In the average office, any given person is performing a number of tasks at once. This could include things like responding to emails, updating spreadsheets or filling out forms. Alternatively, they could be responding to an email about a form that they are filling out online, in relation to the spreadsheet that is being worked on! Because of this, having more space to work with is valuable, and one reason to ask your managed service provider about setting up dual monitors. In this article, let’s talk about some of the benefits, and the basics of setting up the feature.
The benefits
The key benefit to multiple monitors, is being able to see more windows at once. For example, you can write an email whilst looking at information that relates to the email, such as some statistics. This is as opposed to needing to make each window individually small on a single monitor or having to switch between windows constantly.
Another advantage which is related to the first is being able to more easily split your attention between tasks. For example, if you are waiting for an important email, you can have your email software open on one screen, whilst continuing to work on another screen, without having to constantly switch between them. With the litany of benefits afforded to users with multiple monitors, especially in an office context, once you try it out, you’ll be hard-pressed to return to just a single monitor!
How to set it up
First, you will need to have two monitors, both connected to the PC through video cables. Ensure that you have sufficient cabling slots in your PC. This is something that you may need to discuss with your IT help desk when upgrading your IT solution, if you are looking at using multiple monitors. This is because some setups will only have a single slot for a monitor. Often, you may need to look at using different types of connections, for example, one monitor by HDMI and one by DVI, both of those being common video cable types. Regarding cabling, if needed, get tech support accordingly from your managed service provider.
Once everything is plugged in, you may need to enable your other monitor/s, although this will often happen automatically. If needed, on Windows 10 (the latest operating system), simply right click your desktop, and select “Display Settings”. Then click “Detect” on the window that appears, and you should be good to go! From this screen, you can also select which monitor is your primary screen, as well as the order of screens. Many people like their main monitor in the centre of their eyeline, and their second monitor off to the right, but you might be different; this screen lets you customise according to your taste.
Summary
Multiple monitors are an incredibly effective way to boost productivity at your organisation today. If you have further questions on this topic, or are looking more broadly at your IT services, get in touch with Rapid IT today to have a full conversation about your IT needs, and how we can fulfil them.
