dual monitors

i was thinking about hooking up 2 monitors to one computer so i could better use zoon text which suports dual monitors and thus puts half the screen on one and theother half on the other

what i need to knpw is do i need a specific video card to do this or is there a splitter cable to fo it? i did this with my laptop half the screen was on an ext monitor and the other half on the laptop so thats why im thinking perhaps a splitter cable may work

 

I think it would just be easier to install a second video card.
A good guide ( even though a bit dated ) should help you out.

http://freepctech.com/pc/001/guide_dual_monitors.shtml

A splitter cable would just split one desktop (each an exact copy of the other) is this what you wanted ?

Check your video card it may have dual capability already

haveaniceday

Petaluma

 

Look at the back of your computer to see whether you have two connectors for monitors. And, are you using onboard video or an add-on video card?

Many cards now have dual monitor support. Of course, this means they have connectors/ports for two monitors. I believe the majority of such cards have a combination of VGA and DVI connectors. But, it could also be two VGA or two DVI connectors. However, if you have two VGA monitors, a card with VGA and DVI ports could still be used. Just get a DVI-to-VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor to a DVI port.

If you currently have a video card that only supports one monitor, another option, besides replacing that card, is to get a PCI video card and have a two-card configuration, each card supporting one monitor.

 

A splitter will not satisfy your needs. You will need a dual monitor card/chip (like your laptop, and mine also, has) or a second PCI video card, as usafveteran suggested. If you go the second card route, make sure the card's drivers do not conflict with your current display drivers. Personally, I recommend a new dual-head card.

 

I also want to set up dual monitors but only have one plug in for a monitor. It sounds like I'll need to replace the video card, so my question is how do I figure out what card will work with my computer. I have an older HP...Pavilion a220n, where can I look to see what cards will work with this system. My other question is how hard will it be to put in a new video card? I've never done any work on a computer beyond replacing a lap-top keyboard, is this something I can do myself?

 

Not necessarily. Did you read my previous reply, post #3? But, replacing your current card, or onboard video, with a single AGP card that will support two monitors is a better choice than adding a PCI card, i.e. a two card configuration.

According to http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-Hewlett-Packard-20944234, your system supports AGP 8X. So, look for any AGP 8X card. Most AGP 4X cards would also work. Many cards are both 8X and 4X compatible.

If you live in the U.S., I suggest you shop newegg.com. See their selection here.

Well, all of us who've done had to cross that first-time hurdle somewhere along the line. Here's a good reference: http://www.directron.com/howtovideo.html Be very careful to avoid hitting any components with static electricity, as mentioned in the reference.