basic dual monitor question

[CanOWorms]

What exactly does a dual monitor setup do? Does it give you extra desktops so that you can play a game in one monitor but surf the net in the other or is it just an extension of the desktop? If it's just an extension, what happens to the other monitor when you're playing a game?

 

[sohcrates]

It IS basically an extension of the desktop.

when you play a game, you play on your main monitor...and while you CAN still see your secondary monitor..you CANNOT access it in any way.

 

[ucvb6]

like sohcrates said, you can play games on the main monitor.

i am running dual 13 inch monitors right now, their awesome.
also, when you play DVD's, you have to disable the second monitor(using PowerDVD)
but you can a utility called ultramon, and it makes switching back and forth really easy rather than going into display properties everytime

 

[LethalWolfe]

It depends on the what card(s) and the dual monitor software you are using. For example, using my Matrox G450 I can view a DVD on my 2nd monitor, and do normal work on my main monitor.


Lethal

 

[Paul]

I have a dual 19" setup and use PowerDVD as well, but I do not have to disable one screen to watch DVDs

 

[CanOWorms]

<< It depends on the what card(s) and the dual monitor software you are using. For example, using my Matrox G450 I can view a DVD on my 2nd monitor, and do normal work on my main monitor.


Lethal >>



Hmm.. is there one or a way to make it so that you can play a game on one and surf the net on the other or chat on IM?

 

[sohcrates]

When you're playing a full screen game, the mouse and keyboard are devoted to the game...no way around it.

When you're watching a DVD or something, and writing a word document for instance, you can switch back and forth.

But there's NO way to plus full screen 3D games and "move over" to the other screen to type...unless you pause the game and ESC it or something.

While you're playing the game , though, you'll be able to keep your eye on the second screen...and if it's AIM or something, you'll see your buddy typing to you..you just won't be able to reply