Slave a computer screen display through USB port

iamthenullhypth

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Jul 26, 2013
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10,510
I usually slave my university computer displays by hooking up a vga cable from my laptop to the screen, but recently the uni has upgraded their PCs and the vga ports are hidden behind a locked port cover.

The only ports available are USB ports (on a Dell Optiplex 9010). Is there a way to slave these computer displays through the USB port rather than their vga port?

Cheers.
 
Solution
You probably couldn't plug it in even if you had access to the ports; they seem to be output only.

You might be able to run a screen sharing thing, but that's slow and laggy.

I'd suggest asking the tech people if they can stick an old screen on your desk - depending on how nice a student you are (and how little trouble you cause), they might say yes.

iamthenullhypth

Honorable
Jul 26, 2013
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10,510


I don't believe it has a DVI port unfortunately. It's the optiplex 9010 all in one touch.
 
Nope, many AIOs don't have display inputs on them. Go scream at the procurement person in your IT department; AIOs are usually a slower option anyway, unless touch is absolutely essential.

I'm still trying to find out if the VGA port is an input or output. Can you get to the ports on the back?
 

iamthenullhypth

Honorable
Jul 26, 2013
3
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10,510



I assume touch isn't essential as they have disabled touch (unless I enable it manually) and have installed Win 7 . . .

I can't get to the ports at the back, they have a plastic cover over it and I'm rather concerned I'll break the thing trying to remove it. I could probably slave it otherwise.

This is unfortunate.
 
You probably couldn't plug it in even if you had access to the ports; they seem to be output only.

You might be able to run a screen sharing thing, but that's slow and laggy.

I'd suggest asking the tech people if they can stick an old screen on your desk - depending on how nice a student you are (and how little trouble you cause), they might say yes.
 
Solution