Ed Alexander
             Technology Consulting

Two Monitors Are Better Than One!

Survey after survey shows that regardless of how you measure productivity, adding a second monitor will give you a considerable boost.  Some surveys suggest a boost as high as a 50% increase while most agree that a 20-30% gain is predictable. 

In some cases, it is as simple as purchasing a second monitor and connecting to your existing video card at the back of your desktop computer.  This option is possible with video cards that have dual ports. 

If your computer’s video subsystem only has one port, you can add an inexpensive second video card to accomplish the task.  However, you’ll need to have an open slot inside your computer to accommodate a new video card.

As video ports generally come in two flavors, you’ll want to be sure your monitor matches the video port in which it must be physically connected.

Most laptops have an extra video port in which to connect an external monitor. For those laptops that are equipped with a docking station, it might be possible to attach two external monitors if the docking station supports it.  This is the configuration that I enjoy as I am allowed to attach two large LCD monitors.

On a personal note, I must caution you that it took me two to three weeks to fully appreciate my dual monitor setup.  For some reason, my brain had a hard time adjusting to it after spending years on single-monitor systems.  Once I got my head around it, I was definitely more productive.  In fact, I struggle to use single-monitor systems now that I am accustomed to dual screens.  Do you remember when you transitioned from dial-up to broadband Internet access then had to go back to dial-up access for some time? 

If two monitors are better than one then take a look at my dream setup. 

We can all dream…

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When I first discovered the Internet while attending college in 1988, the Internet was primarily text-based.  In other words, there were no pictures displayed when surfing the Internet if you can believe that.  During my education, there were murmurs of a new technological advancement, a “browser” which was alleged to bring pictures and graphics to the surfing experience.  Little did I realize at the time how much a browser would change the Internet experience as zillions of web sites would populate the Internet.

Even as a text-based experience I was impressed by the level of sharing that took place on the Internet.  I could access other’s research papers, play poker with anonymous players and download a ton of free games and utilities.  It is in this spirit that I create newsletters for my clients. 

Thank you for your warm reception to our first newsletter in July.  I am excited to bring you our second edition. 

Thank you,

Ed Alexander

There are a number of free antivirus products available on the Internet.  Most are scaled down versions of full-feature products that are sold to businesses.  I have tried a handful over the years and one product has stood out from the rest, avast! Free Antivirus.

Businesses often require a more robust antivirus product which can be centrally managed but free versions can be ideal for home users.  In fact, I have personally used avast! Free Antivirus for the last five years on every one of my home computers.  In my opinion, it is a better product than software that is sold to the homeowner from big name companies such as Norton.  The only requirement is that you must register the product annually which takes about 30 seconds once a year.  There is an anti-spyware component to help guard against spyware too. 

They even offer free phone support, (877) 877-9362, though I must admit that I’ve never had to use it.  It works on Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista & 7 (both 32/64 bit systems).

To download avast! Free Antivirus now, click here. 

LCD Cleaning

Dirt, dust and finger prints can cause the computer screen to be difficult to read.  Unlike a computer monitor, the LCD / flat-panel display is not made of glass, therefore requires special cleaning procedures.

When cleaning the LCD screen it is important to remember to not spray any liquids onto the LCD directly, press gently while cleaning, and do not use a paper towel as it may cause the LCD to become scratched.

To clean the LCD screen we recommend that you use a non-rugged microfiber cloth, soft cotton cloth, or Swiffer duster. If a dry cloth does not completely clean the screen, you can apply rubbing alcohol to the cloth and wipe the screen with the damp cloth. Rubbing alcohol is actually used to clean the LCD before it leaves the factory.

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