This is my third post about monitors. I’m writing this one to review some questions people often ask us when it comes to their screen.

Question: How is the size of the screen measured?
Answer: Just like in the early days of computers and just like televisions, screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner without any frame that might be around the actual screen area.

Question: My old monitor used to be almost square. Why can’t I find a new one the same shape?
Answer: All modern monitors are wider than higher so that wide-screen videos can be shown properly and so they better match your TV.

Question: I bought a 27″ screen which is way larger than my old screen yet it seems like the icons and other items are smaller. What’s wrong?
Answer: Actually, nothing is wrong and your observation is correct. The larger the screen gets, generally speaking, the greater the screen resolution. Higher resolution means more pixels appear on the screen making icons, etc., appear smaller. If your vision is good, this makes for a sharper picture on the larger screen. However, if your vision is lacking a bit, you’ll probably be frustrated that things are smaller. The resolution can be changed making items on the screen appear larger but you’ll have to play with the settings to find one that works with your vision.

Question: My monitor was working fine. Suddenly, the picture is askew. How can I fix it?
Answer: All modern monitors are self-adjusting when it comes to the picture but, sometimes, things happen. To help you with this, monitors have menus and adjustments. You can usually change the brightness, contrast, the overall look (night vision, theater, etc.), for example. The problem is, almost no one knows how to use these controls. When people call us and we try to help them use these adjustments, it’s almost impossible because where the buttons are located and how they are used is different on almost every monitor model – even with the same manufacturer. Solution? Read the monitor manual (which is probably online rather than in paper format).