One computer, two screens

[Gonzo]

I have a requirement to have a two-screen set up using my home Dell tower PC and having done a little research on the web I'm confused. Actually, me being confused is a fairly normal state of affairs but right now I need a quick nudge in the right direction on this specific matter.

I have a single VGA port and no DVI port. I need two screens with the ability to display different things on each screen. I have so far established:

1. That a splitter will only display the same thing on both screens.
2. That if a graphics board is capable of dual screen display, it would have two ports.
3. That I probably need a new PC or graphics board.
4. That my problem could be solved for "a £50 call out fee and associated parts costs but I won't know until I come and see it and you've paid me £50."

So, if one or two are true, is a new board/PC the answer?
Or, is there another way for me to achieve thsi without replacing the board / PC?

Advice very much welcomed.

Cheers.

 

[Fanum]

Look inside the box.......if you have a spare PCI slot, you can put a cheap SVGA PCI card in it and run a second screen from that. (a tenner or so from Ebay)

Alternatively, you can get a pretty top end (but second hand) graphics card for well under 50 quid that will have twin outputs, or more.

 

[stolzy]

Fanum's got it - a new video card is in your future. Normally you should be able to get one cheaply unless you want to play games. You can then probably add another two screens.
Screen space is like cocaine, you can never have enough - I've got 4 screens on my MacPro and its still not enough.

 

[Shalrok]

What model is the Dell, and does the connector sit in the main block on the back (same area as the USB ports etc) or is it in a slot running left to right. Just checking as Dell have AMD Graphics card in some system which is a single connector with a splitter
that can run duel screen setups.