HOW TO BUY AND INSTALL A COMPUTER MONITOR
by Edwin H. Schulze
Page Four

Basic installation and settings


Before installing a new monitor, you must note whether this is a different type of monitor than was previously installed, for example, upgrading from an EGA to an SVGA. If so, you will require a new video adapter as well. If you are only replacing a monitor of the same type, take note of the models, as different model monitors may not work with some features or modes of your video card.
  1. Power off the monitor and unplug it from the back of the computer.
  2. If you are replacing the adapter card, make sure that you note the connectors that attach to the card as the new card will probably have the same connector setup, then remove the connectors.
  3. Remove the single screw that holds the card to the chassis, then gently pull upwards and away from the computer. If you apply too much force, you may damage the card.
  4. Once it is free, replace the card with a new one by reversing the procedures.
  5. After replacing any adapter cards, you can now plug the new monitor into the computer.
  6. When you boot the computer, you must install the appropriate device drivers if it is a new type of video card or a different brand. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's documentation when installing new monitors. If you are working with a Windows 95 machine, it will probably detect the new component and step you through the installation.
If there were problems during the installation of a new adapter card, it will have paid off to have the case off the computer during the testing phase. Once you have ensured that all the components are working correctly, power off the monitor and the computer to replace the case. Simply slide the case back onto the chassis and reinstall the screws. You can reattach the monitor to the computer at this point.

Now that your monitor is hooked up you will have to adjust the settings. The following is a generic list of instructions for making those changes.
  1. click on MY COMPUTER
  2. Double click on CONTROL PANEL
  3. Double-click on DISPLAY
  4. Click on the SETTINGS tab
  5. Under the SETTINGS tab you can select your COLORS and your SCREEN AREA. COLORS should be at least 24BIT SCREEN AREA should be 600X800
Now that you have the basic knowledge about monitors you can make a more informed purchase. With this information, I hope that your computing experience can be even more enjoyable.
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