2 separate screens on a PC?

**drivesafe** · 6th July 2008, 04:34 PM

Hi all, I have a PC laptop which has a monitor output but when I connect a monitor, it is simply a copy of the laptop’s screen.

Is there any way to be able to use the screen to display separate data. I would like to have two programs up and running on separate screens.

With a Mac you just plug in and it sorts it out automatically, can the same thing be done easily with a PC.

Cheers.

**WhiteD3** · 6th July 2008, 04:44 PM

Got two on my desk at work. The laptop screen and a flat panel. Once you get used to it it's great. It's just in the standard display settings.

Tim, I can do a screen capture of my setup tomorrow if you need it. Drop me a PM with your email.

Cheers,

Mark

**maca** · 6th July 2008, 04:44 PM

On a x86 laptop there is typically a function key that achieves this.

On my toshiba its Fn+F5, this cycles through several different display modes. Once you have the correct mode right click on the desktop, select "properties", then the "settings" tab, then click on the secondary display and tick the box that says "extend my windows desktop onto this monitor" then apply.

You will probably need to try a couple of the display modes to figure out which one is correct.

**incisor** · 6th July 2008, 04:50 PM

depends on the chipset and device driver for the video card in the laptop.

not all can use separate screens for separate desktops.

many of the latest intel chipset laptops can only have a clone display or have one screen active.

try http://www.binaryfortress.com/displayfusion/

**p38arover** · 6th July 2008, 04:52 PM

I think it's Control Panel -> Display -> something. I don't have two screens on mt desktop so I can't check. Maybe if I look at my laptop....

**Blknight.aus** · 6th July 2008, 05:18 PM

Im backing incisor, but if its a toshiba satelite series after the 400 numbers then you can do dual displays but you might need to download the right drivers/software. then it swaps around as macca suggests, my most common use for it is plugging a projector into the secondary display to run a power point while my pace notes follow along on the main screen.

Fn-f5 is the default for a toshiba but some have a dedicated hot key and you can reprogram the fn-f5 thing if you want too.

**Narangga** · 6th July 2008, 05:22 PM

To see if the dual screen is an option on a Windows machine then:

Right Click Desktop - Properties

Click the Settings tab on the right at the top of the dialogue box

If you see two there then you've got it!

**p38arover** · 6th July 2008, 05:22 PM

I just looked on my laptop (Compaq Presario) -

Control Panel -> Display -> Settings

On mine the option of two screens is shown.

**drivesafe** · 6th July 2008, 06:06 PM

Thank you very much for all your help folks, the set up is similar to a MAC, you just got to know how.

Cheers and thanks again all.

**RaZz0R** · 7th July 2008, 10:48 PM

"the set up is similar to a MAC" lol - Vista?

you guys rock tho - go the 4WD PC helpdesk

let us know how you go

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