[GLLUG] [GRLUG] Linux and multiple monitors

[Charles Ulrich]

On 2012-06-19 3:29, Robar Philip wrote:
> On Jun 18, 2012, at 4:48 PM, "Mike" <ironmike52 at hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> One other problem I have with linux is that I have two monitors and 
>> I can setup them to work right or almost right (would like main screen 
>> on my larger lcd) but I can’t seem to save the setup and must do it 
>> every time I log in.

[snip]

> Given that UNIX workstations with the X Window System have supported
> multiple monitors for decades (albeit not as well as Apple and Mac
> OS), it amazes me that this is still an issue on Linux today.

Agree wholeheartedly. There was a time where multiple monitor setups 
were pretty well supported, but that seems to have regressed. I think 
the availability of large widescreen monitors means that volunteer 
developers haven't been paying as much attention to multiple monitor 
setups.

That said, I've tried all of the recent Linux desktops and the only one 
which does seem to still have good multi-head support is GNOME 2 (now 
MATE). System -> Preferences -> Monitors lets you configure them however 
you like with no fuss. What's really nice is on my laptop, I can 
disconnect and reconnect the external monitor and all of my windows and 
desktop widgets automatically move to wherever I had them before. Very 
nice. The only drawback is when some fullscreen applications exit, I 
sometimes have to go re-enable the second monitor by hand.

Charles