How to Set Up a Computer With Multiple Independent Screens & Mice

A standard VGA slot can be used for additional monitors.

Plug in the other monitor(s). On a desktop PC you will need to have a dual Virtual Graphics Array (VGA) slot available or a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port. On a laptop, a VGA slot is usually provided. You need to plug the VGA lead for the additional monitor into this port.

Activate the additional monitors. Right click on the desktop and go to "Personalize." Choose the "Display" options and find the section where additional monitors are shown (which depends on the version of Windows). Arrange the monitor displays on the screen as you would like to use them in practice by dragging them with the mouse and "activating" the monitor(s). Choose extended screen layout or the "mirror" option to show the same display on more than one monitor.

Use a USB keyboard, video and visual display unit (KVM switch) device for mouse and keyboard. These can be purchased in good computer shops. The KVM device enables you to change the USB activation for a single keyboard and mouse when required for up to two computers, by simply clicking on a physical button on the computer desk.

Software can be used to control multiple monitors without hardware.

Download and install MaxVista for multiple monitor management , including remote control over several monitors. This software operates over monitors on the same network, avoiding the need to purchase additional hardware and drivers. The software usually comes in the guise of a client-server solution, where the server part is placed on the main (controlling) computer and the client software is placed on the other machine(s).

Activate the monitors as previously described in the hardware section. MaxVista allows you to control several monitors over the network, and you can also use extended screens in the same way as a hardware solution.

Download and install Synergy (free open source software) and control several computers using a single mouse and keyboard. It is necessary to set up the monitor arrangement via configuration files, and this may initially seem daunting. Once this is set up, however, it is possible to control several computers even if they have different operating systems such as Windows and Linux.

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