MoneyTec 2.0 - Online Forex Traders & Brokers Social Networking Community » Trading Talk » Beginners Forum

[gandyd66]

Hi,
I've been trading forex for a few months now using my somewhat outdated Windows 98, with a single monitor. I want to get another computer and run two montors off that, plus keep my current system. So, I'll have three screens going at the same time...which seems needed for serious trading.

I understand I'll need a hub or router to enable both computers to operate from the same internet service provider, and I'll also need a special video card for the new computer to provide a dual screen capability. What else do I need? Does the multiple screen video card, on its own, enable me to view different websites simultaneously (e.g. my old puter reading moneytec, one screen of the new puter looking at MT4, and the other tuned into my trading platform) ... or is additional software required in addition to the video card?

Hope the question isn't too garbled.

[capsmart]

Hello Gandy
Since you did not yet buy the second computer you could consider buying a portable one since most of them have a VGA port on which you can connect your second screen. It could be a larger than the portable's one.
You will not need any extra software. Imagine that you have a screen split in two. You move your mouse from one screen to the other. If you want to push the start you have to go to the left screen. If you want to close the application that is on the right screen you go there and press the [X]. Nothing to worry about.
Regards

[WTB]

I run exactly that: a laptop with a second monitor plugged in. Splitting your windows desktop in two is incredibly convenient, double the working space!

[gandyd66]

Thanks for the input guys.

[BullMarket]

Hi, gandyd66

I've been a programmer for about 7 years and I've built 1 system and i'm in the process of building a new one. Don't go and blow your money just yet.
Your better of with a cheap desktop from Dell or Gateway. They will run any of the trading platforms you would want and their cheap to boot.

These are all the specs you need.

1 GHZ processor
512 MB of ram
AGP or PCI or PCI Express mulit moniter video card
Windows XP or higher when Vista comes out.

What you really need for a mulit moniter set-up is a video card that supports it.

They are easy to find. Just search for Multi-Moniter Video Cards at
www.Bizrate.com google.

here's one site I found but you should shop around.

http://www.naplestech.com/pages/quadvideo.htm

Just make sure the Video card will work with your mother board. i.e.
If you have a AGP slot then get a AGP video card if PCI slot then PCI card and so on. It should say right on the computer specs when you shop for a computer.


Hope this help!

-Frank

[gandyd66]

Thanks for that useful info Frank.

[gandyd66]

Back again, guys. I've been getting conflicting information regarding the capabilities of a "one computer, two monitor with a special video card system." One techie I spoke to said that both monitors would just show exactly the same thing on each because they are coming from the same puter. Another, however, said that a two monitor-special video card operation is just like having two computers.

I'd certainly appreciate any of you knowledgeable types putting this argument to rest. What I want is to be able, for example, to have one monitor tuned into moneytec live chat, while the other displays my MT4 charts...and to be able to siwtch around on both screens also, to my broker's trading platform, or check for news on fxstreet etc. You know what I'm getting at, being able to view several DIFFERENT things SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Thanks for any help with this.

[PTB]

I have one PC with a double video card installed...so I can watch two monitors. The windows open and close with ease. If I want something moved from one monitor to the other, I just click on the middle box (between the - & X) at the upper right corner of the screen. Just try it on your monitor right now. When you click on that box it reduces the size of the window but does not minimize it. Then just put you cursor on the upper border of the reduced window...left click/hold on your mouse and you will be able to move it all around the screen...even off the screen to the other monitor if you had one. Then click on the middle window again to regain the full size and it will stay on the other monitor. I works great...I wouldn't be without it. I'm thinking of going to a 4 monitor set-up in the future.

Think of it this way. You can have any number of windows open on your computer at one time...right? By adding another monitor you can just move some of the windows to the other monitor.

[PTB]

I really like the two monitor set-up when I want to put someone else's chart or post on one screen and look at my own chart at the same time. It makes it much easier to follow what they are saying.

[gandyd66]

Hi PTB,
Thanks for your response.

Could you, say, put a MT4 chart on the right screen (by dragging it from the left one) and then be able to do all your charting...change time frames when you wish...change currency pairs...change indicators...from the right hand screen? And, then be able to do other things simultaneously (attend a live chat room, visit another website) with the left hand screen?

That would be very useful, almost like two separate computers...utilize the right screen for all your Metatrader charting stuff, and use the left screen for all the other things you wish to do.

Not quite sure from your explanation if that would be possible, however. It sounds as though everything may have to be controlled from the left, main screen.

[nvwine]

PTB,
Do you need the professional version of XP to use 2 monitors?

[PTB]

Once you put a window on the other screen you do everything there just by moving you cursor and clicking on that window. You'll be able do everything that you want. I have my FXCM trading window on one screen and watch my charts on the other.

I use XP Home.


It's just like having 2 computers expect one mouse and one keyboard.

[BullMarket]

It all depends on the software provided by the video crad manufature. It's in your display settings. I once had a Dual moniter set up. I had my main moniter and a T.V. that acted as my second. I could simply drag windows onto the T.V. Really Neat. I used it to watch movies that I had on my computer.

-Frank

[PTB]

Frank, I like the TV idea. On a large screen couldn't you put 4 different charts at 1/4 of the screen each? But does the TV have a lesser quality resolution than a monitor? I watched a DVD on my computer monitor for the first time a couple nights ago, and was amazed at the clarity.

[gandyd66]

Sounds like I have all I need to know, thanks to you guys. I'm looking forward to getting additional screens. It's a real pain having to switch from broker to MT charts to whatever else; and when you're doing it with a windows 98 it can get very slow indeed.