Embedded Files
Post date: Jun 20, 2020 1:02:03 AM
Earlier this year, I made a big change in how I work. We switched out my faithful old PC tower and replaced it with a docking station to connect my Dell laptop and two big monitors to my printer and scanner. Now I can work on a word document on one monitor, while checking email or doing research on the other monitor. I am enjoying it and feeling more productive.
Why was this the best decision for me, and why should you consider whether it might work for you? First, some are perfectly happy with an iPad, if the focus is on email, social media, and web browsing. For others, who write reports, memos or other documents or work from home, dual monitors would empower them to get more done with their laptop or desk top PC.
My son, Jon, and husband, Mike, both encouraged me to take the leap and helped me to move things around. They are both using dual monitors as well. Jon likes the flexibility of grabbing his laptop for a meeting. I switched out my too small desk for two “Staples tables” in an L shape and love it. I now have my printer and scanner to my left and feel more efficient.
Now that I am “attending” so many meetings on Zoom, the dual monitor gives me the ability to have Zoom on one monitor and a word document of the agenda up on the other one.
What hardware will you need to do this?
· Two monitors. You can upgrade your current monitor and keep using the older one as well.
· A hub that serves as a place to connect all your hardware.
· An external hard drive to back up your documents.
· Optional: I have a small monitor stand that I use for my laptop. It gets it up off the table, making it easier to use the built-in web camera, and lets me put some of the other things underneath…
What do you need to do to set it up?
1. Plug everything into the hub
2. Go to settings on your computer and select display.
3. First, click on identify to see which monitor is 1 or 2. (If you have a laptop, that screen will be 1. However, if it is a smaller screen, as is mine, just close the lid and focus on your other two monitors.
4. You have several choices. I recommend you start out duplicating your desktop to the second monitor, so you start out seeing the same things on both monitors.
Here is a shortcut to avoid going to settings. If you have Windows 10, press the Window key + P on the keyboard. A sidebar pops up and shows you your options, with the setting you are already on highlighted.
How do you make it work?
It will take a little time for you to get used to using two monitors but be patient. First, open the document or application you want to use on the other screen. Next, click on the little icon for two sheets to minimize the screen. Put your cursor at the top in the dark blue bar and drag it over to the other screen. Click on the icon again to make the document full screen and you are set there.
Back on screen one, you might have email up, or be doing research on the web, or be in a Zoom session. Give yourself some time, and you will love it, too.
For more information,
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-Dual-Monitors
https://www.howtogeek.com/174452/beginner-geek-how-to-use-multiple-monitors-to-be-more-productive/
Last updated June 19, 2020
Page updated
Report abuse