Using the Display 45
Using an External Monitor Simultaneously as an Extension of Your Computer Display
You can attach an external monitor or projector to your computer and use it as an extension of your
display (known as "dual independent display" or "extended desktop" mode). This mode allows you to use
both screens independently and drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively doubling the
amount of viewable work space.
To use extended desktop mode, perform the steps in the following section that corresponds to the
operating system your computer is using.
Microsoft® Windows® XP
1
Connect the external monitor, TV, or projector to the computer.
2
Click
Start
Settings
Control Panel
.
3
Under
Pick a category
, click
Appearance and Themes
.
4
Under
Pick a task...
, click the area you want to change, or under
or pick a Control Panel icon
, click
Display
.
5
In the
Display Properties
window, click the
Settings
tab.
NOTE: If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust
automatically to the closest supported values. For more information, see your operating system documentation.
6
Click the monitor 2 icon, click the
Extend my Windows desktop...
check box, and then click
Apply
.
7
Change
Screen Area
to the appropriate sizes for both displays and click
Apply
.
8
If prompted to restart the computer, click
Apply the new color setting without restarting
and click
OK
.
9
If prompted, click
OK
to resize your desktop.
10
If prompted, click
Yes
to keep the settings.
11
Click
OK
to close the
Display Properties
window.
To disable dual independent display mode:
1
Click the
Settings
tab in the
Display Properties
window.
2
Click the monitor 2 icon, uncheck the
Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor
option, and
then click
Apply
.
If necessary, press <Fn><F8> to bring the screen image back to the computer display.
Windows Vista®
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button, , and click
Control Panel
.
2
Under
Appearance and Personalization
, click
Adjust screen resolution
.