Multiple Monitors Software

from Stardock Forums

I recently got upgraded my monitor, and rather than completely disconnect the second one, I decided to set myself up with a multiple monitor setup.  Unfortunately, the software support for this in windows is less than perfect.  I've found some software that does some of what I want (puts a taskbar on the second monitor, and the taskbar only displays the windows open on that monitor), but it isn't perfect, and it's only a 60 day trial.

Does SD put out any such software, especially with an eye towards having the second taskbar be skinned by the windowblinds software?  (Edit:  Or is there a way to get Windowblinds to skin the second taskbar on the second monitor?)

windowblinds
25,452 views 27 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

yes, stardock does have software for this. https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Nimbin, reply 1
yes, stardock does have software for this. https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/
End of Nimbin's quote

Actually, Multiplicity is good for controlling two computers from one KB and mouse, but not for multi monitor use. Multiplicity requires two machines, not just two monitors.

 

I use Display Fusion. It will allow a second, smart taskbar on display 2. Amongst other things.

And it has a direct connection to vladstudio for Vlad's awesome wallpapers!

http://www.displayfusion.com/

Narbytrout uses it too. I have Multiplicity Pro but it won't help here.

WindowBlinds - Free yourself of the default settings, customize your desktop.
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Display Fusion appears to be similar to the software I'm already using, which (annoyingly) fails to be aware of windowblinds skinning.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Neil, reply 4
Which software are you using?
End of Neil's quote

Actual Multiple Monitors.  Costs about 30$, and I'm running the 60 day trial right now.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Ron, reply 3
Display Fusion appears to be similar to the software I'm already using, which (annoyingly) fails to be aware of windowblinds skinning.
End of Ron's quote

Display Fusion as aware and uses the windowblind skin you are running....screenshot to follow.

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Notice the smart taskbar on the right display. Notice the mouseover preview. The smart taskbar has taskbar buttons and previews for any window open on said screen. This program rocks.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

I can't seem to get it to be aware of, and use, the windowblinds scheme I'm using.  Any ideas?

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Ron, reply 8
I can't seem to get it to be aware of, and use, the windowblinds scheme I'm using.  Any ideas?
End of Ron's quote

 

If you are running it, right click the systray icon, choose settings. Choose the taskbar tab and set it like the screenshot shows.

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

It could be that you need the pro version to skin the second taskbar, dunno.

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Yes, it seems the pro version is required for theming.

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

It could be that you need the pro version to skin the second taskbar, dunno.
End of quote

They have a 30 day full trial. You fill out the form and they email you a key that unlocks the software for 30 days.

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I guess I should have known that, I just went pro to begin with. I tried the free version first. Thanks Lantec!

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

I do have it set up that way, and it isn't properly screening.  Also, it's using the rather ugly windows-XP taskbar style, rather than the windows 7 icon-based approach.  Despite being a tad bit buggy (I think I just needed to reboot, honestly), Actual Multiple Monitors was probably a better piece of software.

 

I just wish SD released such software.

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'm using Ultramon and it's quite nice.

Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Bebi, reply 15
I'm using Ultramon and it's quite nice.
End of Bebi's quote

With windows 7?

Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Ron Lugge, what OS are you running?

Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I have used Ultramon for years, think back in the 1.0 version days.  If you know anything about Ultramon you know that is a very, very long time.  I recently switched to Display Fusion because the last time I checked Ultramon didn't have Windowblinds support for Windows 7.  I think Ultramon is better because it has a smaller footprint than Display Fusion, but DF has many additional feature that Ultramon does not.

Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Windowblinds support for Windows 7
End of quote

While they do support Windows 7, they don't yet have support for Windowblinds under Windows 7. :(

Reply #22 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting RedneckDude, reply 17
Ron Lugge, what OS are you running?
End of RedneckDude's quote

Win7, Professional, 64x

Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Ron, reply 22



Quoting RedneckDude,
reply 17
Ron Lugge, what OS are you running?


Win7, Professional, 64x
End of Ron's quote

 

Win 7, Home Prem. 64x  Here.

 

Still, I've checked all the above, Display Fusion is, by all counts, the best choice. It does the most, Win 7 support, Visual Style/Windowblinds support.

I have no problems with it at all.

Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I've been using Ultramon on Win7 x64 and Windowblinds, haven't had any problems. But I'm only really using it to set different wallpapers, not the other features.

Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Bebi, reply 24
I've been using Ultramon on Win7 x64 and Windowblinds, haven't had any problems. But I'm only really using it to set different wallpapers, not the other features.
End of Bebi's quote

 

I simply have to have the taskbar on each monitor.  But I see that it depends on what you need/want as to which is the best choice.