Individuals who own a new PC may already be setup to install a second monitor. You can determine if your PC is compatible by reviewing its connectors on the back of the hard drive. Look for a video graphics array (VGA) connector. This connector is typically blue and is shaped like an upside down trapezoid. Also check for a digital visual interface (DVI) connector that is grey in color and shaped like a rectangle.

If you have two VGA connectors or two DVI connectors, the computer is compatible with dual monitors. Additional, if the hard drive features one of each connector, you can attach a second monitor to the unit. For computers with DVI connectors, you will probably need to purchase a VGA to DVI adaptor so the monitor plug will match the connector. As with most PC's, Macintosh computers also support dual and triple monitor functions.

For a computer that is not already set up to accept a second monitor, there is an easy fix. Matrox Graphics sells a small external device that plugs into the computer or laptop's graphics expansion module (GMX) connector, allowing for the installation of a second and third monitor. The external device ranges from $150 to $200 in price depending on the model purchased.

Once you have the second monitor connected to the computer, reboot the machine and visit your preferences menu to make visual adjustments to the dual setup.