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Is it possible to make my laptop's screen be a second monitor for my desk computer?

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this video seems to indicate that no additional software is necessary: cnettv.cnet.com/use-your-laptop-second-monitor/… – RamyenHead Feb 17 '11 at 7:14
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@RamyenHead: Even though the link you posted suggests that it enables you to use an old laptop as second monitor, when watching the video you will realize that they just use a second monitor with a laptop -- no desktop PC involved ... – f3lix Sep 13 '11 at 8:10

4 Answers

up vote 26 down vote accepted

Here's an interesting freeware solution:

ZoneScreen

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up vote 9 down vote

Maxivista is a commercial software that lets you do this.

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It's worth noting that there are some limitations when using it with Windows Vista. See here: maxivista.com/docs3/09/sysreq.htm – Joe Schmoe Jul 29 '09 at 20:50
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I tried Synergy and could not configure it. It is a geek hell of switches and parameters.

Then I tried Zonescreen. It refused to install because it requires to install the Windows XP old video drivers on Win7 which I do not want to.

Then I tried Maxivista and ...WOOAH! Amazing thing! Worked out of the box and I never expected this performance of transmitting the desktop so fast on the LAN.

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I had no problems with Synergy – naxa Apr 6 at 8:35
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You can also do it via remote assistance, if you have a second output on your display adapter. I mean that you have to be able to hook another display to your desktop PC via cable. The remote assistant is able to show the secondary desktop (as well as the primary) even if the monitor is not physically hooked.

No third party programs required for this solution.

Edit: In details, if you have a multiple outputs in your display driver but no monitors (not hooked), you can do the following (works for nvidea quadro 2000 and win 7):

  1. go to: nvidea control panel -> workstation -> view system topology
  2. from there: (main display port) manage EDID... -> export EDID...
  3. same place: (secondary display port) manage EDID... -> load EDID... (choose the file that you saved in the previous bullet)
  4. Now you have a 'virtual' secondary screen and you can use remote assistant to zoom to it

This trick does not require admin rights nor extra software.

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