PowerPoint for Church

How to Install a Second Video Card

Video cards are known by different names. The terms video card, VGA card, graphics card, and video graphics card all refer to the same thing.

Why use two cards? Having two cards means you can use two monitors. This allows you to show your PowerPoint slides and make real-time edits at the same time.

Worship projection software, such as Easy Worship or Media Shout, also use the dual-monitors feature. So if you're planning on using this type of software in the future (and you should), getting setup now will be helpful.

But before you can use the dual-monitors feature, you must have two video cards (or one dual-head card) installed on your computer.

Since most computers only come with one graphics card, you'll most likely have to install a second one.

If you're using a desktop computer to run your presentations, your setup will easier. If you're using a laptop, then you may have hardware limitations that'll keep you from using this feature.

Special note for Laptop users - in order to use the dual-monitor feature, the chipset on your laptop must support dual-monitors. Very few laptops currently have this chipset. Refer to you manual for more information. Another option is to buy a PCMCIA video card and plug it into our PCMCIA slot.

For ease, we're going to stick to desktop computers for this article.

Here's a picture of a single head video card.

Note the blue end circled in red. This is the port on your computer that your monitor plugs into.

Dual head cards will have two of these blue ports.

Buying a Video Card

Most likely you'll either need to buy a second graphics card or replace your existing one.

The choice will largely depend on your budget as well as near term goals.

While PowerPoint works well in worship, most churches are going to worship projection software (like Easy Worship or Media Shout). That's because this kind of software offers more flexibility and control.

If you intend to buy one of these cards to replace your existing one, I highly recommend checking the compatibility lists for Easy Worship and Media Shout first. That's because this kind of software is not compatible with that type of software. As good stewards, it's wise to plan ahead.

The dual head cards are really nice because you only need one - but a little more expensive.

If you're a small church with little or no budget, adding a second video card is probably the best way to go. It's easy and fairly inexpensive.

When buying a second card, make sure it's a PCI card (not AGP). That's because you only have one AGP slot and it's probably already being used by your primary video card.

Also, you'll notice that all cards come with different amounts of RAM (64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, etc.). The more RAM, the more expensive the video card will be.
Spend as much as you are able to get the most RAM.

Installing the Hardware

The first thing you need to do is install the new video card.
This is a really simple step - but requires caution so that you don't damage other internal components with a static discharge.

If you have an ESD mat, use it. Otherwise be very careful.

Don't work on carpet, and make sure to remove any jewelry before starting.

Also a good idea to make sure you're wearing short sleeves.

Before you start, you'll need a phillips screwdriver.

Next, follow these steps:

Make sure the computer is off and all cables are unplugged.
It's good idea to leave the power cable connected to the computer and A/C outlet for grounding (but make sure the computer is off).

Remove the computer cover.

Make sure your hand is always touching the metal chassis for grounding while working inside the computer.

Look for an open PCI slot (approximately a 3-inch white slot)

Using the screwdriver, remove the metal cover on the side of the slot.

Carefully insert the video card into the available PCI slot.

Screw the card into the slot so it's locked in.

Replace the cover on the computer and start it up.

When the computer starts, it should recognize the new card and install the software drivers.

You probably got a software disk when you bought the card. You will probably want to install it.

Final Checks

Verify everything is installed and working properly by checking the Device Manager. RIGHT-CLICK on your MY COMPUTER icon and select PROPERTIES.

You should see a DEVICE MANAGER tab on the new window.

If you're using Windows XP, you'll need to select the HARDWARE tab first to get to DEVICE MANAGER.

If you do not see a yellow exclamation point or red "x" next to your video card, then it should be installed okay.

You may need to change the resolution to get a better image.

You can do this by going into the CONTROL PANEL and opening the icon called DISPLAY PROPERTIES.

Select the SETTINGS tab and adjust the slide bar in the SCREEN SETTINGS area.

In most cases you will want this setting to be at least 800x600 or 1024x768. When finished, close all the windows.

Click the link to learn How to Setup Dual-Monitors

Discover How to Add Video to PowerPoint

Get PowerPoint Help

Return to Home Page

Copyright © 2006 All Rights Reserved
Focus On Him!



	How to Install a Second Video Card Video cards are known by different names. The terms video card, VGA card, graphics card, and video graphics card all refer to the same thing. Why use two cards? Having two cards means you can use two monitors. This allows you to show your PowerPoint slides and make real-time edits at the same time. Worship projection software, such as Easy Worship or Media Shout, also use the dual-monitors feature. So if you're planning on using this type of software in the future (and you should), getting setup now will be helpful. But before you can use the dual-monitors feature, you must have two video cards (or one dual-head card) installed on your computer. Since most computers only come with one graphics card, you'll most likely have to install a second one. If you're using a desktop computer to run your presentations, your setup will easier. If you're using a laptop, then you may have hardware limitations that'll keep you from using this feature. Special note for Laptop users - in order to use the dual-monitor feature, the chipset on your laptop must support dual-monitors. Very few laptops currently have this chipset. Refer to you manual for more information. Another option is to buy a PCMCIA video card and plug it into our PCMCIA slot. For ease, we're going to stick to desktop computers for this article. Here's a picture of a single head video card. Note the blue end circled in red. This is the port on your computer that your monitor plugs into. Dual head cards will have two of these blue ports. Buying a Video Card Most likely you'll either need to buy a second graphics card or replace your existing one. The choice will largely depend on your budget as well as near term goals. While PowerPoint works well in worship, most churches are going to worship projection software (like Easy Worship or Media Shout). That's because this kind of software offers more flexibility and control. If you intend to buy one of these cards to replace your existing one, I highly recommend checking the compatibility lists for Easy Worship and Media Shout first. That's because this kind of software is not compatible with that type of software. As good stewards, it's wise to plan ahead. The dual head cards are really nice because you only need one - but a little more expensive. If you're a small church with little or no budget, adding a second video card is probably the best way to go. It's easy and fairly inexpensive. When buying a second card, make sure it's a PCI card (not AGP). That's because you only have one AGP slot and it's probably already being used by your primary video card. Also, you'll notice that all cards come with different amounts of RAM (64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, etc.). The more RAM, the more expensive the video card will be. Spend as much as you are able to get the most RAM. Installing the Hardware The first thing you need to do is install the new video card. This is a really simple step - but requires caution so that you don't damage other internal components with a static discharge. If you have an ESD mat, use it. Otherwise be very careful. Don't work on carpet, and make sure to remove any jewelry before starting. Also a good idea to make sure you're wearing short sleeves. Before you start, you'll need a phillips screwdriver. Next, follow these steps: Make sure the computer is off and all cables are unplugged. It's good idea to leave the power cable connected to the computer and A/C outlet for grounding (but make sure the computer is off). Remove the computer cover. Make sure your hand is always touching the metal chassis for grounding while working inside the computer. Look for an open PCI slot (approximately a 3-inch white slot) Using the screwdriver, remove the metal cover on the side of the slot. Carefully insert the video card into the available PCI slot. Screw the card into the slot so it's locked in. Replace the cover on the computer and start it up. When the computer starts, it should recognize the new card and install the software drivers. You probably got a software disk when you bought the card. You will probably want to install it. Final Checks Verify everything is installed and working properly by checking the Device Manager. RIGHT-CLICK on your MY COMPUTER icon and select PROPERTIES. You should see a DEVICE MANAGER tab on the new window. If you're using Windows XP, you'll need to select the HARDWARE tab first to get to DEVICE MANAGER. If you do not see a yellow exclamation point or red "x" next to your video card, then it should be installed okay. You may need to change the resolution to get a better image. You can do this by going into the CONTROL PANEL and opening the icon called DISPLAY PROPERTIES. Select the SETTINGS tab and adjust the slide bar in the SCREEN SETTINGS area. In most cases you will want this setting to be at least 800x600 or 1024x768. When finished, close all the windows. Click the link to learn How to Setup Dual-Monitors Discover How to Add Video to PowerPoint Get PowerPoint Help Return to Home Page Copyright © 2006 All Rights Reserved Focus On Him!