Dual monitors on Ubuntu 8.10

I specified the Ubuntu version because it may change your experience. And for the record, I love this new version so far.

From command line:

1. First backup your xorg.conf file

# sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.back

2. Install Nvidia-glx using the following command 

# sudo apt-get install nvidia-glx

3. Now edit the xorg.conf file as follows

Under the module section, replace “nv” with “glx”. Under the device heading, make sure that Driver says “nvidia”. Under the screen section, add the following line:

Option “RenderAccel” “true”.

4. Save the file and Reload X by hitting Ctrl+Alt+Backspace.

5. If that works fine, open and edit the xorg.conf file, go to the section "Screen" and add the following

# Turn on NVidia’s TwinView
Option “TwinView”
# Set the resolution for both monitors
Option “MetaModes” “1280×1024 1280×1024″

6. Save the file and Reload X by hitting Ctrl+Alt+Backspace.

7. If the orientation is off, add the following under the screen settings

Option “TwinViewOrientation” “LeftOf”

Another way to do this is using: gksudo nvidia-settings

Using the GUI tool:

This has to be the easiest task in the world! Go to Settings -> nvidia settings and do the stuff old fashioned "Windows" way :)