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superpc | April 11, 2011
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Flat Screen Monitors

Flat Screen Monitors

Back in 2004 the industry of computer monitors are slowing changing the technology of their computer screens. The once ubiquitous cathode ray tube (CRT) computer screens were being phase out and new liquid crystal (LC) displays were slowly becoming the industry’s standard monitor. It was estimated that the booming Flat Panel Display (FPD) industry were generating more than 60 billion dollars in 2004 alone.

The growing demand for flat screen monitors were becoming obvious and consumers can’t get enough of them because these liquid crystal computer screens provides higher quality resolution than computer monitors equipped with cathode ray tube technology. Many people today also like to use the flat screen monitor with liquid crystal display technology not only for surfing the internet but also to watch online videos and movies.

The only major drawback that these liquid crystal flat screen monitors have is that their high quality screen resolution has a life span of only about four years. With this in mind, environmentalists are weary of the impact that these monitors will create in the environment when many of them are improperly discarded by their owners. Many used computer monitors that are still in working order are thrown away simply because no one is using them or its taking up unnecessary space in the room. It is also worrisome that new models are increasingly being manufactured and introduced to the consumers every year and disregarding the main importance of recycling of barely used and old computer monitors.

It is estimated that ninety percent of all computer desktop in most household and office settings today use a computer screen that utilizes the liquid crystal display technology.

Yet again, the never-ending changes in the computer technology sectors just keep getting better and more complex. Today’s latest top of the line flat screen monitors are equipped with a technology called active matrix (AM) or better known as thin film transistor (TFT) LCD. But you might not be aware that the active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) as well as the glass substrates of the computer screens are mostly manufacture in different Asian countries today. More specifically, the assembly lines of these flat screen monitors are concentrated mainly Eastern Asian countries.

Because of cheaper labor that are offered in many Asian countries, a number of low capacity assembly lines from Europe such as from Germany relocated their production line in Asian countries such as in Korea and Thailand.

As the flat screen monitor industry matured, one German company called Merck AG became a leading supplier for liquid crystal monitors. Today this German company alone holds about 60 percent of the liquid crystal market share and it provide its service for many computer industries throughout the world.

As more complex technologies gets integrated into flat screen monitors the display quality of these computer screens gets better and better every year. As a result the demand for these items today just keep growing.

It was projected by one of the computer screen market experts that about 137 Million desktop liquid crystal and cathode ray tubes (CRT) computer monitors will be sold in 2005 alone. At the same year, it was estimated that about 97 million units of AMLCD monitors were sold and its market share is expected to exceed the 70 percent threshold.

But unfortunately, as new monitors are being moved and injected into the market, the old ones become unused and collecting dust in the corner. Many old and second hand monitors are left unused and end up in the dumpster because of low demand and low market penetration.

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superpc | April 11, 2011
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Using Multiple Monitors

Using Multiple Monitors

It is possible to maximize the size of your workstation on the desktop as well as your productivity when you attach an additional monitor to your computer.
To give you an example, you can type and edit on a Microsoft word document on one monitor and surf the internet in your favorite web browser on the adjacent monitor.
Basically you have two computer monitors that are adjacent to one another in which allows you to move your documents interchangeably. The first monitor serve as the primary monitor that display all the user graphic interphases and the dialog boxes. These dialog boxes are what appears on the primary monitor when you turn on your computer.

If you’re planning on adding a second monitor to your computer you need to make sure that your computer can accept an extra display adapter. This adapter will be use to connect the second monitor to produce a second but separate display. Keep in mind that old computers might require a separate hardware device to support multiple monitors and so that it will be able to communicate with an additional monitor.

Once the compatible display adapter has been installed properly on your computer, you will need to restart your computer right away so that the Windows operating system can detect it. When Windows detect an additional hardware, it will generally find the best related software it can install so that the hardware can utilize with the current operating system.

Once the right software has been installed on your computer so that the operating system can detect the external monitor, you will need to go to the Control Panel. Once you’re in the Control Panel double-click the Classic View option and then click on the Settings tab. You will now need to find the icon for the secondary monitor that you want to utilize. Once you located the icon, put a tick mark on the box that states Extend My Windows Desktop into This Monitor. Then click the apply tab so that the secondary monitor becomes activated.

If you decided to arrange multiple monitors you can simply select the monitor icons and bring them to the preview window so that you can decide which positions you want it to be.

You can also adjust the color settings and screen resolutions for your primary and secondary monitor base on your preferences.

If you don’t have a secondary monitor or your computer does not support multiple monitors what you can do is set up a Virtual Desktop Manager that will allow you to simulate multiple monitors on your primary computer monitor. The Virtural Desktop Manager is a neat little program that is part of PowerToys in Windows XP operating system.

And if your operating system does not comes with the PowerToys, you can download this free utility programs from Microsoft’s website.

When the Virtual Desktop Manager has been installed on your computer you will notice that your screen are split into adjacent square shaped virtual monitors.
Additionally, each of the four virtual monitors on your computer can be customize individually in which you can install different wallpaper pictures and desktop icons.

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superpc | April 11, 2011
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Flat Panel Display Devices

Flat Panel Display Devices

The latest technologies that are being used on flat panel display devices such as in computer monitors, cell phone screens, and television displays utilize similar technology that produce vivid visual information. This flat panel display technology consists of various characteristics that will be briefly explained in this article.
A display device is generally an output media that broadcast visual information such as still pictures, videos, and text as a form of entertainment and communication. Computer monitors are generally used as a display device for desktop computers. Moreover, majority of computers and portable digital devices that are manufactured today has integrated display device into the exact physical case that they are made in.

The most common types of flat panel displays include the liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, plasma monitors, and liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors. In general, a flat panel display utilizes the liquid crystal display or gas plasma technology that conveys the shallow depth and lightweight display effects. A liquid crystal display monitor is a type of computer desktop monitors that utilizes the liquid crystal technology and it is mainly responsible for the vivid images that are created on the screen.

Additionally, a plasma monitor is a display device that utilizes the plasma technology where layers of gases rather than the liquid crystal substances are typically use in the LCD monitors.

On the other hand, cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitors uses a different technology from liquid crystal display and cathode ray tube monitors. The CRT monitors are generally equipped with cathode ray tubes and these types of computer screens tend to be much bulkier and require more desktop space.
When you’re about to purchase a flat panel display for your desktop computer there are various factors that you might want to consider to determine the quality of a liquid crystal monitor. When you assess the quality of a liquid crystal display screen the main features that you want to pay attention to is the resolution, contrast ratio, brightness, dot pitch, and the response time.

When you hear someone talk about resolution of a computer screen display they are generally referring to the number of vertical and horizontal pixels that a display device has. So a computer monitor that has a higher resolution will have a greater number of pixels and will produces a sharper images than a computer monitor that has a lower resolution and lower number of pixel on the screen. The contrast ratio is a unit that measures the differences in light intensity that range from the darkest black and the brightest white that can be projected on a computer monitor. A unit referred to as ”nits” is used when measuring the brightness of liquid crystal display. This unit that measures visible light intensity is also equivalent to another unit called one candela per square meter. The higher the nits of a computer display the brighter the images that will be projected on the screen. The pixel pitch is sometimes used interchangeably with the term dot pitch. The unit of pixel pitch measures the distance in millimeters that exists between pixels on a computer display device. Lastly, the response time is measured in milliseconds and it is referred to the time in which a computer monitor will take to turn on and off a particular pixel on the screen.

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superpc | April 11, 2011
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What is a Multiple Monitor and How Can It Help You?

What is a multiple monitor and how can it help you?

A multiple monitor is the perfect way to show people that you are well-endowed with money and the latest technological knowledge. This type of monitor is becoming more frequent, but you will still clearly distinguish yourself from most computer owners. If you are a gamer, a computer expert, or someone who just needs to use the computer for all kinds of complicated things at once, this form of monitor display is made for you.

A multiple monitor, also known as a dual monitor or dual display, uses multiple display machines to run several different computer programs at the same time. Looking up images of multiple monitors will bring up some colorful displays from two monitors side-by-side to stacked blocks of monitors spread across a wall. A multi monitor can vary from a single PC to a multiple PC multi monitor. Several multiple monitors Windows 7 can be attached to PCs through a USB connection; however, projectors and televisions can also be used. Plugging in the monitors can be simple or difficult if you don’t have the right graphics card. Installing the graphics card is easy, though, and will increase the speed and stability of the system. Overall, the entire installation process is simply plugging in and unplugging components.

Operations become more diversified with the use of more than one monitor. You can operate the multi monitor mode with the use of virtual drivers and user software. A control also allows you to use different PCs but move from one monitor to another using screen edges, making it appear as if you were operating from one PC. Each monitor and PC will perform different tasks so that you are not using up too many resources.

You could also set up several monitors to function as one display monitor. The University of Illinois has such a feature in the LambdaVision computer display in which 55 LCD computer monitors operate from 32 PCs. Horizontal, vertical, and other displays can be arranged within the properties tab.

Multiple screens allow a portrait orientation mode that lets you to read documents more easily by displaying an entire document on one screen. You can also use multiple screens for reference pages. For instance, if you are writer, it would nice to have one screen open for writing and the other open for looking at research information.

Decorating the look of a monitor multi screen is a little hard since Windows does not let you stretch wallpaper across several multi monitors. There are third-party applications that help you decorate the monitor’s look with wallpaper or screensavers, though, such as UltraMon and DisplayFusion. Once you do set up the artwork, you could end up with a phenomenal, outstretched view.

For whatever tasks you want to accomplish on a multi monitor, or for whatever image you want to display, a multi monitor can combine all of your confusing tasks into one easy-to-use display. Some studies show that using a multi monitor will make you more productive and increase your work output significantly (although this is not guaranteed if you set up multiple monitors to watch a TV show). It could also become burdensome for users with average technological knowledge. For instance, using too much processing power on one machine might compromise the power on the other computer monitors. Although a multiple monitor is not as trendy as an iPhone, it is a new way to become more productive and technologically suave in the modern world.

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superpc | April 11, 2011
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Why Do People Like Dell Monitors?

Why do people like Dell monitors?

If you are looking for a new monitor to buy, there are a lot of choices out on the market. Without much advice, you are likely to give up looking for a new desktop monitor. Hopefully this article can provide you with some quality advice as to what brand of monitor is the best. One of the best brands of monitors is Dell. People like a Dell monitor display for a variety of reasons. So, why do people like Dell monitors?

The main reason that people like Dell monitors is because of all the features they have. With many monitors, it is hard to adjust the height of the flat screen monitor, but not with a Dell monitor. With flat monitors from Dell, all you have to do is push up or down on the monitor stand and it will adjust to the height you prefer. There are not many pc monitors that will do this for you. You can also tilt the screen forward or backwards depending on the angle that you like. The quality of the monitor stand is also why people like Dell monitors. It is not easy to knock a computer display over by this company, which is why they sell so well.

People also love the quality of the monitor screen. Dell makes monitors with colored pixels that are true to the actual color. While some computer manufacturers make cheap monitors, Dell focuses on making flat panel monitors that are very high quality and with a resolution superb to other companies. This is why many designers will buy Dell monitors instead of other monitors. Dell adds to the pixel quality by not making glossy displays. While glossy displays can make the colors more vibrant, it distorts the actual colors, which can confuse people who need to know exactly what the color will look like on print.

The last reason that people like multiple monitors from Dell is because the price is reasonable. While Dell monitors are not the cheapest monitors you can find, they are a good price for what they offer. If you end up buying the cheapest pc monitors available, they might break down on you and then you would have to buy more. This can end up costing more money than if you would have just bought Dell monitors in the first place. The plastic will not chip on you like other led monitors will and you will be able to use the Dell widescreen monitors for a long time. If you do not need the display monitor from Dell anymore, they will resale for a good value. This is because they are considered the best monitors available.

Now that you know why people like Dell monitors, maybe you will consider getting one of these flat monitors. They really are a good deal for what you are getting. The pixel quality is so much better than other monitors for sale that it is a no brainer. If you want to buy a monitor that will last you for a long time, you can’t go wrong buy getting a Dell monitor.

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superpc | April 11, 2011
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Why Do People Like a Dual Monitor Configuration?

Why do people like a dual monitor configuration?

If you spend a lot of time on the computer like many people do, most likely you would love to have more space. Most people believe that more space translates into more productivity. And if you can maximize your productivity when you are on the computer, you can make more money and not spend as much time sitting at your desk. This is something that everyone wants to do, no matter what work they are doing on the computer. Many people think that a dual monitor configuration is better? So why is it better to have two monitors?

People like having a dual monitor configuration for many reasons. The main reason is because they can spread out more. By this, what is meant is a person can have two full sized internet windows open at the same time. If you are doing research or compiling information in a spreadsheet, it is best if you can have a full sized internet window open while you have a document open. This will maximize you productivity because you will not have to flip back and forth between windows like you would if you did not have multiple screens.

Increasing productivity is the main reason that people like a dual monitor configuration. To make sure that you get the most out of your monitors, you should make sure that you have at least one widescreen monitor. The reason that you should get a least one widescreen monitor for your dual monitor configuration is because it gives you even more area. You could possibly fit two internet windows in one widescreen monitor. If you had two monitors like this, you could have four internet windows open at once. Talk about making the most out of your dual monitors!

Now that you know why people like a dual monitor configuration, you should consider getting an extra computer screen for yourself. If you can afford it, try to get at least one flat screen one because it will not take up as much space and the screen will be a lot higher quality. If you cant get extra computer monitors, you should try to save up for an extra one because they really can help you work faster, which means you will be making more money in the long run. Computer stores are willing to help you finance computer screens and almost every pc monitor is two hundred dollars or less. If you still are not sure if a dual monitor configuration is right for you, you should talk it over with your friends and family. Ask them if you think you would use the external monitor or not. For most people who do not think they need a dual monitor configuration, they have to see it to believe it. So if you are still on the fence, you should visit computer shops and see what a dual monitor configuration is like. If you like what you see, you should think harder about the prospect of getting an extra display monitor.

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superpc | April 11, 2011
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What are Super Computers and What are They Used For?

What are super computers and what are they used for?

You may think that you have a fast computer, but in reality you only have a fast consumer computer. While your computer can most likely perform all tasks that you need, a super computer can perform so many more tasks. Since a super computer can perform so many tasks, it is used for a variety of things. So, just what are super computers and what are they used for?

Super computers are just like a normal computer that you would have at your house, except that it is a lot bigger and much more powerful. Unlike household computers, super computers will usually not have a flat screen monitor attached to it. This is because it takes up memory and reduces the amount of work the super computer can do. Super computers can be over six feet tall and span in width almost five feet. They are very large!

So, what are super computers used for? Most super computers are used to perform mathematical calculations. Pharmaceutical companies have started using super computers a lot to verify a calculation they have done for a new drug. Other companies use super computers as server farms for very intensive websites. These super computers have been known to perform millions of tasks every second, which really is amazing.

While super computers are fascinating the way they are right now, scientists are always looking for ways to make them better. The main problem that scientists have run into when they are building super computers is how to use less energy. The reason that scientists do not like using a lot of energy when it comes to super computers is because energy is usually in the form of heat. And when a super computer uses a lot of energy, it gets hot, which means that is needs to be cooled. Cooling super computers is the largest cost associated with them. It can cost a few million dollars every year just to supply enough energy to a super computer and keep it cool. This is a lot of money and the reason that you will not see a super computer in a household.

Now that you know what super computers are, you should realize that they just are not practical in a normal household. However, they are very useful when it comes to mathematical equations that need to be solved in a short amount of time. When scientists figure out a way for a super computer to not use as much energy, they will become even more valuable. The only reason that many people do not have super computers in their house is because of their large size and because of all the energy that they consume. These two factors will likely be solved over time and then maybe the vast majority of people will have a super computer. These computers are really powerful and could help a lot of people be more productive if they became a more affordable option.

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superpc | April 10, 2011
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What is Multi-Monitor technology?

What is Multi-Monitor technology?
You’ve seen it in the news. You’ve read all about the benefits online. You probably even have several friends who have been talking and even using multi-monitor computers. But the big question is, “what is multi-monitor technology?” And more importantly, how can you put this technology to use for you? Is it worth the cost to upgrade, and why haven’t you done it yet? In this article I am going to attempt to address these questions, and hopefully after reading more, you’ll be ready to upgrade, and put multi-monitor technology to use for you! Now sit back, and get ready to take some notes.

What is multi-monitor technology? The short answer is that multi-monitor technology is the ability to use multiple monitors, or multiple LCD screens that are attached to one super pc simultaneously. This is accomplished by creating a system with both the speed and capability to do so, as well setting up your windows environment to recognize the screens as separate entities. We’ll get to why this is important in a minute, but for now I want to spend a little focus on what you need to do to set up multiple monitors.

You must first pick a system capable of running multiple screens without lag or other problems. It is recommended that you use a minimum of the Intel i5 dual core, but even better is the Intel dual core i7- which in essence gives you a total of 6.66GHz of processing power. I also recommend at least 4 GB of RAM. But most importantly is the video card. With so many choices available, it’s definitely tough to pick between them, but my favorite at the moment is the 1GB GDDR3 ATI FirePro 2450 which has been workstation certified. This particular card is a monster in the world of multi-monitor technology.

So, how can you put this technology to use for you? Well depending on what you use your computer for and how frequently you use your computer, there are various applications. For those involved in frequent commodities exchange, such as Forex trading, day trading, etc., then a multiple monitor computer workstation is absolutely essential for you. The ability to track multiple charts, run real time trading information and keep up to date with all the important press releases, notifications and more are SO important, it should speak for itself that multiple monitor technology is a must. For those who may use less strenuous computer usage, I haven’t forgotten about you. Even basic office work can be accomplished faster, with less wasted time, if only you upgrade to dual monitors as opposed to a single monitor system. In fact, according to one case study, just having a dual monitor system could save you up to 40 hours a year- a week’s work. This is based on the fact that switching between applications wastes time.

Hopefully this article has helped define not only what multi-monitor technology is, but how it can benefit most anyone that employs it.

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superpc | April 10, 2011
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Trading Workstations

Trading Workstations
What’s the difference between trading workstations and a multiple monitor trading computer? Well, the short answer is power, screen capability and to be frank, reliability. But in actuality it’s not really that simple. Trading workstations are a somewhat complex combination of machinery designed to function, fast and furious. In this article I’m going to show you the difference between a multiple monitor trading computer and trading workstations. After you’ve finish reading this article, you should be able to make an informed decision about your next computer, and hopefully you’ll opt for the trading workstation over typical multiple monitor trading computers.
When someone says to me that they have a multiple monitor trading computer, you know what comes to mind? I think cheap, plain and simple; a computer that they bought at Best Buy or some other big name retail store. Not that there is anything wrong with the computers that Best Buy sells. In fact, they carry Compaq, Dell, Acer and some of the other top consumer computers. These computers are great if you are a college student, or for some basic office needs. But if you are a day trader, Forex trader, or other commodities broker, you livelihood absolutely depends not just on your computer functioning, but on it functioning at its absolute peak performance, every single time.
If you’ve bought your computer at one of these retailers, through in an extra video card- even if it’s the best that you could buy, you run the risk of malfunction. This could cost you thousands of dollars, and in some cases, millions of dollars. So you should be asking yourself, is that a risk worth taking to save a couple thousand bucks. It’s true, you may have a multiple monitor trading computer, but you absolutely do NOT have a multiple monitor trading workstation.
So you know what a multiple monitor trading computer is, but are trading workstations? Trading workstations are computer systems specifically designed to handle high stress work load causes by running multiple programs which are very resource dependent. When a trading workstation is designed, it is done so with the specific knowledge that you will be working for long hours, and rely on the data you receive and send to be processed efficiently and correctly every single time. In fact, if the video card you purchase is not workstation certified, then you could risk data down time. The result of data downtime is money lost as you spend time, money and energy trying to recover what’s already been lost.
If you are not sure what to look for when you buy your trading workstation, make sure you ask the person building the computer if the video card you are purchasing is workstation certified. Also, I highly recommend sticking with a company that serves primarily at trading workstation design and building. If you are in doubt, then it would probably be best to go with another company. After all, the risks of crash and burn in this case do not out weight the benefits of saving a few dollars.

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superpc | April 10, 2011
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High Performance Trading PC

High Performance Trading PC

You’ve been a trader for a while now, but your current trading computer system doesn’t allow you enough flexibility to do the things you need to do. Or maybe you have only recently gotten into trading, but you want all the tools necessary to succeed. Either way, you are in need of a high performance trading PC. But the bigger question is what to look for and how to know you’re getting exactly what you need. I want to highlight some of the key points you should be looking at when you go to pick out a high performance trading pc.
When I think about the needs of a commodities trader, I recognize that the computer they use is more than just an office PC. It is there lifeline. If their computer goes down, or can’t perform up to par then their livelihood is on the line. So when I think about the design of high performance trading PC, these are the things that come to mind and are absolute musts. Below I’m going to talk about the main features that are an important key to building a multi-monitor computer monster, capable of handling whatever you can think to throw at it.
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that the stability of any computer system relies not just on the components that you pick, but the ability of those components to work together in the most efficient way possible. That’s why I recommend consulting with an experienced computer technician that understands your very specific and custom needs. Picking the wrong guy (or woman for that matter) could be the downfall of your system.
With all of that being said, here are a few of my favorite components that I would suggest to anyone building a high performance trading PC. First let’s consider the processor. There are quite a few options available, including AMD, Intel, and others. But I tend to like Intel because its capability can’t be topped. They have a couple of processors that you should consider for your trading pc. The i5 and the i7 are both dual core systems that boast 6.4 GHz and 6.6 GHz respectably. Since this is considered the brain of the computer, it’s essential that you take extra care when picking this component. If you’re using up to 4 monitors then the i5 should be sufficient, but more than 4 monitors attached to one computer and I would go for the i7.
RAM is also an important factor. Sturdy and affordable RAM such as Corsair is a good idea, and I would make sure that the motherboard you pick out can handle DDR3. Aside from type and brand, between 4 and 8 GBs of RAM is recommended. Again, if you’re going to run more than 4 monitors on your high performance trading pc, then it is highly advisable to go with 8 GBs. In your line of work, you can’t afford to be stuck with lag because of lack of RAM. And while, yes, it is easy to upgrade RAM it will also cost you time and money as you’ll have to pay extra shipping and consume more time finding the right RAM.
Probably the most important factor to consider with your multiple monitor pc is the video card. As technology for these improves, the computer relies more and more on their ability to process data. Of those available on the market today, for your high performance trading pc, I suggest you get the best and my favorite is the 1GB GDDR3 ATI FirePro 2450 because it’s workstation certified.

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superpc | April 10, 2011
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Trading PC Hardware

Trading PC Hardware
When I think about day traders, the first thing that comes to mind is a wall of screens, a guy in business casuals, and the bustle of Wall Street in said guy’s own home office. Yet it still amazes me that more than one day trader that I know doesn’t know exactly what trading PC hardware is needed to make their operation run as smooth as it needs to run. So for all those traders out there that want to improve your operation by setting up a multiple monitor computer system that runs to perfection, every time, this article is for you.
Deciding just how many screens are needed is a challenge in and of its self. As most day traders have 3-4 programs running, we could easily say that a computer that runs 3 screens is the bare minimum. But the mindset of a successful entrepreneur can never be the bare minimum, can it? Minimalism just won’t cut it. So, I typically suggest at least a 4 monitor computer, but most guys get a 6 monitor computer, just to be on the safe side. Of course 8 monitor computers are nice, and why stop there. You could get a 12 monitor computer. Really, it’s your call. I always recommend staying away for wide screen monitors, as I think you can fit more data on a standard screen. There are a number of good manufacturers for the monitors themselves. Personally, I stick to Dell and Samsung. Both have a history of quality and will also save on costs in the long run (typically.) NEC also makes a high quality monitor that I recommend as well.
Next on the list of trading PC hardware, you must consider what type of processor you need, the amount of ram, and most importantly the video card or cards you’re going to run. Let’s start with the processor. Intel has 3 very powerful processors available. But let’s start with the lowest power first. The Intel i3 dual core boasts 2.93 GHz, or 3.06 GHz of power. This is perfect if you’re going to stick with a dual monitor setup. Next on the recommended list is the Intel i5 dual core starts 3.2 Ghz of power all the way up to 3.46 GHz of power. The best and most powerful is the i7 dual core processor by Intel. This processor will get you a full 3.33 GHz of raw processing power.
Next up is RAM, and I highly recommend you do not slack here, as this will have great effect on your ability to trade in real time. Between 4 and 8 GBs are available. DDR3 has become the standard with the newest motherboards. It typically runs at PC16000/2000Mhz. Again, don’t skimp; even with a dual monitor system- get the best with this trading PC hardware.
Finally, I want to talk about video cards. With so many options available, where do you start? It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish. The ATI Radeon HD4670 may be perfect for a 2 monitor computer, but if you are going with 4 or six monitors, then you’ll need to step it up a bit. For quad monitors, the 512MB GDDR3 NVS450 Quadro4 is perfect, while with 6 monitors I suggest the 2GB GDDR5 ATI Radeon HD5870 Eyefinity6. These video cards provide a bulk of processing power that computer nerds have been dreaming of for years.
Hope this helps with your trading PC hardware decisions, and I wish you luck when you finally decide to piece your system together! Until next time, take care.

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags:
superpc | April 10, 2011
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Trading Monitors

Trading Monitors
When I hear someone talking about trading monitors, I instantly know what they really mean is a multiple monitor array, powered more often than not by a series of video cards, a powerful processor and enough RAM to make the entire run without a hiccup. In this article, however, I want to direct my primary focus on the arrays themselves. So in other words, I’ll touch on the multiple monitor stands, and the monitors themselves that make up the multi-monitor array. You should expect to know exactly what’s important about each component by the time you finish reading this article, and it should make your selection considerably easier.
Since the stand is the base for the trading monitors array, let’s start with your options on this important piece of hardware. Bear in mind that not all stands are created equally. One of the first differences that you may notice is the difference between horizontal monitor stands and vertical monitor stands. And just to clarify for those not familiar with the various options, vertical stands stack the monitors one on top of the other, while horizontal results in monitors being side by side. Other options include free standing versus mounted. Again, while it should be obvious, I’ll explain the difference. Free standing mean that they are supported by a base, while mounted means you must use the support of a wall, desk, or other background to mount them. While these may seem like obvious choices for you, it’s important consider all your options and circumstances before making a final decision.
When it comes trading monitors, the most important decision you can make is which style, brand, refresh rate, and number of pixels in the monitor you chose. To start, your choice between widescreen versus traditional square monitors is one of the most important you will make. Despite their deceiving look, the traditional square monitors can actually fit a bit more information on one screen. While widescreen may help with spaces concerns, and can help keep costs down (they are typically less expensive.) I also highly recommend you buy nothing less than 1080p- defining the number of pixels available for use. Using 780p could save you a few bucks, but you really want to risk missing a decimal point when you trading because you wanted to save a few bucks on the monitor you chose.
When you pick a brand there are a few that I recommend, and a few I recommend you avoid. Let’s start with the bad (in my humble opinion) first. While as a rule, I love Acer products- when it comes to monitors, STAY AWAY. I’ve seen customers use these to save a few dollars and be consistently disappointed with both life span and quality. Yes, you are typically covered by a 1 year warranty, but even heavy traders can hope to get more than 1 year out of their monitors, if for no other reason than to save the time it takes replace, as well as the frustration of having to operate at less than optimal conditions while they wait for new pc hardware to arrive. Of my favorites, Dell is at the top of the list. They tend to last, unlike the aforementioned. They also can compete in the price arena. Another favorite brand of mine is Samsung. They are certainly leaders in screen technology, being the first to release commercially available LED screens. Cost wise, then tend to run only slightly higher than Dell and lifespan is usually very good to excellent. Finally, NEC is my top choice. They’ve been in the business for a long time, but they are releasing some extremely cool technology that provides for ultra light weight, high quality and ultra-ultra-thin, helping with mount ability and portability! Cost wise you may pay a bit more, but the difference is going to be obvious. But when it comes to trading monitors, NEC is a brand that I can highly recommend!

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags: , ,
superpc | April 10, 2011
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Computer That Runs 8 Monitors

Computer That Runs 8 Monitors
So you have decided to make the leap from one or 2 monitors to a computer that runs 8 monitors. You’ve made a very intelligent decision, as your productivity, accuracy and work will all improve. In fact, you’ll find that with the time you save, you may start being able to enjoy other things. So, what is it you need to know to make an informed decision about your upgrade to a computer that runs 8 monitors? I’m going to go over some of the basics with you. Ready? Ok, here we go!
Monitors: I suggest you pick monitors with a minimum of 1080p for maximum quality. If you’re trying to decide between widescreen and traditional more square monitors, then maybe this will help. You’ll pay a bit more for the traditional monitors, but you’ll actually end up with a bit more screen service. I tend to go with traditional monitors for that reason alone, but, if you’re trying to find ways to cut corners, you should be able to save a bit with widescreen monitors. Brand wise, there are three main brands that I really like: Dell; Samsung; and NEC. If you can avoid Acer monitors or some of the other lower cost brands, I’d recommend that you do so. What’s the reason you ask? Well, you may save a bit up front, but quality and longevity of the brands I listed above will make the extra money worth it. Not to mention time you may end up losing of a lower cost brand goes out.
Processor: I recommend going with the Intel i7 dual core which will get you a total of 6.66 GHz of processing power- enough to run some of the laggy applications that tend to bog down your computer if you are a day trader. Also, this is powerful enough almost any game on a gaming computer.
RAM: Don’t slack here. You’ll want to get between 4 and 8 Ghz of RAM to run your computer that runs 8 monitors to run properly, without any lag. Again, you don’t want to slack here. Pick a mother board that runs DDR3 PC 16000/2000 MHz. Also, don’t be shy and ask for a reputable brand, such as Corsair.
And now let’s discuss the most important decision when picking your multiple monitor computer system. The video card is going to make the biggest difference. Of all of the multi-monitor video cards available, I suggest you go with the 4GB GDDR5 ATI Radeon HD5670 or 1GB GDDR3 ATI FirePro 2450, which is Workstation Certified. Yes, you will pay more for the FirePro, but the performance of this card is unparalleled in my opinion. You’ll appreciate the smooth flow of graphics, charts and more with this card.
I hope this helps narrow down your decision, when picking designing your computer that runs 8 monitors. As always, feel free to post any questions that you may have down in the comments section below! Good Luck!

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags: , ,
superpc | April 10, 2011
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3 Monitor Array versus 4 Monitor Array

3 Monitor Array versus 4 Monitor Array
But it’s only one more monitor, right? WRONG! I’m going to discuss the difference between a 3 monitor array and 4 monitor array; including the trading pc hardware you need to get set up correctly. But before we get to the nitty-gritty, I also want to discuss some of the advantages of using both a 3 and 4 monitor array over using a traditional single monitor computer. And while this may seem obvious to some people, I still recommend you read, because you might just learn something new, which could save you thousands of dollars and hours of work.
So, what am I talking about? Well a case study done just a few years ago pointed out the fact that the typical office worker can spend hours every week switching between applications. That means if you’re pay employees to work, you could be paying them for up to a week of work that they simply aren’t doing, by no fault of their own. Interesting huh? And I know a lot of you trade stocks, so how about day traders productivity with a single monitor setup? Well, with day trading, staying on top of stats and figures is the key to staying ahead of the curve. If you’re switching between applications, not only could this cause a lag in your stats display (think refresh lag), but depending on the computing power you require, you could risk down time due to a crash- as most crashes happen between application changes.
Ok, so you know why you need multiple screens, so what do you need to know about a 3 monitor array versus a 4 monitor array? Well, five main factors differentiate between 3 and 4 monitors: the stand; the monitors; the video card(s); the processor; RAM. I’m going to briefly touch on each one of these factors to help you make a well informed decision when you go to purchase your 3 monitor or 4 monitor array, depending on which you decide will work best for you.
When it comes to the stand, your options are between vertical (one on top of another) and horizontal (side by side). Most people choose a horizontal display, because it makes a little more intuitive sense. But because of space constraints, you might be better off with a vertical placement. This is really a matter of placement, and as far I know there isn’t any scientific evidence to suggest one is better than the other. However, if you go with vertical stands you will be limited to 3 monitors. At the time of writing, I’m not aware of a simple solution for a 4 monitor vertical array, although there are custom solutions available.
Video cards are constantly being updated, and because of the technology constantly being improved. At the time of writing this, my favorite video card for both a 3 and 4 monitor computer system is the 512MB GDDR3 NVS450 Quadro4 which is Workstation Certified. This is my favorite card by far. I highly recommend.
Processors: I recommend both for a 3 monitor array or 4 monitor array that you go with the Intel i7 Dual Core processor which boast an impressive 3.33 GHz (x2) of processing power. This will be more than enough power for 3 or 4 monitors- and will even leave some room for upgrade if you so choose to do so at a later date. I would not suggest choosing a processor less than the Intel i5. Doing so could cause issues.

Ram: Get 8 GBs of DDR3. This will help squash any lags that may occur. If you must try and save here, you mustn’t buy less than 4 GBs DDR3! Doing so could prove disastrous.

Hope this helps! Go get yourself a new 3 or 4 monitor array and watch your productivity and hence profits SOAR!

Category: Multiple Monitors | Tags: , ,