Shanghai Tech Writer

Several months ago, I started a series about workspace configurations, following Tom’s post on his top 10 workspace configurations. His number one setup was having a dual-monitor setup. I was envious because I wanted a dual-monitor setup too. Many developers at work have this setup but not any of the technical writers.

Today, I decided to bring the extra 19″ flat panel I had sitting around the house to work. The monitor was sitting on an empty desk collecting dust for months because my computer is currently hooked up to a larger screen LCD TV. I don’t know why I didn’t think to bring the monitor to work earlier. Anyway, it took me a minute to setup the dual display settings and voila, I now have two 19″ monitor sitting on my desk! I’m loving this setup!

In a New York Times article:

Survey after survey shows that whether you measure your productivity in facts researched, alien spaceships vaporized, or articles written, adding an extra monitor will give your output a considerable boost — 20 percent to 30 percent, according to a survey by Jon Peddie Research.

Indeed, having the extra monitor really boosts productivity! Today is only the first day having this dual-monitor setup and already, this setup has made my job so much easier!

Benefits of Having a Dual-Monitor Setup

1. Quick glance at incoming emails. I can have Lotus Notes (email application) open on one screen while I work on the other screen. When new emails arrive, I can immediately scan the incoming emails without minimizing any windows.
2. Documenting a software. LabVIEW, the software I write documentation for, uses two windows—the front panel and the block diagram. Having LabVIEW open hogs up pretty much an entire screen. With two monitors, I can place all LabVIEW windows on one screen and use the other screen to write the help manual.
3. Researching online. When I’m researching online for information, I can easily keep the browser open on one screen while working on the other.
4. Following an outline. Before starting a new documentation project, I create a documentation plan and an outline of the topics I want to write. I can place the outline on one screen while setting up the help templates on the other screen.
5. Working with images. I take lots of screenshots as I’m documenting for LabVIEW. I can place LabVIEW on one screen while editing the captured images with the other screen. Occasionally I need to capture screenshot of something that is wider than my monitor screen. Some screen capture tools have scrolling features, but unfortunately, they only scroll one direction — up and down, not side to side. With two monitors, I can stretch the window size to both screens and capture the entire window.
6. Reviewing documentation. My peer reviewers like to review my documentation in PDF format while the help file itself is in CHM format. I can place the review file on one screen and the CHM file on the other for side-by-side comparison.
7. Editing in XML / HTML. I write all my help topics in XML and HTML. It’s hard to read the help when every other word is in brackets, tags, and symbols. I can place the transformed HTML help file on one screen while editing on the other screen.
8. Messaging window. Throughout the day, I receive lots of instant messages from colleagues about various matters. Often times, the person will write “hi Susan” and not write anything until I respond. Then it’ll be another minute or two before the person sends a message. With dual monitors, I can place the message window on the other screen while I continue working on whatever I was doing.
9. Working with folders. I use FreeCommander, which is an amazing dual-window, tabbed file management application. I use FC as a replacement for Windows Explorer. With two monitors, I can easily review the contents of multiple directories on one screen while working on the other screen.
10. Accessing desktop. Last but not least, Windows desktop is the dumping ground for all sorts of files. I can shown the desktop on one window while working on the other. When I save files onto the desktop, I can open the file without closing or minimizing the other.

The possibilities are unlimited! The basic idea is that with a dual-monitor setup, you can avoid having to minimize any window you are currently working on to access the other. You also can avoid using Alt-Tab to navigate between multiple windows. And the worst but most often used shortcut key is Windows-D in which all windows are minimized to display the desktop. While it’s cool to immediately access the desktop, you have to restore all the other windows, one at a time!

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

  Subscribe to RSS feed       Subscribe via e-mail