3-20-02 Well, here we go! I think that it's time I just write up a few basics for some computer work. Today we'll be covering how to install a monitor.

How to Install a Monitor
Well, this is pretty basic. I really wouldn't see a need for any tools. You may want to grab a flathead and a phillips head screw driver.
1. Unpug old monitor from the wall.
2. Unplug the monitor from the video card. Now, this should be done carefully. There  are 2 screws that hold the plug into the video card. Loosen the screws until they pull out. Once those are loose gently loosen the actual plug from the video card.
3. Depending on the monitor, you may have other connections to undo. Keep track of where you are unplugging everything from. You're going to need to plug the new monitor into these places!
4. Once everything is unplugged, you are going to have to move the actual monitor. Now I won't kid you, these things can get heavy. Make sure that you have the cables out of the way so that you won't be taking the house down when you move the monitor. Find a place to set the monitor down. You may want to have a person help you.
5.The next step is to unpack the new monitor from the box. Read all of the included instructions carefully. Depending on the model, you may have to assemble the swivel base to the monitor.
6. Now that the monitor is unpacked, you will have to move it onto the desk. Plug the cables in where the old monitor was. If there are new connections that your previous monitor didn't have, follow the instrudtions in the manual.
7.Turn the computer and the monitor on.
8. Assuming that you are using Windows 95 or higher, the computer will detect the monitor. The computer should automatically install the software for you. If it asks you for your Windows disk, put it into the disk drive. 9.Once the monitor is all setup, you should adjust the monitor and the chair so that you are comfortable when using the computer.

How to Change Monitor Resolutions

1. Right click a blank area of the desktop.

2. Select Properties.

3. Click on the settings tab.

4. Take the slider and move it to the right to the resolution you want.

5. You can also change the color depth through the drop down menu on the left.

6. DO NOT CLICK OK. Click on apply instead. Then click okay on the message that comes up.

7. If the monitor changes to a desirable resolution, click okay to keep the setting. If the monitor remains black or you don't like the resolution, hit the escape key.

* A bigger resolution allows you to see more thing on the monitor without having to scroll. A deeper resolution allows you to display more colors. Going from 256 colors to 16-bit will allow you to view a photo in full color.