October 22, 2016

Here’s How You Can Use Laptop Like an External Monitor

The laptop like an extra monitor? Yes, you can use your laptop as a second monitor. Using it for the work can increase your productivity. Suppose, think that when you are at home working with a desktop computer, do you ever get the feeling you could be doing more with your laptop? Did you ever get a thought that “Can I work on both the screens?“. Of course, you can. Having a second screen opens up many possibilities. You can work on multiple apps at once.

Multi-monitor setups also look simple and can be used as a media screen when not in use or when you’re gaming, but definitely not when you’re meant to be working. The multi-monitor hook-ups are familiar to us. You can come across them in our day to day life. For example, at a hospital doctor may be using one monitor for notes and another for diagnoses. Also, using a single extra monitor can raise your productivity, provided you keep using it for productive activities! If you’re used to clicking through multiple windows, or Alt + Tab, consider the massive amount of extra working space you could be utilizing.

laptop-like-an-external-monitor

We can create our own multi-monitor setup without cables, using your home network, with a host of tools to help you get the job done. Have a look.

https://www.alltechbuzz.net/basic-software-programs-for-windows/

How to Create Multi-monitor Setup With A Laptop?

The one way to set up multi-monitor is by using local network. You simply connect it to a monitor using the appropriate cable. However, most laptops only feature VGA, DVI, or HDMI outputs, which means the connection will only work in one direction. If you want your laptop as a primary screen then move on with this procedure or else you have to use some software in order to use your laptop display as the second screen.

use-your-laptop-as-a-external-monitor

Multi-Monitor Software:

The main reasons for using more than one monitor are Working Space, followed closely by its accomplice, irritated by the Split-Screen. There are several applications where you can easily share your mouse and keyboard between laptop and desktop.

Synergy:

Synergy combines your desktop devices together into one cohesive experience. It’s software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers on your desk. It comes with an auto-configuration tool, a network wizard, and an option for SSL Encryption enabled network connections. It works on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

Synergy

However, it’s not free of cost. It is of two flavours; a basic version for $10, and a pro version for $29. Both are lifetime licenses, though only Pro users have access to SSL Encryption.

InputDirector:

InputDirector offers the same functionality as Synergy, but without the frills of a nicely designed UI. However, it shouldn’t put you off, and it only takes a moment to configure your Master/Slave settings to get up and running. It is free for personal non-commercial use. Commercial licenses can be purchased for all other circumstances.

InputDirector

ShareMouse:

ShareMouse, which is one of the simplest of all to set up, working straight out of the box. It is full featured with a Clipboard, drag-and-drop file sharing, cross-platform Solution. It allows you to operate two computers with one keyboard. This also includes mouse sharing, allowing you to operate two computers with one mouse. Unlike a physical mouse switch, ShareMouse doesn’t require you to press any button. Instead, just move the mouse to the computer you wish to operate.

Watch Video Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=45&v=9Nlxykrvv20

It is free for Personal Non-Commercial Use but limited to a maximum of two monitors. However, you can register for professional use, granting you up to 19 networked monitors/systems, encryption, and a handful of other tools for $49.95.

Mouse Without Borders:

Mouse without Borders is a workspace unification application developed by The Garage, an internal development “team” used by Microsoft employees. This allows you to use one keyboard and mouse across your PC’s as if they were one desktop. You can control up to four computers with a single mouse and keyboard with Mouse without Borders.

mouse-with-boarders

Mouse without Borders uses a system of codes to connect your systems, also displaying the network adapter you’re connecting through. It also comes complete with drag-and-drop file sharing, and a useful Clipboard feature.

Multiplicity:

It is an excellent application offering the full spectrum of keyboard and mouse sharing tools.

Watch Video:

YouTube video

It offers a free trial, however, once it expires you’ll be asked to upgrade to a basic license which only offers you control of 2 PCs depending on the requirement the cost may increase.

Each of the above applications has their own strengths and weaknesses, and each of them completes their main task to a high standard. You can choose which suits the best.

About the author 

swarna


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