I’ve been really thinking about upgrading my workspace because working from home has made me realize how inefficient I can be with just one monitor. I’ve heard about using dual monitors and how much it can boost productivity, especially when juggling multiple tasks. But here’s the thing—I’m running Ubuntu 20.04, and while I’ve seen some guides online, they all seem a bit technical or just overwhelming.
So, I’m at a bit of a crossroads here. I’ve got this old monitor sitting around that I’d love to connect, but I’m not sure how to go about it. Is it as simple as just plugging it in? Will Ubuntu automatically recognize it, or do I need to fiddle with any settings? I’ve heard some people mention using the displays settings option, but I have no idea where to find that.
Also, what if I want to have different things open on each screen? Like, can I drag windows between them easily? I’ve read that some people like to have their emails open on one screen while they work on the other, which sounds perfect for me. But is there anything I need to keep in mind for this setup? Are there any specific resolutions or aspect ratios that would work better together?
I’m a bit of a newbie when it comes to arranging my desktop environments, so any tips on how to optimize my setup would be awesome. Do I need any specific cables or adapters for my monitors? The one I have is a bit of an oddball, so I want to make sure I’m covered there.
Overall, I just want to make sure that I’m setting this up correctly from the get-go so that I can enjoy that sweet, sweet dual monitor action without too many hiccups. I’d really appreciate any guidance or personal experiences you have!
Setting up dual monitors on Ubuntu 20.04 is generally straightforward, especially if you want to use that old monitor you have lying around. Once you plug in the second monitor, Ubuntu should automatically detect it. If it doesn’t, you can access the Displays settings by clicking on the system menu in the top-right corner of the screen and selecting “Settings.” From there, navigate to the “Displays” section. Here, you’ll find options to arrange your monitors, set their resolutions, and choose their orientations. If your monitor is an oddball, you might need a specific cable or adapter, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA. Make sure to check the input type of both your old monitor and the graphics port available on your computer to avoid purchasing unnecessary adapters.
Once your monitors are set up, you can easily drag windows between them. To get the most out of your dual monitor setup, it’s helpful to organize your applications effectively—many users prefer to keep their email client or messaging app open on one screen while using the second screen for documents, spreadsheets, or web browsing. Regarding resolutions and aspect ratios, it’s generally best to use monitors with similar specifications for the smoothest visual experience, but it’s not mandatory. You can adjust each monitor’s resolution independently in the Displays settings. Finally, make sure to explore any desktop environment-specific features that can further enhance your workflow, such as workspaces or virtual desktops, to help you keep tasks organized across multiple screens.
Upgrading to Dual Monitors on Ubuntu 20.04
So, you’ve got that old monitor ready to go, and you’re excited about setting up dual monitors at home—awesome! Connecting a second monitor to Ubuntu is actually pretty straightforward. Here’s a quick guide to help you out:
Step 1: Plug It In!
Yep, it can be as simple as just plugging it in! Most of the time, Ubuntu will automatically recognize the second monitor once it’s connected. Just make sure both monitors are powered on.
Step 2: Display Settings
If your second monitor isn’t detected right away, don’t panic! You can find the display settings by:
From there, you should see both monitors listed. You can arrange them by dragging the monitor icons to your preferred positions. Click Apply to save the changes.
Step 3: Dragging Windows Between Monitors
Once both monitors are set up, you can easily drag windows between them! It’s super handy for multitasking, like having your email open on one screen while working on something else on the other.
Resolution & Aspect Ratios
Regarding resolutions and aspect ratios, it’s generally best if both monitors have similar settings for a consistent experience. But it’s definitely doable if they’re different! Check what resolutions both monitors support and adjust them in the display settings if needed.
What You Might Need
About cables and adapters, make sure you have the right connections. If your old monitor uses a different port (like VGA, HDMI, or DisplayPort), you might need an adapter. It’s a good idea to check what ports your monitors have before you start—the last thing you want is to realize you’re missing a cable!
Final Tips
Take your time playing around with the setup until you get it just right. You want everything to feel comfortable and fit your workflow! And don’t worry too much—setting it up is part of the fun!
Enjoy your new dual monitor setup and all the productivity that comes with it!