Desktops, actually virtual desktops, can easily become overly crowded and unmanageable. If you’re like me and keep anything that you would possibly use within the near or distant future, we share the same problem. My desktop is cluttered with photos, folders, page links, xls files, and text files..boy, can I save some text files. Unused desktop cleanup needed? Not really. Just need more desktop space. Solution – dual monitor setup or rather, an extended desktop.
I’ve been kicking the extended desktop idea around for quite some time, limited only by the thought of not being able to configure it, or install the required additional video card and wind up putting it all in box, destined for the attic. But I was wrong! The whole process couldn’t have been easier.
The call to Dell, determining the video card required, and monitor selection took all of 15 minutes. After 3 days, the monitor and video card arrived. Installation required no tools, just the ability to insert the video card into the PC tower, run the driver disc, connect both monitor cables to the dual port video card, and presto! Mission complete.
If you are a heavy PC user, or just find it frustrating minimizing and resizing screens all the time to accomplish your tasks, take a serious look into adding an additional monitor. Now I can have my photo editing application up on one screen, while writing an article on the other or whatever I want up without the limitation of desktop space. I can also drop and drag applications between screens. Whoa!
How much did all of this cost? The monitor to the left in the photos is the new one, a 19″ monitor to accompany my original 21″ monitor. The cost $159. In addition, you’ll probably need to add a new video card to support the dual output. Tack another $125 on your tab.
Overall, the cost of this system upgrade was well worth it and I couldn’t be happier with it! I’m the last person in the world you would ever want to work on your computer and trust me, the setup process was a piece of cake. If you want to bring new life to your desktop experience, an extended desktop is the way to go!
GIMP for Absolute Beginners gives us an easy way to use the power of GIMP, and enjoy digital photography and graphics without worrying about application features.
