Huh?

My computer and screen have both a serial VGA cord and a DVI-I cord.

Do I connect both from the computer to the screen? Or, do you only need one?

Do you need special software to run the screen in DVI?

Does a particular software, like a CADD or game software, search for and use the DVI over the VGA?

Do I run the screen CD and set up software with the CD? Or, is it plug and play?

Matthew W. Johnson, San Mateo County, CA USA

I can see the confusion.

The simple answer is that if you have DVI on both, then use that, because it's better. (Though most users probably wouldn't spot the difference.)

VGA is analog and DVI is digital -- that's where the extra quality comes from.

This isn't a perfect analogy, but think of it like a garden hose. If you have a tap and a nozzle with 1/2" fittings, then you'd use 1/2" hose to connect them and it would work. But if the nozzle and tap also had 3/4" fittings then you could use 3/4" hose and get more water through the hose.

Your PC has both VGA and DVI outputs so it will suit more types of monitor. Since your monitor also has both, use the better option (DVI).

You may have to change a setting on the monitor (via the menu) but the PC should not need any changes. No software on the PC will be affected.

Paul Zucker