By Qou Say
Difficulty:
Very Easy
Cost:
Free
Average rating:
This article provides you instructions on how to use two monitors for your single ubuntu computer.
A lot of people are asking how to confugure their hardy heron computers to use two monitors at a time. In this article I am providing you instructions on how to configure your computer. Please be informed that since you will be editing a system configuration file, be extra careful as you might damage your operating system.
Step 1:

Open xorg.conf file with any text editor you may want. In this case, I will use geditor.

  • Open your Ubuntu terminal
  • Type "sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf"and press enter key
  • You will then be asked to provide your password. Type it in and press enter key
  • A geditor will pop-up on your screen that contains the data of xorg.conf file.
Step 2:

Add the necessary code to detect the second monitor and its configuration. Please, edit the file with caution. You might damage your computer if you added an unnecessary text.

  • Add the following lines to the bottom part of the file:

             Section "Screen"
                 Identifier    "Default Screen"
                Monitor        "Configured Monitor"
                Device        "Configured Video Device"
                SubSection "Display"
                      Depth        24
                      Virtual    2560    1600
                      Modes    "1280x960@60"    "1280x800@60"    "1280x1024@60"    "1024x768@60"    "800x600@60"    "800x600@56"    "640x480@60"
                EndSubSection
             EndSection

  • After adding the config code, save your changes and restart your computer.
Step 3:

Start using your second monitor.

  • Attach second monitor VGA cable to your computer.
  • Turn on your monitor.
  • On ubuntu desktop, go to Preferences > Screen Resolution (Monitor Resolution Setting will popup)
  • Click on the square which represents the monitors. A dark box will appear. Drag it to the corner of your main monitor where you want it positioned.
  • Afterwards, choose a resolution for your second screen.
  • Click apply, wait a little time for your computer to completely apply the resolution changes and you're done!

Be the First to Comment on this Article