Question

Does anyone know of a software-solution which makes it possible to use a monitor attached to another (running) PC via LAN in the same way as a second monitor?

My situation is this: I have a PC and a notebook. Sometimes it would be very convenient if I could use the PC's monitor as a second monitor from the notebook. I know that I can attach the monitor to the notebook, but I was thinking maybe there are is a software-based solution, e.g. a program (similar to remote desktop) which would run on the PC and notebook and which would allow me to use the PC's monitor from the notebook as if it were physically attached.

Update: I'm using windows 7.

Answer 1

Assuming you're running Windows, MaxiVista can do this:

MaxiVista turns any spare Desktop, Laptop or Netbook PC into a dual monitor for your primary computer. No extra multi monitor hardware is required. Simply extend program windows across multiple screens as if it were one big monitor. Increase your productivity by using multiple monitors.

MaxiVista is not free though.

There is also ZoneScreen but I've never used it and don't know how well it works.

Edit: Actually this question is a duplicate of many questions, as you can see by checking all questions whose answers mention MaxiVista :-) .

Answer 2

I'm not sure if you're looking for something like Synergy (link), but from their own website:

Synergy lets you easily share a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers with different operating systems, each with its own display, without special hardware. It's intended for users with multiple computers on their desk since each system uses its own monitor(s).

I've used it on Windows 2003, Ubuntu Linux and Mac OSX all at the same time. It's a little tricky to setup, but once you get it working, it works flawlessly. Now, for Windows 7, I'm not sure if they've updated it to work with Windows 7, but it wouldn't surprise me if support came soon.

Edit: BTW, Synergy is free. :)