Tip: Using Two Monitors Effectively
When I began working at my current job, I was a bit overwhelmed to learn that I would have two monitors on my desk. Overkill, I thought, too much. Ah, but I was wrong! These two monitors have increased my productivity, without doubt. It would have greatly increased my productivity in private practice (lawyers: are you listening?), particularly in working on estate planning and contract work. How many times did I cut from a form document, minimize, paste into the new document, maximize, cut again, minimize . . . you get the picture. Not only was it time wasted, it was confusing. If I got a phone call or a bellow from the next room, I had to come back and think about where I was before I could continue. With two monitors, you can have two documents open at the same time. Amazing stuff! Cutting and pasting is a breeze. Comparing documents is a breeze.
Another advantage is that you can have a frequently used program open all the time. For instance, I use Outlook a lot, both for email and for calendaring and to-do lists. My Outlook is open all the time, on my right-hand monitor. If I cover it up, it's not the end of the world, but when I'm not actively using both monitors, Outlook is open to keep me on track for accomplishing what I need to accomplish when I need to. One caveat, however - do not let your email control your day (email is such an addictive distraction!). A good way to keep this from happening is to click on the Outlook Today button. Using this view, there are three columns visible in the viewing screen: Calendar, Tasks, Messages. This allows you to not be distracted by incoming messages, but you can still see an overview of what your day. I like it because my tasks (my to-do list) is visible.
Many people who use monitors at work do not have the luxury of simply being handed another monitor. Reports say that productivity can be increased by up to 30% by using an additional monitor (a "widescreen" approach to computing). If you're looking for facts to back up your request, check out this study conducted by the University of Utah.
If you have never used dual monitors, find someone who has them and look at their set up. It's not nearly as scary or decadent as you may think it is, and you just might be surprised at the increase in productivity!
Lori Robinett
Another advantage is that you can have a frequently used program open all the time. For instance, I use Outlook a lot, both for email and for calendaring and to-do lists. My Outlook is open all the time, on my right-hand monitor. If I cover it up, it's not the end of the world, but when I'm not actively using both monitors, Outlook is open to keep me on track for accomplishing what I need to accomplish when I need to. One caveat, however - do not let your email control your day (email is such an addictive distraction!). A good way to keep this from happening is to click on the Outlook Today button. Using this view, there are three columns visible in the viewing screen: Calendar, Tasks, Messages. This allows you to not be distracted by incoming messages, but you can still see an overview of what your day. I like it because my tasks (my to-do list) is visible.
Many people who use monitors at work do not have the luxury of simply being handed another monitor. Reports say that productivity can be increased by up to 30% by using an additional monitor (a "widescreen" approach to computing). If you're looking for facts to back up your request, check out this study conducted by the University of Utah.
If you have never used dual monitors, find someone who has them and look at their set up. It's not nearly as scary or decadent as you may think it is, and you just might be surprised at the increase in productivity!
Lori Robinett
Posted by Lori Robinett at 10/15/2009 7:55 AM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: paralegal legal assistant two monitors dual monitors Outlook
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: paralegal legal assistant two monitors dual monitors Outlook
Nice post,
I would particularly recommend when using media editing related programs... music software photshop etc,
It just seems to make everything alot easier,
Thanks for writing, most people don't bother.
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Oh for sure, the first thing that comes to mind with two monitors has to be overkill. Isn’t it enough of a struggle trying to keep up with one? Surely you can perform all these actions with one monitor and simply alt+tab between them. I’m not so sure this would work any better than the current system but I’ll reserve my judgement until I’ve seen it in action.
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