I don't have a connection for DVI on my PC. What do I do to connect my new monitor?

Dennis Clancy, Las Vegas, Nevada

DVI is a digital connection and theoretically gives a better picture because there has never been a down-conversion to analog. However, many people find that they can't see any significant difference in the pictures. I'm mentioning this because you'll quite possibly find that your new monitor also has a standard VGA input as well as DVI. VGA is analog, If you have it, then simply continue to use a VGA lead to feed the monitor, just as you did with your old monitor.

Then, when you feel like it, you can purchase a new graphics card that does have a DVI output. But when you buy it, choose it for its overall specs, not just its ability to output a digital video feed. For instance, gaming ability. You'll find that you have a huge range to choose from.

Of course, if your PC is a notebook, and it doesn't have a DVI port already, then that's probably that. So dig out that VGA cable.

And remember that those so-called DVI-VGA converters aren't converters at all. They rely on the fact that a full DVI output also includes a VGA output which can be used to feed a VGA monitor. They simply access that VGA signal.


Paul Zucker