I'd like to add a second monitor to my computer at home (like I have at work). I am an absolute novice with computers, where should I even start? maria
Hi Marie and welcome to Techie7. Start by looking at your current setup to see if there is a second monitor connection. Many if not most computers already support two monitors. Look in the back where your current monitor connects to your computer and see if there are any other graphics/monitor/video connectors, and what type. See here for a guide. If your computer does not have another monitor connection, you may need to install a new graphics card that does.
Once your hardware requirements have been addressed, have a look at the following helpful implementation option instructions: Guided Help: Dual monitor setup is easy in Windows 7!
multiple displays Thanks guys, there is a second monitor jack on my computer, but it is white and very different from the one I already have (plugged into a blue jack). Can I just buy a monitor with that kind of adapter and plug it into that?
By white, I presume you refer to a DVI connector as shown here: Newegg.com - Learning Center,Desktop Graphics / Video Cards The latest monitors may have either a DVI or HDMI or both. If it is only HDMI, you can get a HDMI video cable configured with HDMI on one end and DVI adapter (HDMI to DVI) on the other end (or DVI cable configured with the appropriate adapter): Newegg.com - hdmi dvi adapter