used to do network installations down on Wall Street back in the 80's - all the traders had minimum 4 screens.

The really successful ones had IBM's top-of-the-line "quad" monitors - large monitors with 4 separately addressable 'windows'.

Mark

[DaveDunn]

This has been a must have for people creating music on a computer for sometime.

Also online stocktraders often have 3 screens. You need them to be able to watch those critical trades.

[joblythe]

Two's more than enough for me (screens that is, not Wall Street Traders, although...)

I've been using that set-up for a while now - but I still have the need (and urge) to use ALT-TAB to flick through the windows without the need for clicking.

My mouse loves that!!

[Neil Morgan]

I think two things have happened to make this accessible to all:

1. Most new PC's have at least 2 screen sockets these days.

2. Large monitors (eg 22") are dirt cheap. I bought 2 Dell 22" monitors in my local supermarket. Drove home, plugged 'em in, job done.

Cheers,

Neil

[JackTheLad]

Here's my personal set-up...not

YouTube - 16 Multi Monitor Computer

[Martin Luxton]

Neil,

I'm technically challenged.

When you say you can drag stuff from one screen to the other do you mean you just pull it to the edge and then it appears on the other screen? And this is done just by plugging in another monitor, with no configuring of the computer?

Martin

[DaveDunn]

There is some configuring on the computer by adjusting the display properties. But its easy. Then yes, you just drag from one screen to the other. It is quite amusing at first, but very useful.

[Neil Morgan]

Hi Martin

When you say you can drag stuff from one screen to the other do you mean you just pull it to the edge and then it appears on the other screen?

Exactly that!

There is a setting on your PC - just right-click on your desktop, choose Properties, select the 2nd screen (it appears there when it's plugged in), set the resolution and color-depth if you want to change them from the defaults and you're done.

It really is a 20 second job.

Cheers,

Neil