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Zettnerr
5 pts.
 Windows XP Pro and dual Video Monitors
Desktops, Management, Microsoft Windows, OS, Security, Servers, SQL Server
I want to connect a 2nd Monitor to my Dell Optiplex GX260 desk top. I am looking to increase my Desk Top space. I am able to do this with my Sony Laptop, because of the dual Video, what do I need to get the Dell Desk Top to be able to show the Expanded Desk Top?

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ASKED: September 24, 2005  1:50 AM
UPDATED: September 25, 2005  1:20 AM
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Answer Wiki:
your desktop is not equipped with a dual-head video card, so you'll need to purchase a 2nd video card. after installing your 2nd video card, you can enable dual display by enabling it on display properties.
Last Wiki Answer Submitted:  September 24, 2005  3:20 am  by  Triqshot   0 pts.
All Answer Wiki Contributors:  Triqshot   0 pts.
To see all answers submitted to the Answer Wiki: View Answer History.


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One other thing to be aware of. I’ve got dual monitors both at home, and at work. The one at work has two video cards, and the one at home has a dual-head card.

There IS a difference.

The dual-head card really does act like one display. If I maximize this browser window I’m typing on, it will stretch across 2 screens.

If I maximize a browser window on the 2 adapter system, it will fill whichever screen has a higher percentage of it.

On the dual head, the task bar stretches across both screens. On the dual adapter, the task bar stays on the “native” screen.

I’ve even found one application in which something breaks because of the wider screen. Nothing horribly important, but it does break.

My $.02

Bob

Bobkberg
 1,070 pts.
 

Thanks for the replies. Do you know if another Video Card will disable the onboard Video? I am using the onboard Video currently and wondering if I will need Dual Head Card.

Zettnerr
 5 pts.
 

You can install an additional AGP or PCI video card and it should not affect your onboard video. However, after installing the new video card, you have to boot from the onboard video card, then install the drivers for the new video card and reboot, then play with the display settings to get them working right.

Juscelino
 0 pts.
 

Sorry to be vague, but you’ve asked one of those “it depends” questions.

If you want ONLY the new video card, then go into your BIOS setup and disable the native one.

If you leave both in place, then as the previous poster pointed out, you’ll likely have both

Bob

Bobkberg
 1,070 pts.