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Zebu Fellenz
Joined: 21 Dec 2006
Posts: 2567
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 3:28 pm Post subject: Any way to split PC between HTPC and work duties? |
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Hey Guys,
I've decided that I will spend some time and learn how to use a CAD software package this year. To save some money on this endeavor (as I've already blown my budget on a 30" Dell S-IPS monitor...) I was hoping to go dual purpose with my HTPC.
What I'd like to have ideally is the 30" monitor for CAD connected on one output while I have my G70 connected on another. I'd like to run 7MC fullscreen on the G70, have my windows desktop on the monitor and have a hotkey to switch between the two.
I remember trying to do this under Vista and not being able to make it work. I haven't looked into it since so I'm unsure if it's even possible on Windows 7.
Anyway, if anyone knows how to do this let me know. It's not really a problem having to close or minimize one to open the other but if I can run both simotaniously and have it "just work" I would prefer to.
Thanks,
Erik
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5320
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 3:59 pm Post subject: |
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You can do it in 7MC...as I do it quite a bit with my external monitor and laptop. I like to have TV going on the monitor and work (ie surf web) on the laptop screen. The only annoying thing is that when you click to change channels or make an adjustment in 7MC the mouse gets locked to the external monitor and you have to hit the "windows" key to get the mouse back.
My work around is to run 7MC in a window and then just make the window as large as the monitor...but you will still have the window border around the image the entire time...not great for CRT use.
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Curt Palme
CRT Tech
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 24396
Location: Langley, BC
TV/Projector: All of them!
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 4:12 pm Post subject: |
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WHy not get a second computer and use an external box to switch between the two? The g/f had one of those boxes, and with the click of a button, the mouse, display and keyboard would toggle between the two desktops.
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5320
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 4:14 pm Post subject: |
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| Curt Palme wrote: | | WHy not get a second computer and use an external box to switch between the two? The g/f had one of those boxes, and with the click of a button, the mouse, display and keyboard would toggle between the two desktops. |
Money?!
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Zebu Fellenz
Joined: 21 Dec 2006
Posts: 2567
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 4:14 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Greg,
That sounds like it will work out just fine. I didn't know about using the Windows key to switch over.
Thanks
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Zebu Fellenz
Joined: 21 Dec 2006
Posts: 2567
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 4:25 pm Post subject: |
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| Curt Palme wrote: | | WHy not get a second computer and use an external box to switch between the two? The g/f had one of those boxes, and with the click of a button, the mouse, display and keyboard would toggle between the two desktops. |
Like Greg said, money is a concern. But more importantly I don't need to view two computers on one monitor. I need to view one computer on two monitors, using one as a dedicated media center screen and the other as a Windows desktop.
Erik
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5320
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| Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:57 pm Post subject: |
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| Zebu Fellenz wrote: | Thanks Greg,
That sounds like it will work out just fine. I didn't know about using the Windows key to switch over.
Thanks |
It doesn't really switch over...it just pops up the start menu and then "unlocks" your mouse from the 7MC window so you can go back to work on the other display.
Like I said...kind of annoying but not the end of the world...especially if you are watching a TV show or movie you won't be messing with it much...I am not sure what happens if you were to use a remote instead of a mouse...
I don't have the IR driver reinstalled on my laptop after the W7 install or I would try it for you.
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5320
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| Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:02 am Post subject: |
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Something strange today...I can move my mouse between the maximized 7MC monitor and my laptop for some reason.
Maybe a fluke before or now I can't say.
Anyone else test this??
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