Windows 8: Using Multiple Monitors Made Easier

Right now there are a lot of people wondering whether an upgrade from Windows 7 to the soon-to-be-released Windows 8 operating system (OS) is worth the hassle. You may be one of them.

To combat this apprehension, Microsoft has been trying to build consumer interest in and desire for the new OS by highlighting its various new tools, features, and improvements.

As part of this campaign, Microsoft is making much of another Windows 8 improvement: better support for using multiple monitors.

Microsoft: 1 in 7 Desktop Users Employ Multiple Screens

With the price of PC monitors dipping in recent years, computer users have begun using multiple monitors as a cost-effective way of maximizing productivity. In fact, Microsoft estimates that 14 per cent of desktop PC users now work with two or more screens.

At the same time, the emergence of tablet computers has introduced a totally new way to view and interact with large amounts of data.

Microsoft says it recognizes these trends, and is doing something about them. (Source: zdnet.com)

"A multi-monitor setup allows you to be more productive by having more windows across multiple screens," noted Microsoft user experience team manager, Mark Yalovsky.

"We're very excited about the ease at which tablets in Windows 8 will be able to support large screen and high-resolution monitors (often through HDMI connectors), as this opens up a broad range of exciting new scenarios." (Source: informationweek.com)

Seamless Control of Multiple Monitors with Windows 8

Experts now expect that Windows 8's new interface, called 'Metro,' will be optimized for use with multiple monitors. As a result, Metro apps will easily be able to run across several screens at once, whether they are PCs or tablet displays.

Users of Windows 8 will also have the option of running a Metro application on one display while continuing to use the Windows desktop on another. Moving files and windows between those displays will be seamless, Microsoft says.

"Using the mouse, you can now drag and drop Metro Style apps across monitors," Yalovsky said. "Drag and drop works for both full screen and snapped apps."

Microsoft also says that users will be able to work with multiple desktop images. "How many people really want to look at the same picture twice?" Yalovsky asked.

What's more, in multiple screen mode each Windows 8 display will feature a special boundary, making it easier to mouse across two or more screens.

"We've designed the corners to provide help when you need it and to get out of the way when you don't," Yalovsky said. (Source: informationweek.com)