Installing Display Devices
Installing a display device is a very easy process. Today, most monitors are plug’n’play – you simply plug the monitor into the VGA or DVI port and turn it on, no installation is necessary.
You configure the monitor settings in two places: through the monitor’s built-in control panel and Window’s display control panel.
Monitor Control Panel
The monitor control panel is often access through a button on the bottom or side of the monitor.
The graphic shown is a typical monitor control panel which appears superimposed on whatever is current displayed on your monitor. In the monitor control panel, you can control brightness, contrast, color settings, monitor settings, and audio (for monitors with built-in speakers).
Windows Display Settings Control Panel
Windows has its own control panel applet to control monitor settings. The Display settings control panel can be reached in the control panel or by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting Properties.
You can control the settings of your display and which display to use as your primary (when you have multiple monitors) in this control panel.
LCD Projectors
When you plug an LCD projector into a laptop computer, you must often activate the external monitor port. This typically requires you to press a key combination on the keyboard.
On Dell Laptops, Function+F8 cycles through the monitor combinations including internal only, external only, and both on.
On Compaq/HP/Gateway models, Function+F4 cycles through the monitor combinations.
Input and Multimedia Devices
There are many types of input and multimedia devices that you can use on your computer. Earlier, we discussed keyboards and mice. Keyboards and mice and connected and recognized by Windows XP automatically and typically do not need drivers installed. Some keyboards or mice with special hardware do need drivers to use the special functionality and are installed as needed.
Earlier, we also discussed scanners and connecting them via USB, SCSI, and parallel.
Most devices require you to install the driver software first before plugging the device into the computer. This is to ensure Windows does not detect the device and try to install an incorrect driver or not find a driver and mark the device as unused. It is often advisable to install using the manufacturer’s driver and plug the device in when directed by the software.
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