Trying to hook up a second monitor

Not sure if anyone can help but I am trying to hookup a second monitor to my computer

I have a dell dimension xps - the monitor I am trying to hookup is a multiSync 4FG by NEC its an older monitor-

I can see where I think it should be plugged in on the tower - actually its the only place it will logically fit - both plugs are the same shape and there is screws on either side of the plug which has about 13 prongs sticking out of it with three prongs missing. ??? :eek:

The matching plug in on my tower also has prongs sticking out of it.
Its like it almost fits but somethings not working almost like I have to male plugs or something - its obvious that once the plug is in I have to screw it in but I cant get the plug to go in. I tried to take pics but they turned out really bad.

oh yes and the user guide to our computer is locked in brief case that we forgot the combo too. :eek:

I'm taking dictation from Mr. Computer guy now, so here goes:

The plug you are looking at is a serial port and it's for an older mouse or modem or something. You either need a second video card or a video card that has duel out. If you have Windows XP, you can probably buy a PCI video card and be able to have two desktops.

You should probably look on Pricewatch. You probably won't be able to pick one up at Best Buy or any place like that. It's not a common thing. It's mostly used for people who do desktop publishing or network monitoring where they need two large views of similar information.

Thanks Jesses mommy I thought I might be trying to put a square peg in a round hole or however the saying goes.

I dont want to go out and buy a new monitor just yet. I havent heard of price watch but I am going to go check them out right now.

thanks

Check your pm. I just sent you one that is $17.

why do you need a second moniter? You can't have a second moniter without a second video card, or a video card that has an "out" connector. My laptop has one. You know when you attach things like xboxs to TV's, you have a white, yellow, and red connector. The yellow is a video output.

if it's a Dell XPS, it might have a yellow out connector. That's usually how second moniters are connected.

When and if you do have your second monitor setup it still won't be useful to you if they both show the same thing or if you can't maximize the use of your desktops effectively.

Let me know via PM or a post and I'll set this really cool program your way. It allows you to show different wallpaper on the desktops, stretch your window onto both screens, and move windows from one desktop to another without minimizing it first (you'll know what I mean once you have dual monitors setup).

Cheers,
-Glen