Trudy in Baltimore, MD asks:
“Some of my co-workers have two computer monitors on their desks. What is the purpose of this set up and how could it change the way I work?”
Dual Monitors is a very exciting concept for the workplace. While having more screen real estate can make life easier for certain workers, it’s not a widely implemented practice. Last year, Dell conducted a study and concluded that dual monitor configurations save time and increase accuracy and job satisfaction among users who have this type of set up. Similar studies have shown this usage can reduce eye strain and stress.
The best way to determine if you need two screens is to pay close attention to your everyday tasks and make note of how often you are jumping back and forth between applications, such as your CRM, an internet browser page and Outlook. Sometimes it can be less expensive to add a second, smaller monitor than to replace your current monitor with a larger one.
Other factors to consider:
1. Do you have enough space on your desk surface to accommodate two monitors?
2. Is your computer compatible with dual-monitor output?
3. Does the second screen you are considering have equal or very similar dimensions as the first one? If the screens don’t match up, the display will not be helpful
A typical reason for having two monitors is for people who like to keep their e‑mail open on one monitor, while working on documents on another. Programmers utilize this set up to view as much code as possible without having to scroll constantly. It’s also helpful to have this option when editing or proofreading a document or photograph. You can have the first draft on the left and a copy of it with revisions on the right and not have to toggle back and forth. It’s also handy when viewing large spreadsheets, you can extend them across the two screens.
When you’re ready to add another monitor, connect the second monitor cable to the connector on your computer and make sure both monitors are plugged in and turned on. Your computer should automatically detect the second monitor, although you may have to restart it.
After installation, you will need to configure the monitors. Depending on what software you are using, there is probably a setting for multiple displays that you can engage. Typically, your configuration choices will be duplicate displays (same information on both monitors), extend your displays (spread your desktop over both monitors) and show desktop on one monitor (most commonly used with a laptop).
If you choose to disconnect the second monitor, the original display settings should restore to your primary display and open files and program windows will transfer back to the primary monitor.
If you are interested in learning more about dual monitors and if this is a solution that would be beneficial to you or your company, call Teltek today!
Teltek is proud to offer IT services as the fourth component to our multi-systems approach as your single source technology services company. This Managed Service Provider (MSP) offering completes our longstanding goal to provide our clients with a one-call resource for all of their business technology needs. IT outsourcing, remote back up and disaster recovery, helpdesk support, computer network relocations, security products and server/desktop virtualization are just a few of the services available.
