You can add memory and lessen your system's load to increase your computer's performance. But if you want to improve your productivity, add a second monitor. Researchers at Microsoft found that workers increased their productivity 9 percent to 50 percent by adding a second or third monitor.

Consider: A student can surf the Net on one monitor while writing a term paper on another monitor. Gamers can widen their view span. And teachers can enter grades on one while checking e-mail on the other.

It's also a great setup for editing digital photographs, video or audio files. One monitor can be used for the program's toolbars and windows while the other can be for working on the file.

So what do you need to make it all happen? Obviously, you'll need an extra monitor. You might have an old monitor collecting dust in your basement. If not, this is an excuse to buy that 19-inch flat panel monitor you have always wanted. Aesthetics aside, you don't need two monitors of equal size and quality.

Your computer needs a video card that has two video outputs. If your computer was built within the past two years, it most likely has a standard VGA (Video Graphics Array) port as well as a DVI (digital video interface) port. If not, you can buy a graphics card with two monitor outputs for as little as $100.

The Tritton See2 USB 2.0 SVGA Adapter and Viewport Computer Video Adapter for USB allow you to connect an additional monitor through your computer's USB port for under $100. The advantage here is you don't have to open your computer's case and install a graphics card. The downside is there is a definite lag when moving the cursor across the monitors. Avoid this route if you do any gaming, drawing or cursor-intensive work.

Once your computer is ready, just plug in both monitors and turn on your computer. One monitor will probably be dark at first.

In Windows XP, click Start, then Control Panel, then Display. Click the Settings tab. Move your mouse over the blue rectangle labeled "2." A Not Active tool tip should appear. Right-click your mouse and select Attached. Click Apply. A few seconds later, the second monitor will become active. Place a checkmark next to the "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor" check box, and then click Apply.

While the Settings tab on the Display dialog box is open, click the Identify button. A large number 1 will display on the primary monitor and a large number 2 will display on the secondary monitor. To change this designation, click on the blue rectangle labeled 1 and drag it to the right of rectangle 2.

Now you can start dragging windows and applications over to your second monitor. For example, open up your Web browser. Make sure the window is not maximized and then click on the top part of the window. Then drag it over to the secondary monitor. Now open another program in the primary monitor. It may take a little while to get used to moving the cursor and windows across monitors. Soon this becomes second nature.

Although Windows XP gives you the ability to simultaneously use two or more monitors, it's limiting. UltraMon (www .realtimesoft.com/ultramon; $40) has a bunch of useful tools and functions. For example, it allows you to have separate taskbars on each monitor and use key shortcuts.

Contact Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.