MaxiVista: Extend your desktop
I have had a few days to toy around with MaxiVista: Multi Monitor Software. I found this software on Lifehacker last week and it has revolutionized my work experience. With an old laptop(850Mhz,128MB, XP Pro) and my work network I have been able to easily add a second display and extend my desktop to the old laptop’s display. The software works flawlessly and after I figure out which version I need I will be picking up the software for $20, or $27 if I need the features of Pro. I cannot recommend this software enough, especially if your employer won’t spring for a dual monitor setup.
My current setup:
And a Broader shot:
Yes that is a podium, and no I am not currently taking reservations for speaking engagements.
Josh Smith is a blogger, database manager and adjunct professor of business and technology. 
I’m not trying to be an annoying Apple nerd, but am I reading this right, you need custom software to extend the desktop on your Dell?
Other than that, welcome to dual monitor heaven. Ever since I started back in ‘03 I’ve been hooked!
The software allows me to extend the desktop to another computer’s display.
Rather than using a second graphics card or a dual output one I can extend my desktop over the network to another computer’s display. In this case an old Dell laptop.
If i had a second graphic card or a dual output it would be as simple as connecting another display .
So Natively windows allows you to extend a desktop, this special software basically tricks windows into using the other PC’s display as an extended desktop.
What you see in the picture, are two computers only connected by a network sharing a desktop, rather than one PC with 2 monitors attached to it.
Make sense?
Magic work man, the best i could find would just share mouse, keyboard, and clipboard.
old-school sorcerers would be impressed.
a few important questions.
which computer (CPU, RAM) runs the second video card?
which computer runs the programs (word, explorer, ect.)?
does the computer support distributed processing?
are these done by the program you have, or perhaps you know of a different program?
David,
You don’t see a desktop sitting below the image.
Each PC is running and the laptop is being used to display the desktop’s extended monitor via a network. The desktop is doing all of the “heavy lifting”.
hey i’m trying to figure this program out. The server program doesn’t run on a lenovo laptop giving the error :vga driver cant initialize
i ran the program on a separate network on my laptop and the program actually runs but it can’t find the desktop on my home network. Do i need to connect the two by a crossover cable or does a integrated router do just as well??
Cool, perfect for what I want, glad I found it on your site.