new monitor hooked up to old computer making me blind

Hello.
I have been using a CRT as I like it. I recently hooked a dell E series 21.5" flat screen, widescreen vga/dvi monitor to my slightly upgraded old business computer. I nearly went blind. Is the resolution and so forth in a monitor affected if it is connected to an old computer [2000 I think]. Just had my old computer serviced and the tech said he was amazed at how clean and good running it was. One day I will unpack the newer computer. But I am planning on moving, and don't want to till after the move.
Alterintel

 

Is there a question somewhere? Do you need assistance?

 

You didn't mention which version of Windows you're running on the "old" business computer but, in any event, the CRT will have a much lower resolution than the Dell E series. You need to go into Control Panel -> Display and set the resolution to it's highest setting (if your graphics card supports the new monitor).

 

You might try updating your video drivers and there might be a driver for the monitor as well. Then set the monitor to the "suggested" resolution which is usually the maximum.
That being said there are some other issues if you are using onboard video or an older video card.
Please post more specifics on the computer, OS, video and monitor if you need more help.

 

Hi Adrenalyn.
Yes, the question was would using a new monitor with an old computer affect the quality of the picture one gets on the new monitor.

 

Hi DoA,
I am just using the monitor as my display, not video. The monitor was set on its best resolution. I called Dell and got a tech whose answers took a long time coming, and offered nothing I had not already done; which is kinda of pathetic given that my technical know how is nil. I just hooked the monitor into my old computer with the lesser blue cable that came with it rather than the preferable white cable that came with it as the white cable doesn't fit my computer. Just wondering if the fact that the monitor is hooked into an older computer could affect its quality?
Alterintel

 

Thanks Mdonah.
I am currently using the CRT as it is much easier on my eyes. But at some point I will do what you suggest and see if that makes it easier on my eyes. I always thought a flat screen was always better for the eyes, but that doesn't seem the case with me. I wonder if there is some reason for that, or if I am the only one who sees better with a crt. Also, the glare from the flat screen was awful. I fiddled with the controls on its menu buttons over on its right side for hours to no avail. Finally downloaded a program, can't remember the name, started with an L, that helped alleviate this slightly.
Alterintel

 

The newer computer will have the correct driver and controls for the flat panel pre-installed. I'm presuming it's a Dell since the flat panel is a Dell E series. The Service Tag number for the computer may be on a sticker on the box. Even before you've finished setting up the new computer, you could go to the Dell Support site, enter the Service Tag and get all of the device drivers for your particular computer that you would need if you ever had to re-install your Operating System.

 

mdonah,
The new monitor has clear lettering, but a good bit of glare, but the picture isn't hazy or otherwise deficient. It is wider than I am used to, but I don't think that is it. My eyestrain with it was terrific, and as I've said, the dell tech, who strangely didn't seem to know a lot, couldn't add anything to what I had already done to the adjustments.
Nor did he say I should hook it up to the new computer, which I am not ready to use.
Are you saying that a notable difference will be evident when it is hooked up to the new computer? I know the crt and lcd technologies are quite different, and I wonder if my bad eyestrain with the lcd could be attributed to something within that? Maybe the newer technology isn't good for some people, or affects different eye problems differently? Should mention that when selling it to me Dell salesman said it was an lcd because I had specifically asked for one, but in researching the monitor they just say it is a flat screen. Not sure what the difference in technology would be between a flat screen and a crt.
alterintel

 

Plodr,
I just went to monitors in device manager, and that didn't tell me the resolution. I hit the menu button on the crt, but it had a lot of symbols. Back years ago I knew what they did, but I don't want to monkey with it right now and have something change. I can't remember where I saw the resolution numbers. [I am not so young either].
When I just went to control panel I saw something very concerning. A new program has been installed without any help from me or permission, and it is not something I would have wanted. It calls itself "Windows cardspace" and says it is from microsoft and it says "manage information cards used to log on and register with web sites and online services" I don't understand it or why I need to add additional complexities to my computer use. Does anyone know if this is a legit program?! If not maybe this is the reason for some of the weird happenings I have posted about.
Alterintel

 

If you notice, your CRT has a slightly curved front (they always have). There's a "gun" inside that has to scan back and forth from the center of the back of the Cathode Ray Tube. To prevent distortion of the image, the surface needs to be curved. Not the case with LCD (Liquid Crystal Diode) screens. An electronic "pulse" determines whether an LCD element is turned on or not. Initially, LCDs used to be just "on or "off" making each section either black or clear (like LCD watches). With advancements in LCD technology over the years, LCDs can now produce over 64 billion colors and that's why they're now used for computer displays and televisions. Not to mention the huge weight savings.

As far as your eye strain, I've got some eye problems of my own. Once your new computer is set up, you're going to have to fiddle with the settings until it's comfortable for your eyes.

 

I have just been to some sites that discuss monitor viewers experiences with lcds and crts. Many people swore by lcds, and just as many by crts. I always thought the lcds were considered way better, but now find that alot of people, like myself, totally prefer the crts. Also, the different aspects of the different technologies were discussed. For example, lcds use flourescent lights, and this irritates many. The flicker on a lower resolution crt can also cause strain. So on. This I think is the crux of my problem; something about the different technology in the lcd is irritating my eyes. And I find the print more readable in the crt. Lots going on in this subject. Looks like I am in for some major researching. Thanks, everyone, for your input.
Alterintel

 

The fluorescent lights are small tubes that lie at the bottom of the display and are backlights (they light up the back of the LCD panel. Without that backlight, the info on the panel would be nearly impossible to see. You should be able to adjust the brightness so that it's less taxing on your eyes. Perhaps unfortunately, flat panel LCD displays are here to stay (with the exception of the new Samsung Curve HD TV).