Multiple Monitors FTW

(In case you didn't know, FTW stands for "For the Win")

If you have an old monitor just lying around gathering dust in your basement, you should put it to use!  It's so easy nowadays to attach an external monitor to launch you into the world of multiple monitors.  Even your fat, old CRTs can be used (even though they're bad for your eyes).

A long time ago, a friend first introduced me to the world of multiple monitors.  At first, I was skeptical of how useful it was.  Partly because I felt like I didn't need one and partly because I didn't exactly know how and didn't bother learning the few easy steps, I never bothered hooking up a second monitor.  When I did, I realized that I could never use single-monitor setups again (exaggeration -- but I feel cramped on a single screen and sometimes try to move my mouse onto the monitor next to mine when I'm working in the computer lab at school).  So, here's your warning: once you switch to multiple monitors, you'll probably never switch back.

Having a second or even a third monitor can drastically improve your productivity by providing you with so much more screen space.  A second one essentially doubles your viewing space while the third one gives you a central focus.  Personally, I think anything more than 3 monitors is overkill and can probably lower your efficiency by distracting you.

All you really need to know is the types of video output from your computer.  It's pretty simple, like putting together a puzzle -- connect the video cable wherever it fits.  You probably don't even need to read this post to figure this out, but I thought a visual might help some people.

The types of video output right now are: VGA (Video Graphics Array), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), and DisplayPort.

• VGA is the oldest, and carries an analog signal.  Although it's beginning to be phased out in favor of digital transfers (which have no signal loss), it's still probably the most common interface around, especially in older monitors and video cards.
• DVI is next in line, and it carries a digital signal, as its name suggests.
• HDMI is probably the most popular right now because it can connect to most gaming consoles as well as computers.  It's also transfers data faster than DVI.  In addition to video, HDMI can also transfer audio.  The actual connector is also smaller.
• DisplayPort is the newest thing.  Made by AMD/ATI, it is very fast and can be found on newer ATI 5xxx (like a Radeon 5830) series cards and higher.  It allows the really high-end cards (the ones I don't encourage that you buy unless you're wealthy) to support up to 6 monitors each through their new Eyefinity.

You find the output from ports that look like these on your video card, which is located in the back of your computer.  If you're using a laptop, these ports can be found on the perimeter of your laptop, like near where your USB ports are found.  You'll also find ports that look the same as these on the back of your monitors.

To connect your monitor to your computer, simply find the correct cable and plug one side into your monitor and the other into your computer.  It doesn't even matter which side of the cable goes into the monitor and which goes to the graphics card.  These connectors can only go in one way, so if the pins don't line up, don't force it in because you could bend the pins.

Sometimes you won't have the right output from your computer to match the input on your monitor.  In that case, you'll have to use an adapter.  It'll look something like the picture below (which happens to convert DVI into VGA).  Using it is simple: just plug the correct side (the one with the pins) into your computer and plug your cable into the adapter.

So what are you waiting for?  Find that old monitor you have and plug it in!  Heck, buy a new one (see LED vs. LCD to pick the right one for you)!  You'll be amazed at how useful (and fun/awesome) it is to have multiple monitors!  You can have a super-cool setup just like this:

Not actually my setup (although I have  2 monitors)