Often times you find that its necessary to attach an external monitor to a laptop computer. The most common reason for attaching an external computer monitor is to have a larger output source for a presentation. This is used when you don't have access to a projector system. Another common use of an external laptop computer monitor is to use the monitor when the laptop's LCD is not functioning properly.
Attaching an external monitor to your laptop computer is actually a very simple task that doesn't require much technical knowledge. Most laptop computers support a VGA port. This port is identical to the VGA port on a standard desktop computer. You simply plug the external monitor into the VGA outlet like you would if you were attaching it to a desktop model. That's really it.
There are, however, a few differences that you should be aware of. One difference is that a laptop computer does not always have a video signal which automates the starting of the monitor. Often times, you must use special software or keyboard commands to start the monitor.
Unlike your laptop computer monitor, the external monitor will most likely need to be plugged into an electrical outlet before it will function. Some laptops will support the running of the monitor from the battery source, but it will quickly drain the computer batteries.
Once you have attached your external monitor to your laptop computer, you will need to configure the screen. Most user's manuals will provide step by step instructions on how to do this. It usually only requires a keyboard command which should be outlined in the manual.
After you have instructed the computer about the external monitor, you will need to instruct Windows on how the second laptop computer monitor will be used. You will designate one monitor as the primary monitor and the second monitor as the back up monitor. To do this, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to your Control Panel.
2. Double-click on the "Display" icon. This will show you the dialog box for the Display Properties.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Go to the numerical icon to designate the primary monitor.
5. Go to the open box and select "Use This Device As The Primary Monitor" by placing a check mark in the box. If the box is checked for the wrong monitor by default make sure that you clear out that box.
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