In terms of stands, skinny, these people seem far cheaper than any other manufacturer (eg Ergotron) that I've come across. Once you've worked out which model you would like, just key the model number into Google for the cheapest supplier.

In terms of the machine itself, we discussed the HP ProLiant server (around 200 from Dabs) on this thread some time back. Its only drawback is that it doesn't come with a sound card, but I think that's a good thing. Although a little dated now, I still use the old Matrox Quad cards (MMS200 or something like that) that have been around for ages. You should be able to get them used off eBay, and I keep a couple of spares laying around in case one goes. They're a bit slower than the modern cards, but are fine for trading imo).

As for the monitors, they're ten a penny nowadays and you can take your pick.

hils - thanks will have a good look at the weekend. Do you know where I can get a set up with those legs on the desk :-) Ok I'm going...

This is what you need (or rather what my kids want)

It is 43 inch 2880x900

Only 7,999 USD

http://gizmodo.com/341413/alienware-curved-monitor-looks-like-its-from-another-planet

If you are setting up a new multi monitor system, consider mounting at least one of them in portrait mode. It makes document viewing a lot easier.

And be sure to go widescreen, skinners. At least 1440 x 900 and preferably higher if the budget permits. It's so much easier to view charts.

I looked on eBay as well and you should be able to get a Matrox Quad card for under 30 including the splitter cables if that's the route you decide to go.

Hils - I had a quick look last night at the Matrox Millennium G200 Quad - is that the one you mean? I was suprised to see that they only have 32mb memory - even my current card, which is 7 years old has 128mb - dual head radeon 9700.

I now use an NVIDIA NVS 285 which is great (dual) but there are also the NVS 400/420/450 (quad). Better than the Matrox in my experience. I think it's newer technology.

In fact many high range NVIDIA cards are dual head.

Cards like the Radeon 9700 (and current equivalents) are great for games etc (built for 3d) but are much more expensive. The Matrox and NVS ranges are meant for business systems so don't have the 3d technology. You won't need 128Mb for a few charts.

I use 2 Matrox G450 DVI cards in different machines with that low amount of memory at work, one screen has my test chart on and the other is for my work, and they're fine - even running Metatrader in the background on one screen. There's no discernible delay on the displays.

Hi you tech, guy's & kayak if you can help,
The MAM charts I pasted into notebook and made a web page of have worked well yesterday, but they haven't all updated to todays charts. The year chart has moved on to todays date and show current sp pric, but the 2 day chart hasn't it still shows yesterday's finish sp. Can I change a bit of the HTML code to update daily? I've pasted a sample code for you to look at.

http://charts.moneyam.com/Chart.aspx?Provider=Intra&Code=RIO&Size=360&Skin=BlackBlue&Type=2&Scale=0&Start=20091209&End=20091211&Fix=1&MA=&EMA=&OVER=&IND=&XCycle=DAY1&XFormat=dd&Cycle=MINUTE2&Layout=Default;HisDate&SV=0&E=UK"/>

Probably just a question of using ctrl-F5 balerboy?

That having been said I see my NVS 285 is 256Mb.

BTW provided you have free slots you don't need a single quad card for four displays, you can have two dual cards too.

Refreshed page but didn't change 2 day chart, still on 10th chart.

Ah actually that's because the 2 day chart has the start date in the link!

That is exactly the card I meant, skinners. I know they're probably outdated now as I mentioned yesterday, but for trading they're fine. I've been using mine for a good few years now without a problem and, like I say, they're cheap enough to be able to keep a spare one laying around in case of emergency. The only problem I've had is that one of my splitter cables has got a dickey connection inside somewhere.

Now, if you want to play the latest "Harry Potter does Jordan" PC game, you might need a faster, more modern card.

PS I don't know how many monitors your current card supports, but you could always use that.

PPS The legs on desk are extra.

Thanks all - Hils, I hear your words about 'fit for purpose' - my current card supports 2 monitors and I could always use that for "Debbie does Dallas" - BTW how much extra ? :-)

I have a laptop with Win Vista Home Premium 32bit. I intend to upgrade to Win 7 prof or ultimate. My question is, should I buy the 32 bit upgrade or go for the 64 bit that needs a clean install and go through the hassle of installing all my software again. Or does it not really matter between 32 bit and 64 bit.

Be sure that things like printer/scanner drivers support 64 bit if you change or are available. BB

The main advantage of 64bit is that it can use more than 3.3GB RAM.

Most current programs are still 32 bit so you will get very little advantage for the time being. However, Installing Windows 7 is a good time to go for a clean install, so there is little downside to using 64 bit.

I have 64 bit Win 7 on my laptop and it works very well. IE8 seems better in 64 bit but Y-Refresher does not work on it so I tend to use the 32 bit version instead. The only other problems that I had, were the Send to OneNote 2007 printer, an 8 year old HP printer and OpenVPN client. All of which are solvable but complicated.

IMO, it is worth putting Ultimate on a laptop, if only for the system backup, Bitlocker and Bitlocker to Go.

BTW, a couple of months ago, Kayak mentioned on this thread that Win 7 Ultimate keys can be bought on Ebay for $25. They are still availible, and so far they still work.

Ok, Opti....but I'm a bit thick...

So I buy the key for either a 64 or 32 bit Windows 7 Ultimate Version Retail License from say, somewhere on Ebay like THIS

As I understand it, what I'm actually buying is a 'Number or Serial Code Key'. This will then allow me to Pass Microsoft Serial Key Genuine Validation.

The key download appears to be one heck of a massive piece of software. It's so big that one needs a special software downloader to handle the download (eg, "BT" (????), "emule", "flashget"). What is this software? Is it actually Windows 7 Ultimate?

Anyhow, I'm a bit confused. You say it can be done. Do you recommend I do it?

I guess I could create a folder and put it in that and then burn it onto a disc and call it Window 7 Ultimate ($25 Ebay version).

Is my question so daft that you would automatically say 'No'?

Hmmm?