SUPER Trading Computers

superpc / December 13, 2012 / No comments

Day traders are rocking the boat using new technology to become more efficient and better at what they do.  Trading computers is really a broad spectrum term that describes a

http://dual-monitors.org/images/Multiple-Monitor-Desktop-Trading-Computer-Google-Earth.JPG

http://dual-monitors.org/images/Multiple-Monitor-Desktop-Trading-Computer-Google-Earth.JPG

computer designed specifically for day trading.  Generally speaking, a trading computer will have multiple monitors and feature both powerful CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (Graphic processing unit) technology.  They also tend use advance cooling systems which help maintain epitasis during periods of intense processing.  If you are a day trader, should you consider a trading computer?  Well the answer really depends on what you would like to get out of your computer system.

It wasn’t that long ago when “trading computers” was an unknown term.  Prior to 2003, day traders used typical machines that could be purchased from any retailer.  However, the specialization market came about and rocked the trading world they starting building super machines that could handle multiple monitors, multiple video cards and processes faster than ever before.  Now if you know anything about day trading, you know that it absolutely takes precision timing and effort to make trades and profit. The trading computer has increased the trader’s ability to do that because it uses the latest technology on the market.

Probably the best feature of a trading computer is its ability to handle multiple monitors.  Several traders that I know use monster 8 monitor machines that can run multiple serious resource taxing programs at the same time with so much as one second lag.  Now that’s power.  And it’s paying off too, as these guys have seen their profits skyrocket, simply because they are able to better multi-task and get more done during their (brief) workdays. It’s definitely a powerful advantage.

When I was talking to a good friend of a colleague of mine recently, he said that since he starting using a trading computer he was able to gain a 3% edge on profitability.  Now we won’t go into specific numbers because I don’t think he would appreciate that, but I can tell you this is no small amount of cash that he’s adding to his pockets every month.   Let us put it this way, his powerful multiple monitor machine appears to be reason he now owns a shiny brand new BMW M3 convertible (black on black leather interior… I digress.)  His profits are now soaring.

He purchased his machine from a well known multiple monitor and trading computer specialty company called multi-monitors.com which he says was able to provide him with exactly what he needed.  Overall, he had nothing but nice things to say about multi-monitors.com, but they include talking about their professionalism and ability to really narrow down what his exact needs were, when he was building his custom trading PC.

If you are considering getting a multiple monitor computer or trading computer then it is highly recommended that you check these guys out (multi-monitor.com) as they have tremendous reviews and you most certainly with no be disappointed with your trading pc.

Category: General / Tags:

3 Monitor Computer

superpc / December 2, 2012 / No comments

I want to discuss with you the reason that I am able to complete more work in less time.   The days when have a three monitor computer are gone.  It is now common place.  For me,

“>http://dual-monitors.org/images/ATI-Windows7-Desktop-Multiple-Monitors-Three-Screens-Portrait-Mode-Superpc.JPG

http://dual-monitors.org/images/ATI-Windows7-Desktop-Multiple-Monitors-Three-Screens-Portrait-Mode-Superpc.JPG

personally, it has been a huge blessing as I am now able to better complete tasks in less time.  It is certainly more efficient to have a 3 monitor computer versus only one or two monitors.  It is actually quite amazing how day traders can dramatically increase their productivity and even more importantly, they can increase their profits.

I work with several guys that day trade on a regular basis and one of them was telling me just this the other day.  He actually recently upgraded his 2 monitor computer to a 3 monitor computer and at the end of the first month of using his new multiple monitor computer system, he notices a rather sharp increase in his profits.  But even more important for him was the fact that he was able to do more work in less time.  On average shaving off 10-15 minutes a day!  That’s pretty incredible if you’re like my friend who has a family and enjoys spending as much time as possible with him.  If you add up all the time he will be saving over the course of the next year, it is almost an extra week that he will be able to spend with them instead of spending it in his office work.

And moreover, with his new 3 monitor computer system he’s actually making a larger profit trading in the futures market.  This is good because it means that he’ll have extra money to put away toward his family.  He is currently saving for his kid’s education, but also sticks a little bit of money away each month so that when vacation time rolls around he can guarantee that his family will have an absolutely amazing time.  You wouldn’t believe the effect of an extra monitor (upgrading from a dual monitor computer system to a three monitor computer system) will have on your profits.  For my coworker, it means averaging an extra 2-3 percent profit each month, which at the end up the year, really adds up.

So why does having an extra monitor make that much difference in both productivity and profit you ask?  Well it is actually pretty common sense.  For my co-worker that uses a variety of programs on his desk top, he actually ends up switching back and forth between applications quite frequently.  Now this may not sound like a big deal, but seconds accumulate faster than you think during the day, so the time that he spent searching for the application he wants to use and opening it up were actually quite a big time waste.  Now, granted my coworker did have a dual monitor computer setup prior to getting his third monitor- but just having one extra monitor of desktop space has really made a huge difference in regards to his ability to be more productive.  The fact of the matter is that this extra monitor has increased both productivity and profit, something that isn’t easy to do in this field.

So how did he go about picking out a 3 monitor computer system?  Well after doing a considerable amount of research he was able to narrow down his options for computer systems quite a bit.  But in the end, my coworker decided that the easiest way to find the best 3 monitor computer system was to consult with an expert, which is precisely what he did.  In fact, one of the main reasons that he decided to go this route was because there were just too many options to choose from when building a new 3 monitor computer.  He had a tough time knowing exactly which graphics card to use, which mother board would work with what RAM and he had literally no idea what SATA hard drive was.  Also, there’s question of which case he should, and in this case that was pretty confusing too, because not every case will work.  You really have to be careful when picking out the case because some are compatible and some are not.

He decided to consult with a company called multi-monitors.com because they are considerably older than some of their competitors and their reputation is much stronger as well.  Fortunately for my coworker, they were very helpful at multi-montiors.com.  They were able to figure out exactly what he needed and build a new 3 monitor computer system to his specifications. This worked out really well for my coworker.

Is a 3 monitor computer right for you?  A more reasonable question to ask is, would you like to be more productive and increase your profits?  If you answered yes then you should probably upgrade your one monitor computer system to a 3 monitor computer system.   If you decide to upgrade to a three monitor computer system, you will see advantages just like my coworker did.  If you are a stock trader or even if you work in another field, working with more monitors is going to increase your productivity and also increase your profits, so it is something you should definitely do.

To sum up what I’ve said above, I’ve worked my friend (described above) for almost 15 years now and I’ve never seen him able to complete this much work, have this kind of profit and seen him this happy.  The 3 monitor computer system really was a blessing for my friend and coworker.  The only question we ask no is, when he is going to upgrade to a 4 or even 5 monitor computer system.  I know that it won’t be long until he decides he wants to improve his productivity and profits even more than he has already.

Category: General / Tags:

Why are Accountants Using Multiple Monitors?

superpc / May 22, 2012 / No comments

CPAs are among a growing field of professionals that have learned that using dual monitors are a large benefit when it comes to doing their job.  They’ve found that the number of programs they need to use has increased, and as it has so has the need for screen real estate.  For example, using dual monitors they can assign a specific monitor to both main applications should as Excel and Word.  But these aren’t the only programs in an accountant’s arsenal these days.  They also use specific programs to view previous year tax information, or working papers, talk with other computers on the network, communicate with email and conduct video chats and conferencing.  As all these applications become more common, the need for CPAs to use not just 2 monitors, but also actually 3-4 monitors has become more common as well.  We’re going to discuss why the need has grown from using just 2 monitors, to using 3-4 monitors and how you can setup your own 3-4-monitor computer system.

So what’s the main reason for using multiple screens (if you are an accountant or other wise?)  Well actually it’s pretty simple- using multiple screens will allow you to prepare a document on one screen, while using a second monitor to reference the material used to build the report.  If you’re a CPA that isn’t using multiple screens then you’re in the minority.  A poll (unscientific) of over 400 CPAs in 6 different states found that 58% of them used at least 2 monitors, and 12% had 3 or more monitors.  It’s this third monitor that many CPAs seem to be fascinated with, is it really necessary?   Let’s look at one scenario where it might help you prepare a document faster and easier.  If an accountant was working on a report in Word on one monitor, the financial report might take up an entire monitor on a second monitor, and the 3rd could be used for graphs, tables or just an Excel file.  Either way, not having to flip back and forth between applications is going to be a huge time saver in the long run, especially on large reports where you constantly have to refer back and forth between documents.

Another common use for multiple screens with accountants is the ability to log in remotely to a client’s network and use a monitor to actively search around on their computer. Having a 2nd and 3rd monitor makes this significantly less troublesome, especially if you are trying to transfer data to your own computer for computation work.

A common use of an extra monitor is to have specific monitors designated for specific devices, such as videoconferences, email, and chat.  In fact, professionals have found that programs like Skype and AIM make it much easier to communicate within a company or with associates, but having a designated monitor makes this far easier.

Of course there are quite a few more uses for using a 2nd, 3rd and even forth screen, but as you can imagine these are all common sense as well.  No need to list them, as you probably already have each monitor’s use planned out in your head.  If you like to multitask and get work done quickly and efficiently, then using a multiple monitor system is for you.  If you pride yourself on working “Smart not hard” (or perhaps both) then a multiple monitor computer system is right for you.  If you consistently fumble through reports, email, news and more- then using a multiple monitor computer system might be able to give you an edge.

So what type of equipment do you need to setup your multiple monitor computer system?  Well there are 4 things that you should probably consider:

1)  RAM

2)  Monitor Size/Style/Arrangement

3)  Processing Power

4)  Graphics Card

Without all 4 of those elements you may end up with a lagging, inefficient computer.  The good news is that putting together those elements is actually not that difficult.

RAM

Start with at least 4 GBs of RAM and then move up as needed.  Anything less than that and you’ll wish that you had spent the extra money to upgrade.  Trust me when I say this is one area where you most certainly do not want to slack.

Monitor Size/Style/Arrangement

The same survey that determined that around 58% of CPAs are now using multiple screens, also found out that nearly all of those CPAs are using 19”x19” square monitors, as opposed to widescreen monitors.  The most common configuration is using a stand and creating a “four-square” setup.  There may be a number of reasons for this, the biggest of which is that it looks and feels more natural to have a perfectly square setup, over an oddball setup.  Of course, you can choose whatever you are most comfortable with; just remember to pick all of the same size monitors.  Having different sized monitors does make things a bit more difficult to work with, especially if one is shorter than another.  It’s also highly recommend that you pick a quality stand to go with your setup, as this will actually reduce eyestrain and help keep the monitors even.

Processors

Skimping on the processor probably could save you a few hundred bucks, BUT is it really worth it?  The processor is the brain of your multiple monitor system, so cutting down processing power means reducing your machine’s ability to run properly.  In other words, don’t bother building a multiple monitor system if you’re not ready to shell out the cash for a dual or quad core processor- you’ll find that your machine simple won’t be able to handle it’s workload if you try to save cash on your processor.  So here’s the deal, get a Pentium i5 or i7- don’t be cheap.  The headache you’ll save will the worth the extra cash you spend.

Graphics Card

Having a dual, triple, quad or more output card (also known as dual head, triple head, etc.) is one of 3 different ways to setup your multiple monitor system.  These cards range anywhere from a few hundred bucks, to a few thousand dollars.    Your computer may already be equipped to setup a second monitor, so if you’re only planning on running 2 monitors then check the back of your machine before you make any additional purchases.

Hopefully this article was able to highlights some of the reasons that CPAs are using multiple screens these days.  In addition, you should now know what is needed to get your multiple monitor system setup as well.   As always, if you have specific questions about the components of your system, it’s usually best to consult with a multiple monitor professional, you can click here to do so.

Category: Multiple Monitors / Tags: , ,

A Review of a Popular Dual Monitor Stand

superpc / May 22, 2012 / No comments

You already know that dual monitor systems increase both productivity and ease of use when working with multiple windows at once. While some dual monitor users use the original stands for each respective monitor, most will find they prefer a custom dual monitor stand for maximal performance. After trying several stands throughout the years as well as receiving feedback from other users, I am here to discuss several aspects of one of the most popular models of dual monitor stands on the market. I hope that I can provide some insight to potential users seeking opinions on this stand. With that being said, let’s take a look at the stand.

 

Vertical Dual Monitor Stand  

When I first started using a dual monitor system, I felt like the monitors were way too low on my desk. It was distracting, to say the least, when I felt like I was literally looking down at them all day long. This also led me to have concerns about my posture and potential neck aches. I decided that I needed to elevate the monitors in a safe, sturdy way. I knew that I needed a clamp that I could mount to my desk, and I decided to try a dual monitor stand from multi-monitors.com. I found a good deal and was ready to try the new setup for under $200.

The mount attaches to the desk using a very robust-looking “C-clamp.” The clamp is the first thing to be assembled when you receive the stand. It’s also worth noting that the clamp has three adjustable height settings, so you do have some wiggle room to account for different desk designs and varying heights. I found that adjusting the mount was super easy. There are also a couple of bolts with metal “feet” that hold the stand down onto your desktop. They attach directly to the clamp and squeeze securely to the bottom of your desktop.

After getting all the pieces in place, I was able to get my monitors so close together that they touch, and I was also able to center them like I wanted them. However, it would be easy to position them differently on a desktop to make room for paperwork or other electronics that may need to share your workspace. For a tall guy like me, I wish that I could have been able to raise the monitors another few inches, but then again my desk is not exactly a common setup. I feel like most users will find a setting that will work for them with this stand.

In conclusion, I felt like this stand was a good buy for under $200. I think it would satisfy most people’s needs with dual monitor computing. Sure, there are more expensive mounts out there, but this one serves its purpose for someone on a budget. I found the setup to continuously be extremely stable, durable, and relatively hassle-free. I am also sure that most buyers will not be bothered by the minimal amount of construction needed once the set arrives. If you have any experience with IKEA furniture, I can promise you that this setup is way easier than anything you assemble from IKEA! Overall, I would recommend the multi-monitors.com model to the average dual monitor user who wants a good deal with no headaches involved in the setup or continued use of the product.

Category: Multiple Monitors / Tags: ,

Why the University of Utah Isn’t The Only Place Touting Multiple Screens

superpc / May 21, 2012 / No comments

It wasn’t that long ago that they University of Utah came up with a pretty surprising conclusion, that despite the additional distractions of a modern work environment, using multiple screens can lead to increased productivity.   (http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/03/10/bigger-computer-monitors-more-productivity/)  In fact they say that both a bigger screen and using multiple screens can help you improve your productivity, which makes a lot of sense if you think about it.  And that’s why so many people have started making the switch from one screen to many screens.  And it isn’t just people like day traders and FOREX traders that are taking advantage of the benefits of a video wall; it’s niches all across the board.  So it’s no surprise that companies across the globe are offering up multiple screens to their employees, that at home businesses are using additional screens and that schools, government agencies and everything in between are also using multiple monitors to increase their productivity.  In this article we’re going to list 5 places where you might expect to find multiple monitors now, or in the near future.

Airports

Airports are actually one the first places that remember seeing using multiple screens, as long ago as the 1980’s, you know when everyone was still smoking in airports and the big CRT black and white or green screen monitors hung on the wall.  Well things have actually improved quite significantly these days- there are multiple LED monitors through out the airport that display a ton of different information, such as where to find things within the airport, WiFi information, local and national weather, news, sports, advertising, flight information,menus for restaurants and a whole lot of other use information that people are taking advantage of while they are hanging out in the airport.

Airlines

Yes, you read that right- on airlines themselves, you’ll find information pertaining to the flight (including a cool GPS feature that shows you where you are at in flight and gives you an estimated time of arrival.  In addition, these screens show movies, TV shows and more.  This has been available on select airlines for quite some time, but is now available on most airlines.  If you’ve yet to be on an airline that offers this, let me tell you, you’re missing out.  It makes a long boring flight considerably better.

911 Emergency Call Centers

911 operators, as well as a few other government officials, have gotten much more efficient with their operations.  Why?  Well they’ve started using multiple monitor computer systems so that they can better assistant those in their time of need.  They can monitor the call; help direct fire, police and ambulance personnel as well.  This has lead to faster response times that have helped save lives.

 

Financial Institutions

It’s no secret that day traders use multiple monitor computers.  In fact this was one of the first industries to really embrace using multiple screens to improve work performance.  In industries like stock exchange, being able to act quickly and accurately, with all the information needed right in front of you, is of the upmost importance.  That’s why day traders started using multiple screens a early on and why they will continue to do so.

 

Hotels

There are numerous examples of hotels that use multiple monitor computer systems to accomplish a number of goals.

1)  To entertain guests while they wait in line.

2)  To offer up information on attractions, shows, dining, transportation and more.

3)  To add to visual display, making a hotel appear more modern or advanced.

4)  To pass along other pertinent information that guests might find appealing.

 

And these aren’t the only places that use multiple monitor computer systems or video walls.  There are so many applications for using multiple screens; the list could literally go on forever.  Regardless of what your business is, hopefully this article gave you some insight into how others are using multiple monitors to help improve their business function.  As time goes on, it is highly likely that other businesses will probably start doing the same.  Your business can be improved as well with the use of multiple monitors to help improve your productivity and increase your profits.

Category: Multiple Monitors / Tags: , , , , , , ,

Maximize Your Benefits of Having Dual Monitors – Simple Tricks to Make Using Multiple Screens Even More Effective

superpc / May 21, 2012 / No comments

Now that you have made the decision to expand both your workspace and your productivity, you need to make sure that you are getting the most out of it that you can. There are a few utilities available to help you maximize the benefits of your new or pre-existing dual monitor setup. Let’s take a look at some of these utilities, so that you can experience every advantage that a dual monitor system has to offer you both with tasks and display features.

Wallpaper

By default, Mac OS handles dual monitor support better than Windows. With Mac, you can set screen-specific wallpaper images without the aid of additional software. To do this, select “Set Desktop Background” and a panel appears that will allow you to set each monitor individually. Unfortunately, Windows cannot do this task by default. With Windows, one preset wallpaper will be displayed on all of the monitors. However, there are several free utilities available to help Windows users overcome this. One such application is called DisplayFusion. Available online for free download, DisplayFusion offers its users the ability to search Flickr and customize their Windows monitors beyond the default restrictions. If you want even more features and customization options, you may be interested in another application, UltraMon. Although an UltraMon license is about $40, it does include all the multi-monitor features you could want, in one package.

Extending the Taskbar

It is relatively easy to move your Windows taskbar between monitors. However, this can become a time-consuming pain if you wish to move it each time you switch monitors. For this problem, you can download a free application called the MultiMon taskbar. This utility adds an additional taskbar and clock to additional monitors. It lists each open program in its respective taskbar. Multimon also adds buttons and shortcuts to easy transitions between monitors. Again, these features are also available in the paid version of the UltraMon license, coursesy of Adam.

Manage Windows

The biggest gain in productivity you will see with a dual monitor setup is the ability to leave several windows open and visible across your workspace without the hassle of minimizing, maximizing, closing, and reopening constantly. By default, Windows can tile windows without any extra software. There are, however, a few utilities out there that give you some other options. You can easily resize and move windows into halves or quadrants with the free utility WinSplit Revolution. This application offers customizable keyboard shortcuts to decrease your time spent on rearranging your windows. You can also define custom screen areas to snap windows into with the cool (and free) utility GridMove.

Desktop Pinups and Overlays

Obviously, you do not want or need to fill up your entire workspace with active windows. A perk of multiple monitors is that the extra space allows you to keep everything open without an overwhelming mess of clutter to look at. Some cool overlay utilities are Samurize for Windows and GeekTool for Mac. You can also embed Outlook’s calendar onto your secondary monitor or use Windows Active Desktop to embed your Google Calendar, too. Of course, your monitors don’t have to be all work. You can also use the extra space to keep peripheral tasks easily accessible as well. For example, you may have a monitor open solely for monitoring email, IM’s, and social networks.

Whatever your primary use may be, these popular utilities, as well as many others, are available at your disposal to help you make the most of your dual monitor system. Once you are comfortable with the tools that are available to help you customize each aspect of your dual monitor computer, you can begin to enjoy the freedom and increased productivity that made you consider a dual monitor system to begin with. I hope that the tools and tricks previously discussed will help you on your way to maximizing your own experience and personal benefits that are possible as a result of owning a dual monitor computer.

Category: Multiple Monitors / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Using Multiple Monitor Taskbars – Making the Most of Your Multiple Screens

superpc / May 20, 2012 / No comments

According to Suzanne Ross of Microsoft Research, if you “Give someone a second monitor, let them use it for a while, and then try and take it away, it just isn’t going to happen.”  But this article is about more than just using a multiple monitor setup; it’s about maximizing the effectiveness of your multiple screens.  Here’s the thing, these days it’s pretty easy to get your multiple monitors setup.  Finding the right parts and a tutorial do so is not a problem.  But one problem that people are running into is that both of your monitors are not created equal.  But there are solutions for that and we’re going to discuss them right now!

Here’s a big problem:  your task bar in Windows only expands into your main Window.  So that means much of the time you’d save is wasted dragging your mouse back and forth between screens.  The solution to that problem is to have your menu bar expanded on to your second screen as well, and this is actually rather easy to do with a program called MultiMon Task Bar (you can download it free here: http://www.mediachance.com/free/multimon.htm).  The neat thing about this program is that instead of display all programs on your main windows task bar, they are displayed on the task bar in the monitor in which they are open.  Originally this was designed as an in house program for the firm that is distributing it, but they decided to release both a free and paid version for all of you multi-monitor people out there.

Yet another problem that some multiple monitor users have is that they are using multiple screens between multiple systems.  For example, they may have a laptop, a desktop with Windows and a Mac on their desk.  Traditionally, you’d be using 3 different mice and 3 keyboards too.  This creates a number of problems, including but not limited to desk space, confusion and more.  It really limits what you’re able to do on your desktop.  Fortunately there is a solution for this problem- a program called Synergy is an open source application that allows you to use only one mouse and keyboard across multiple screens.  It works very similar to having multiple monitors setup on one computer, you simply move the mouse to the edge of the screen to the next screen.  In addition, you can actually use Synergy to synchronize all of your screensavers as well.  It’s a hand program that will save you a ton of time.  You can find it here: http://synergy-foss.org/

While this may not technically qualify as a “problem” per se, having traditional wallpaper on your multiple monitor computer system isn’t exactly cool- and let’s face it, aside from all the time saving advantages you really do want to look cool with your new multiple monitor system, right?  Well here is an easy way to do so, by using multiple monitor wallpaper that will make your desktop look super slick.  According to the guys over at http://lifehacker.com/5114997/best-places-to-find-multi+monitor-wallpaper, here are some of the best places to find multiple monitor wallpaper for a variety of number of screens:

  1.   Devian Art- http://browse.deviantart.com/customization/wallpaper/multidisplay/?order=9
  2.   Adolescent Eyes- http://smoovie.deviantart.com/art/Adolescent-Eyes-sup3-32155008
  3.   Vlad Studios- http://www.vladstudio.com/wallpapers/
  4.   Social Wallpapering- http://www.socwall.com/
  5.   Digital Blasphemy – http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/freegallery.shtml
  6. http://mintywhite.com/tech/category/wallpaper/
  7. http://www.dualscreenwallpaper.com/
  8. http://www.dualmonitorbackgrounds.com/

Of course another trick you can try is just going to http://images.google.com and searching for “multiple monitor wallpaper.”   You should be able to find some nice wallpaper doing that.  If you have high-end DVI monitors then make sure you search for HD multiple monitor wallpaper.

If you are considering putting together a multiple monitor computer system, then you are making a wise decision, and if you follow the tips listed above then you’ll almost certainly get more out of your multiple monitor system.   Little things that you can do, like not having to slide back and forth to find programs in your task bar DO make a BIG difference.  That’s why it’s important to take advantage of all the resources you have available to manage your multiple monitor computer system.  If you do so, you’ll find that using multiple monitors will be a more enjoyable experience overall.

Category: General, Multiple Monitors / Tags:

Five Tools for Multiple Monitor Computer Systems

superpc / May 20, 2012 / No comments

With a multiple monitor computer system, you increase productivity by increasing screen size, or “real estate.” Some users have one monitor designated for workspace and another designated for “extras” such as email, Skype, IM’s, Twitter, Facebook, etc. This setup allows the user to easily go back and forth between tasks, reducing wasted time and resources. Here, I want to share five open source tools that are available to assist in your transition or continued use of a multiple monitor system.

1) Synergy 

“Synergy” is an application that allows the user to share a mouse and keyboard among several different displays. By moving the mouse like you would on any computer, this application allows the movement to go flawlessly from one monitor to the next. Additionally, monitors share one clipboard so the user can copy and paste information across the multiple displays with ease. With Synergy, you can also sync screensavers to behave as you prefer.

 

2) Input Director 

“Input Director” grants users the ability to use a single keyboard and mouse to operate several linked monitors. It can also be used to operate several computers within a single network. Like Synergy, a single movement of the mouse, for example, will move the pointer from one linked monitor to the next. This saves valuable time on both mundane tasks and professional presentations alike.

 

3) UltraMon 

“UltraMon” is an excellent tool for multiple monitor systems. This application can support up to ten monitors. With this application, the user can set custom preferences for each monitor in regards to resolution, wallpaper, and theme settings. With UltraMon, running programs can moved throughout any of the active monitors that are networked. It includes a feature that allows the user to determine when monitors become inactive, to conserve energy and limit distractions as necessary.

 

4) Multiple Monitor Mouse 

The “M3” speeds up mouse targeting by approximately 30%. This application warps your cursor across the borders of a display on demand and runs in the background, avoiding taxing the system’s resources. The M3 can be accessed from the system tray. This is also where users can change settings and preferences as deemed necessary.

 

5) MultiMon Taskbar 

The “MultiMon Taskbar” allows the user to have unique taskbars for each monitor. This allows you to easily organize applications and programs over multiple screens. Also, MultiMon has a clipboard extender for synchronizing the clipboards across several monitors. This allows the user to easily copy and paste information from any monitor to any other monitor.

 

Hopefully, you will find one or more of these neat applications helpful to your multi-monitor experience. If you have or intend to build a multiple monitor setup, you understand the value of maximizing productivity. Therefore, you can appreciate how helpful these tools can be! Whether just setting up your first multi-monitor system or fine-tuning an existing system, I am confident that most multiple monitor users can benefit from some of these cool (free) add-ons.


Category: Multiple Monitors / Tags:

Multiple Monitors Used for Emergency Dispatch

superpc / May 19, 2012 / No comments

Multiple monitor computers are becoming increasingly common for various users with varying needs throughout the world. These productivity-increasing systems can be used for personal enjoyment, such as gaming, or used to perform essential professional services. For example, these emergency 911 dispatchers in Ohio use multiple monitor systems to perform their critical, everyday tasks. The person receiving the potentially life-threatening call is able to listen and communicate with the caller while simultaneously sending help to the scene. Dispatchers get an idea of what is happening on the other end of the line, and then they alert police, firemen, and/or emergency medical technicians as needed.

The multiple monitor systems that the dispatchers have access to allow them to perform these tasks as efficiently as possible. The dispatcher is able to communicate with several departments at once, which can mean the difference between life and death for many callers. With the volume of calls received on a daily basis at these call centers, it is important that the dispatcher is able to quickly and effectively determine what is going on and make a decision as to whom to send to the scene. The dispatcher must also be able to tell when an emergency 911 call is not potentially life-threatening as to not tie up unnecessary resources.

Thanks to multiple monitor technology, an emergency 911 dispatcher, such as these from Ohio, can quickly and efficiently determine if an emergency is actually an emergency and send the appropriate departments to further investigate. By using these resources, the dispatcher is also able to answer more calls than would be possible if they had to navigate away constantly to contact the necessary departments for each incoming call. Although the multiple monitor technology may seem costly up front for the dispatch department, the benefits are immeasurable. Maximizing the efficiency of the dispatchers allows emergency aid to arrive at the scene quicker. In some cases, this can be the difference between a horrific “close call” and a complete tragedy.

Additionally, this technology allows the department to have more flexibility when a dispatcher needs to “talk a caller through” some type of medical first aid procedure over the phone. Because each dispatcher is now at least three times more productive than before, a dispatcher can afford to spend time with a caller who may need to be told how to perform CPR or some other medical procedure, over the phone. Again, this flexibility that is established can determine if someone in a true, life-threatening emergency is going to survive or not.

Ideally, 911 dispatchers are a community resource that nobody ever wishes they have to utilize. Unfortunately, this cannot always be the case. However, it is reassuring to know that, in the event of an emergency, your local 911 dispatcher is able to help you and others in your community as quickly and efficiently as possible. Knowing that these departments have upgraded their technology to the latest in productivity-increasing hardware means that these valuable resources are able to do more for more people in the community.

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Specific Benefits of Using Multiple Monitors in Your Work or Home Setup

superpc / May 18, 2012 / No comments

Adding one or more monitors to your current computer system can be a complete game-changer. Give it a week or two, and you will wonder how you ever got along without it. However, there are several things to consider before committing to a dual- or multi-monitor setup. For example, do you have the physical desktop space to accommodate the extra monitors? It’s important that monitors are comparable to each other, so they will line up correctly and provide the maximal visual effect.

Next, you need to verify that your computer can handle multi-monitor output. You may need to purchase an auxiliary video card if your computer has video integrated with the motherboard. Fortunately, the majority of video cards support dual-monitor output. When all the hardware is in place, Windows will automatically detect the monitors. Your next step is to specify a “primary” display in Display Settings. The primary display can consist of both monitors for a dual-monitor system, a popular choice.

By default, the monitors will display the same desktop wallpaper. Some users prefer to download dual-monitor management software, that allows the user more control over customizing such settings. A good example of such a software package is DisplayFusion. DisplayFusion, available in both a free and paid, upgraded form, offers various features that allow the user to take full advantage of a multi-monitor setup.

One cool feature of DisplayFusion is that it gives the user the ability to display a different wallpaper for each monitor. This seemingly simple alteration can allow room for seemingly endless creativity. Or some users may prefer to use DisplayFusion to create a panoramic effect over the different monitors. Be careful with this feature, though. Certain images can become blurry or choppy when stretched among different screens. An easy remedy for this problem can be a simple Google search for “Multi-Monitor Wallpaper.” Users can choose from thousands of images already created for this very purpose, or feel free to create their own!

In addition to creative benefits, multi-monitor users can also access specific applications, such as Synergy, that allow them to use all of their hardware more efficiently. With Synergy, a user can seamlessly scroll from monitor to monitor with the point of one mouse. Keyboards and other, networked computers can be configured to work with the new monitors in the same fashion. Users can also configure different screensavers to fulfill different needs as some tasks may require more resources than others.

Multi-monitor users can enjoy the freedom to “have their cake and eat it too.” It is common for dual-monitor users to designate one computer for work in progress and assign another monitor for “sideline” tasks such as email, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Stock traders can take advantage of having current trading information displayed while being able to conduct other business alongside the stocks. Day traders, who know that time is of the essence, can see up-to-date quote information while being able to conduct research and/or communicate with other professionals. Multi-monitor manufacturers know that all of your tasks are important, and they bring them all to you simultaneously.  That way, you never have to neglect a task and you can maximize both your productivity and your creativity.

Category: Multiple Monitors / Tags: ,
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