How to set up dual monitors?

I have 2 monitors, but I'm not sure how to set them up. Some sites say I need a new video card with 2 line-outs. Others are selling a Y-shaped cable splitter that could go into my existing monitor output and splits into 2 for 2 montior connections. Another site said something about using my existing monitor output and an SVGA (?) for the second monitor.

I'm running XP on an older (2002) desktop maching.
Thank you.

 

As far as the splitters, if it is 15-pin d-sub then it will just send the same signal to both monitors. I assume this isn't what you want to do.

The easiest solution would be to buy a $40 video card that has 2 outputs. (If you don't already have one)

First though, you need to understand the two different connectors. DVI, and SVGA (or 15-pin D-sub). This picture shows both. The blue connector is SVGA and the White connector is DVI. The one in the middle is S-Video usually used for output to a TV.

-Here-