Best option for multi-head Kubuntu?

Question

I am trying to set up a dual-head setup on my Kubuntu laptop, and have found several ways to do it. They all seem very complex and I would like to know which one would be best for my situation:

• Laptop with vga output and lcd internal screen
• Want different Windows on each screen, no a duplicate output on both displays
• Need different refresh rates and resolutions on the two displays, since one is a CRT and the other is an LCD
• Same color depth on both displays is fine
• Will edit xorg.conf if needed (and have experience doing so), though would like to leave autogenerated config files how the system wants them.
• Need to be able to boot up and work fine with no external monitor connected

I have tried the KRandRTray application which came with kubuntu, but it just puts the same output on the external display, which is not what I'm looking for.

Answer 1

Warning upfront I am running OpenSUSE 11.2 not Kubuntu. One thing you will need to do is to add virtualto the screen section of your xorg.conf the value should be set to a virtual desktop size that will accommodate both of your monitors. I am running a VGA monitor to the left of my laptop both are at 1024x768 so my setting is

virtual 2048 768

After restarting your X server KrandrTray should allow you to stretch your desktop across both monitors. If this is still giving problems this command should set it up, remember I am using a VGA monitor to the left of my laptop and both are set to 1024x768.

xrandr --output LVDS --auto --rotate normal --pos 1024x0 --output VGA-0 --pos 0x0 --auto --rotate normal

to reverse the positions of the VGA and laptop simply swap the --pos args.

hope this helps.