During Pregnancy........

Pregnant ladies should have a balanced diet during pregnancy. This article provides an insight into what kind of Indian diet should be taken during pregnancy. 

Pregnant mothers always wonder that what they should eat & what not. Some says a mother should take the diet of two people because she needs to take care of one more life. But is it true, if yes what they should eat & if not how the baby will get proper diet to grow as a healthy child. When you will consult with a doctor they will say a pregnant mother must take a balanced diet. So that mother & child both gets a proper nutrition for their body. Basically Balanced diet must contain some or other thing from the entire food group. Not only this but balanced diet also meant to keep track on the proper quantity, quality & reaction or allergy of any food on mother. Following tips will help you and your baby stay healthy.

• As it has been strictly prescribed by doctors that intake of Vitamin A must be controlled because it may cause damage to embryo.
• Cabbage, Cauli-flower & all long green vegetables such as Tondali, Turai, Louki, Parwal, Spinach, Govari should be used alternately. You must keep balance, rather than eating same vegetable all the time.
• Reduce brinjal, suran/yam, papaya, celery, onion, chilli, garlic, ginger, pepper, asfoetida, mustard, bajara, carom seeds, jaggery from your diet. You must remember that those who have previous history of abortion better they must avoid these.
• Those who suffer from constipation, gas, bloating must avoid peas and other `heavy to digest' cereals, potato. They must take green gram as it is easy to digest and gives protein.
• Black grapes, banana, ripe mango, dates, cashewnuts, apricot are very beneficial.
• Butter, clarified butter, milk, honey, fennel seeds, sweets made from jaggery rather than white sugar can be taken in small quantity.
• Rice, Murmure, pulao, Bhakari, Khichri, Chapati, Paratha, Gujarati thepla are the items made from wheat and rice, so they are quite beneficial.
• Items such as sandwich, bakery bread, bun, dhokla, pizza, handva, pancake, khaman, steamed rice cake, curd, tomato, tamarind, kadhi usually increase the swellings and acidity. So, try to avoid such item but if such problems do not exist, you can take in small quantity.
• Indian women try to carry out fasts during pregnancy which is not good for health.
• Do not eat left over, frozen & deep-frozen food.
• Avoid cold drinks, mutton, cocoa, chicken, eggs, alcohol, smoking, tobacco, betel nut, pan-masala but tea, coffee & ice-creams can be taken in small quantity.
• Remember, the baby inside depends on you for proper nutrition. So, if you will take healthy & balanced diet your child will become healthy.
• During pregnancy, mother must focus on supplemental nutrients while maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. They must get a list of healthy Indian foods and meal planning tips from doctor to eat well during a pregnancy.

Indian women must maintain a high quality diet during their pregnancy to get a healthy, fit & fine baby. Now start following your diet chart to become a healthy mom.

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COOKING TIPS

Tips On Cutting & Peeling :

• Wash vegetables before peeling or cutting to preserve the water soluble vitamins.
• Peel vegetables as thinly as possible to preserve the minerals and vitamins.
• Soak potatoes and eggplant after cutting, to avoid discoloration.
• If you boil vegetables in water, do not throw the water, keep it to make gravies.
• To avoid browning of apples after cutting, apply a little lemon juice on the cut surface. The apples will stay and look fresh for a longer time.
• Keep coriander leaves in a muslin (cheese) cloth bag in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for a longer time.
• Remove the stems of green chilies while storing them .This will help them to stay fresh for long.
• After peeling onions cut in half and soak in water for about 10 minutes before cutting to avoid crying.
• Soak almonds in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes .The skin will peel off easily.
• Chopping vegetables can be done in different ways using a sharp knife and a wooden chopping board. Cutting on a marble slab will blunt your knives.
• Remove the outer leaves and husks from the corn (bhutta). Holding the corn upright with the flat end firmly in a board, take a sharp knife and run it down between the kernels and the cob to strip them away.
• Wrap the fruits and vegetables in newspaper before refrigerating to keep them fresh for long.
• Chopping dry fruits - Freeze them first for one hour & then dip the knife into hot water before cutting them.

Tips On Frying :

• Heat the oil thoroughly before adding seasonings or vegetables.
• Fry the seasonings until they change color, to get full flavour of seasonings.
• If masala sticks to the pan that shows quantity of fat included is not enough.
• Add some hot oil and 1/2 tsp of baking soda in batter while making pakodas.
• When coconut is used in grinding masala, do not fry for a longer time.
• If you are making patties or tikkis of potatoes, always make sure that the potatoes are boiled well in advance and cooled before you use them. It would be better if they can be refrigerated for a short time. This helps the starch in the potatoes to settle down and the tikkis will not be gooey.
• Smoke Mustard oil first before using for preparing vegetables etc.. by heating to a point till light white smoke emerges from it. This would remove the potency from the oil.
• Poori can be rolled and place between well-rinsed wet muslin cloth at least an hour ahead and can be Fried before serving.
• To make pooris more crispy add a little rice flour to the wheat flour while kneading.
• Pakodas will turn out crisper if a little corn flour is added to the gram flour (besan) while preparing the batter.
• Heat a non-stick pan and add a little more butter than usual. Now beat the egg and stir briskly (even while frying) with a fork. This way more air goes in your omelet, making it light and fluffy. Fry till done and serve hot.
• Sprinkle a little amount of salt in the frying pan before adding bacon to fry. That way it will not splatter all over.
• When browning meat in fat, choose a large, deep pan. This will enable you to fry quickly, without splashing the stove with fat and meat juices.

Tips For Gravies:

• Always use ghee or vanaspathi with or instead of oil, which gives a good flavour to the gravy. If oil alone is used, it does not get separated easily from the ground mixture, as ghee separates from it.
• Fry the ground masala in reduced flame, so that it retains its colour and taste.
• Little plain sugar or caramelised sugar added to the gravy makes it tasty.
• When tomatoes are not in season, tomato ketchup or sauce can be successfully used in the gravies.
• To retain colour in the gravy always use ripe red tomatoes. Discard green portions if any.
• Good variety chillies and chilli powder also gives colour to the gravy. As far as pos sible try to use long variety red chillies. Dry it under sun for few days and powder coarsely at home. Always the coarse powder gives good taste in gravies and pickles.
• While using ginger and garlic paste in curries, always use garlic at 60% ratio and ginger at 40% as ginger is very strong and may make your dish sharp and pungent.

Tips On Cooking :

• To make 1 cup of dal, add atleast 2-3 cups of water, depending on the type of dal.
• Soak whole pulses overnight and other dals for one hour before cooking.
• Always add hot water to the gravy to enhance the taste.
• Add 1 Tbsp of hot oil to the dough for making Kachories or Kulchas.
• Always use heavy bottomed vessels to make desserts, in order to avoid burning.
• Make desserts with full cream milk, to get thick creamy texture.
• Whenever curd is to be added to the masala, it should be beaten well and add gradually.
• Chop some extra vegetables, for next day stir fry.
• Use the leftover dal water to make rasam or sambar.
• Never discard water in which vegetables are cooked, use it in gravies, soups, rasam or kolumbu.
• Onions and masala are fried in the cooker body itself, raw vegetables are added to that with enough salt and water. Cook under pressure according to the cooking time of the vegetable. This method helps us minimise our cooking time, use of utensils and nutrients are also preserved.
• If poppy seeds are used in grinding, soak it in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, if you are grinding it in a mixie.
• While boiling milk, always add a little water at the base of the vessel to avoid the milk from sticking at the bottom.
• Add a tsp. of hot oil to homemade pastes of garlic, ginger or green chili, along with salt to make it last longer and taste fresher.
• Store raisins in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for much longer. Pour very hot water over them if they had harden, after that drain them immediately, and spread on a paper towel to dry. You can also leave a spoon in the vessel in which the milk is being boiled at low heat so that it does not get burnt at the bottom
• Add a few drops of lemon a tsp of oil to rice before boiling to separate each grain.
• Never discard the water in which vegetables are cooked, use it in gravies or soups.
• Put tomatoes in a large bowl and cover with boiling water Leave it for about 5 minutes. Take out one by one, piercing them with a sharp knife, the skin will peel off easily.
• Immediately after boiling noodles put them in normal cold water to separate them each.
• If you forget to soak chana/Rajma overnight. Just soak the chana/Rajma in the boiling water for an hour before cooking.
• Curd in winter - Set in a ceramic container and place it on the voltage stabilizer of your refrigerator.
• Potatoes soaked in salt water for 20 minutes will bake more rapidly.
• Roasting is a dry heat method of cooking - it does not use water. The flavors roasting draws forth result from the process of browning. As the surface of the meat browns, and its juices and fats drip down and brown on the surface of the hot roasting pan, it adds to the flavour of the meat.

General Tips For Cooking Non-Vegetarian:

• When you cook chicken or meat, you should first cook over high heat to seal juices and then lower the heat and cook till tender
• If you want to store fish for more than a day, first clean it, rub it with salt, turmeric and maybe, a dash of vinegar, and then freeze. It will stay fresh.
• Don't salt meat before you cook it. The salt forces the juices out and impedes browning. Instead, salt meat halfway through cooking, then taste when the meat is done and adjust the salt as needed.
• Meat that is partially frozen is much easier to cut or slice.
• Cooking of hamburgers may take hell of a long time. To cook them a little faster, you could poke a hole in the middle of the hamburger patties while shaping them. This helps them cook faster and the holes disappear once the burgers are done.
• Allow meat to stand at room temperature 1 hour before cooking: It will cook more quickly, brown more evenly, and stick less when pan-fried.
• To help keep meats moist during a long grill or barbecue, add a pan of water close to the fire, but away from the meat.
• To coat chicken evenly, you can place the seasonings or crumbs in a plastic bag, and then add a few pieces at a time and shake them well.
• For golden-brown fried chicken, roll in powdered milk instead of flour before frying.
• To prevent bacon from curling, dip the strips in cold water before cooking.
• Sprinkle a little amount of salt in the frying pan before adding bacon to fry. That way it will not splatter all over.
• To ensure that sausages keep their shape, put them into cold water, bring to a boil and then drain immediately and grill or fry in a saucepan.
• When you cook chicken or meat, you should first cook over high heat to seal juices and then lower the heat and cook till tender.
• To avoid kebabs from becoming hard and chewy, marinate them for a longer time and avoid over cooking them.
• To get rid of the smell of prawns, apply salt and lemon juice to the prawns before cooking. Leave for 15-20 minutes, then wash off and proceed with the recipe. This is usually done with prawns, fish and al kinds of seafood.
• For better results, mutton should be of a younger animal. It looks pink and not red and texture should be firm. If it is red and looks 'wrinkled', it will be tough.
• Softening chicken for salads and sandwiches Chicken in salads and sandwhiches is usually poached. What poaching does is surrounds the chicken with liquid, so no moisture is lost and cooks the chicken gently, as opposed to grilling or pan frying.
• How can you tell that steaks are done? Color can be a good indicator of doneness. This is because myoglobin which gives meat its color, changes from red to pink to brown as meat cooks. A rare steak is bright red. A medium-rare steak is dark pink with some red present; a medium steak is very light pink in color and of course, well-done is brown.

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Computer Components

Components :

we need to select the actual parts that we will use in assembling our machine. I normally choose my components in the order that they are listed. The first 6 are mandatory or core components and the rest are optional.
Note: Below, you'll find descriptions for different components and some suggestions on where to buy those parts. Now, one thing to keep in mind is that if you order all your parts from a single retailer you can save some money on postage costs.

Note: Below, you'll find descriptions for different components and some suggestions on where to buy those parts. Now, one thing to keep in mind is that if you order all your parts from a single retailer you can save some money on postage costs.

a) Computer Case

This is the actual case that will house all your other parts. Consider it your computers house. It will dictate how your machine looks at first glance as well as what and how many parts you can put into your machine. Some people choose to build their own case. This is usually not cheap or easy! Please note that the motherboard also needs to be compatible with your Case. In other words if your board will not fit into your case you will have a big problem!

I have used sites like Xoxide.com, ATXcases.com and NewEgg.com. You have a lot of choices for your case; colors, sizes, number of drive bays, etc. Different motherboards have different designations like ATX, AT, Nano ITX and Mini-ITX and now Pico-ITX. These sizes directly correlate to the motherboards that go into them. You can see the differences in size of this boards below.

Most motherboards are built for an ATX case because these are the most popular and standard. Most of the PC cases you come across these days are for ATX motherboards.

They are pretty big in size like the two cases show below. You can fit lots of parts into here in with a standard ATX board. Obviously if you don‟t need all that room you might want to opt for a smaller case and motherboard.

Then you have Nano-ITX and Mini-ITX, these are newer smaller boards that hold low power processors like the Atom. Make sure you have enough room for things like hard drives, DVDROMs and enough room/support for the amount of storage memory (number of slots for keeping hard disks) you want.

The case pictured above is a low cost Apex Mini-ITX case. This case comes with a 250 watt power supply. If you buy your case with a power supply like this you can usually save money and not have to worry about researching compatibility issues. Keep in mind when you choose computer parts that you can get computer cases with one clear side so you can show of those colorful and glowing parts.

b) Power Supply

This is what supplies your computer‟s juice. Power is needed to um power your computer. Most basic computers are fine with a 250 to 300 watt power supply. But if you plan on adding more demanding video and sound cards, several hard disks or other add-ons you may want to get a more powerful power supply. A lot of computer cases come with power supplies but if yours does not you will have to match one up to your board yourself

c) Processor

When building a new computer, you need to decide if you want to go with an Intel or an AMD processor. Some people have their own feelings as to which are better and why but this decision is up to you.

Intel processors are known to be more expensive and in some instances more powerful. But again this decision is personal preference and will effect your next decision as well. This is your computer's brain.

I personally prefer Intel over AMD and if I have to go with an AMD processor I am more likely to buy one or two grades higher to match performance. IMO Intel outputs more power and has more bang for it‟s buck.

d) Motherboard

A motherboard is also called a main board or just “The Board”. So don‟t get confused. This is your core computer part. It is where all your components will plug into.

When you pick your motherboard you should decide what peripherals are going to be plugged into it. It will dictate your maximum memory, processor speed and the amount of available slots for cards and other goodies. The ATX board below has 5 PCI slots, 2 IDE connectors and two slots for Memory (DRam).

This would be a good time to run down what these actually do. The PCI slots are for add on cards. You can have boards with one PCI slot or 10. I have some servers that have 20 PCI slots. Obviously if you want more add-on‟s like a TV card or a wireless card you should make sure you have ample space.

I like to have at least one left over when I am done as a rule of thumb. This way if you need to add to your system you will not have to overhaul the whole box.

The IDE connectors on this board will connect to IDE hard drives. You can also have SATA (the newer standard) connections, or you can not use either of them and throw a SCSI card in the machine and use SCSI drives. The cheapest solution is still IDE so if you want to stay cheap that is the way to go. These are still very popular hard drives these days.

You can find low-end boards for under $50 and the slightly better mid range for around $100. You can buy high end boards with ridiculous amounts of slots and support for somewhere in the $300 range and that‟s without a processor!

e) RAM (Memory)

Your RAM aka Memory is what your computer uses to run programs. The more RAM you have on your machine the easier you make it for your computer to perform its functions. If your computer is using its entire available RAM it can use virtual memory on the hard drive. This will slow your machine down. Get as much memory as you can. Although Windows XP recommends a ridiculously low amount of RAM as a minimum, I'd get at least  2GB to start and with RAM being as cheap as it is today from places like Crucial.com, I would recommend maxing out your configuration. This is the best section to max out as it will help you all around in every function of your system. You can also get good deals sometimes on sites like SurplusComputers and even eBay!

We will only be talking about 32-bit Operating systems here (To keep it simple) so the max ram will be around 3.5GB (give or take a few MegaBytes). So don‟t go out and buy 8GB to put into your Windows XP or Vista 32 bit Operating System.

A normal machine will have 1-2 GB of memory any less than 1GB on Windows XP will be slow. If you're planning to run Windows Vista then don't go for anything lower than 2GBs.

f) Hard drive

This is where your computer stores your programs, personal data and Operating System. The bigger the hard drive the more stuff you can fit on it. Again because prices are where they are you should think about getting at least one hard drive with 250GB of space. You can get a 250GB drive in some online stores for under $100. I like NewEgg.com for drives and have been finding good deals on eCost.com for years as well.

We are working with IDE drives here because of how cheap they are and most boards come with IDE connections. But SATA drives are becoming more and more popular as they are faster and slightly more reliable.

You also have the option to add a SCSI controller card and SCSI hard drives. These are the best drives around and are commonly found in servers. They can be configured into redundant arrays that will prevent you from losing data!

But if you are having a hard time deciding just get your self a 7200 RPM (that is how fast it spins) IDE drive. They are cheap and can be found all over the web including Surpluscomputers.com and http://www.geeks.com/products.asp?cat=HDD .

You can find 80GB drive (with 7200 RPM) for as cheap as $20 and 250GB drives for $100. You just need to look around. If you are working with video files you will want a faster drive and can look at 10k or better for speed.

g) CD/DVD-ROM

This is your optical drive. Optical drives are very handy and nowadays are in more systems then floppy drives. You use this type of drive to listen to music, watch videos or to backup/move data.

Your optical drive can be a CD-Rom capable only of reading CD‟s or a CD-RW that can read, write and re-write CD‟s. If you have ever wanted to view DVD movies on your computer, then you can get a DVD-ROM. They also make combo-drives that read and write CD‟s and DVD‟s. Newer technology has given birth to Blue-Ray DVD‟s and the soon to be obsolete HD-DVD‟s. These are still new and very expensive.

You can also find drives from HP that are Light Scribe activated that allow you to print directly onto special CD‟s and DVD‟s from your drive.

h) Video/Graphics Card

If you decided to use your Motherboard‟s on-board graphics card you can skip this section. A good graphics card can be the difference between good and great image quality on any monitor. That is if that is what you are going for. If this system will just be a headless server or an internet terminal you can normally use a Video Chip built into your motherboard.  Actually you're a gamer or designer you should do just fine with inbuilt graphics chip. The easiest way to check is to see if there is a DVI or VGA connector on the motherboard.

If you are going to be creating a media server and want to record Television (or just use your PC as TV) you will need a TV Tuner graphic card. If you want to watch your computer‟s output on your Television then you will need a video card with S-Video or HDMI out. So before buying the graphics make sure to check if your motherboard has the external connections you want like DVII/VGA (for the monitor) or S-Video (for TV).

An AGP card is probably the most common type pf graphics cards you will find. You can salvage one from an older system or even buy it from someone on eBay. If you are looking for the latest and greatest to get your video games going you are going to be spending a few bucks more on an PCI-Express card.

i) Network/Ethernet Card

You can find 10/100 or 10/100/1000 also known as Gigabit. Almost all modern Motherboards have this built in as well. Try to find a motherboard with a built-in Ethernet plug.

Just take your motherboard and look for the following slot in your motherboard, if you have it then you don't need a separate Ethernet Card. These types are generally more reliable and you won't have to take up a PCI slot to have the internet.

You may also want your system to only be wireless and then you will have to add either a PCI wifi card or an external USB wifi adapter.

j) Sound Card

If you don't plan on having surround sound or anything that requires crystal clear Quality sound, then just use the integrated sound card that comes with motherboard (most motherboards come with integrated sound cards these days). Nonetheless, if you want state of the art sound chances are you already know the component you want.

k) Monitor

If you have extra money in your budget, definitely spring for an LCD. Not only are they more attractive than a CRT, but they don't take up hardly any room on your desk. You don't have to get a huge LCD display; I have a 15 inch one that works great! Monitor is an essential part of your setup and if you're going to be spending lots of time in front of it I'd recommend going after at least 19” LCD screens. Or for the max. productivity you might consider going with even a 24” screen.

But if you are looking to build a cheap computer chances are you are not looking to drop the same amount of money on building your system as buying a display. You can get GREAT deals on CRT monitors around your neighborhood. Sometimes companies give them away when they are upgrading. You can find links to these giveaways on Craigslist or other similar sites.

l) Keyboard and Mouse

Don't go spending an arm and a leg on these. There are two main types of keyboards, corded and cordless. If you want to cut back on the amount of cords, then get a cordless keyboard, but keep in mind that it'll use batteries. Ball mice are pretty obsolete. Get at least an optical mouse and a cordless one if you don't like the cords! If you don't mind spending a few extra bucks I'd recommend going with Logitech brand. I personally have a simple corded USB keyboard and cordless mouse. Works pretty well.

j) Speakers

Some boards have a sound chip on board but they are usually pretty crappy. This will not help you listen to anything other than system sounds like that donnnnnnng noise you get when you have encountered an error!

Speakers are needed to actually output sound. Get a set of external speakers if you are not planning on just using your headphones or another external source like your home sound system.

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Bridal collections

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How to share your Android Internet Connection with your PC (free – no root required)

Have you ever found yourself in need of an Internet connection on your desktop or laptop computer, but your home connection is down or you have no access to public WiFi? If you have an Android phone with an active mobile data connection, 3G or 4G usually, then you can often harness it to connect your other device by way of a feature called tethering. Tethering works in a number of ways: your phone can act as a wireless hotspot that creates a WiFi signal to which your other device can connect; similarly, it can transmit the signal via Bluetooth; and it can also provide a connection through a USB cable between the two devices. Today we will focus on the latter method of USB tethering.




As a quick aside about tethering in general, using your mobile data connection contributes toward your monthly data limit, regardless of the device on which you use it. If you have unlimited data, some carriers may disable your ability to use the built-in tethering options on your phone. Using other methods of tethering to circumvent that restriction may violate carrier policy. As long as you use your data responsibly and not in excess, however, then using the tethering capabilities of your device is perfectly acceptable.
While the Play Store has a number of tethering applications on offer, we will be using PdaNet, a highly regarded app with many downloads and positive reviews. The obvious benefit of using an app like PdaNet is that it allows you to tether without rooting your device, a feature for those of you who like to play it safe.  Let us follow the steps necessary to set up PdaNet.
In this demonstration, we will be following the set up instructions for a Windows computer (the app works with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8 and Macs too).

1. Download and install the PdaNet app on your phone.
2. Download and install the PdaNet program on your computer (additional download option for Mac users here). Follow the prompts. If you installed drivers for your phone on your computer previously, you may come to the following screen:


If you believe you have the latest drivers for your phone, then select “No”.  Otherwise, select “Yes” and PdaNet will install them for you.


Now the installation will prompt you to enable USB debugging on your phone.  Open Settings > Developer Options > Turn Developer Options “On” (your options may look different depending on your phone or Android firmware; I am using a Samsung Galaxy Nexus with CyanogenMod) > Enable USB Debugging (be sure to disable USB Debugging and turn Developer Options “Off” any time you are not tethering).




3. Connect the phone and computer with the USB cable.  Then select “OK” on the installation prompt.
If all goes well, you will see the following screens.




4. Open PdaNet and select “USB Tether Mode”.


You will see the following screen when the device is connecting.


And then you will have the option to “Turn Off PdaNet” once it is connected.



 5. In the system tray on your computer, right-click the PdaNet icon and select “Connect Internet”.




And there you have it! You are now using the Internet connection from your phone on your computer.  The app even displays various useful stats as you use the connection.



And as an added bonus, PdaNet includes a desktop text messaging functionality.  You may have noticed the option on the final screen of the installation process, but if you chose to disable it there, all you need to do is right-click the PdaNet icon in your system tray, select “Start SMS Agent…”, and a small window in which you can send and receive text messages will open.  How cool is that?



And that concludes our lesson for setting up USB tethering with your Android phone and Windows computer.  If you have any other categories you would like us to tackle, any apps you would like us to review, or any lessons about Android you would like to learn, please let us know in the comments.  Thank you for reading!

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Dual monitor setup

Dual monitor setup checklist

There’s a good chance you already have everything you need to set up your second monitor.

If you need more detail about the necessary equipment, you'll find it in the Know your equipment section.

• Two monitors (one, if you’re setting up a laptop), which may be flat-panel LCD monitors or CRT monitors or one of each—it doesn’t matter. You can even use a TV screen as a monitor. If you’re going to buy a monitor, there are many points to consider in addition to the price. For example, picture quality, screen size, screen resolution, compatibility with your computer port, higher contrast ratio, and richness of color are some of the most important factors.
  Although we refer to two monitors in this article, you can use more than two as long as you have the connectors available on your computer.
• Two monitor cables to connect the monitors to the computer (one for a laptop). These need to match the connection types available on your computer.
• A monitor connection on your computer for each monitor you want to connect. These may be Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connectors, Video Graphics Array (VGA) connectors, HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connectors, or S-Video connectors for using your TV as a monitor. The connections will need to match the monitor cables. These ports connect to video cards in your computer. They are usually located on the back of your desktop computer and on the side or back of your laptop computer.
• If you don’t have the connectors you need for your monitors, you can install a video adapter to change the connector type, or, if you’re using a desktop computer, you can replace your video card or install additional cards. This involves opening your computer, so you may want to seek assistance from a local computer retailer or watch this video for help to do it yourself.

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Know your equipment

The following table provides more information about the components for setting up an extra monitor.

Equipment	Description	More information
	LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor	LCD monitors are thin, light, and high-resolution. Purchase an LCD monitor.
	CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor: An older, bulkier monitor, still popular because of its low cost	CRTs are larger, heavier, and require more desk space but are cheaper than LCD models. Purchase a CRT monitor. Get a used one for less.
	VGA (Video Graphic Array) port	VGA ports are the most common computer ports, using an analog system to transfer dispislay data.
	DVI (Digital Video Interface) port	A DVI port provides a high-quality display using digital techniques to transfer the display data.
	HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port	HDMI ports are the interface standard used for audio-visual equipment, such as HDTVs or home theater systems.
	S-Video port	An S-Video port is one of the most common ways to connect computers to TVs.
	Monitor cable	A monitor cable carries information in graphic form from the computer to the monitor. The connectors on the cables you use must match the connectors on your computer. Purchase a monitor cable.
	Video adapter cable or converter	You’ll only need a converter if you’re trying to connect a computer with one type of graphics card, such as VGA, to a monitor using another technology, like DVI. Purchase an adapter cable.

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How to set up your second monitor

Connect the monitor cables

When you’re ready to connect the monitor cable to the connector on your computer, make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on. Your computer should automatically detect the second monitor, although you may have to restart your computer first. If you’re using Windows XP, you’ll need to enable Dualview.
When your computer detects the monitor, it should also automatically detect and apply the display settings appropriate for the monitor.

Configure your displays

You may want to adjust display settings yourself, as described in the following articles.

• Windows 7
• Windows Vista
• Windows XP

The settings shown here are for Windows 7, but they are basically the same as those available for Windows Vista and Windows XP. If necessary, you can drag the monitor icons so that they are arranged in the same way as the monitors on your desk. Click Identify to verify which monitor is 1 and which monitor is 2. You’ll see the numbers appear on your monitors.
Under Multiple displays, you can also adjust what you see on the second monitor. You have the following choices:

• Extend your displays. This spreads your desktop over both monitors and lets you drag items between the two screens. This is how most people use two monitors, and it's the default setting for desktop computers. After your monitor is set up, you can use your mouse to grab the title bar (the top portion) of a window and drag it to your new display. If a window does not move when you drag it, double-click the title bar first, and then drag it.
  
• Duplicate your displays. This displays the same desktop on both monitors. For a laptop, this is the default setting. This is useful if you're giving a presentation with your laptop connected to a projector or large monitor.
  
• Show your desktop on only one monitor. This is most commonly used with a laptop if you want to keep your laptop screen blank after you connect to a large desktop monitor.
  

When you disconnect the additional monitor, the original display settings are restored to your primary display. In addition, all open files and program windows are moved to the primary display. The next time that you connect the same monitor, the Windows operating system automatically applies the display settings that you used the last time that you connected this monitor.

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