What is MaxiVista? 

According to their press release: 

“MaxiVista can turn any spare PC into a second monitor for your primary PC. Connect up to four PCs via network and enjoy giant desktop real estate of up to 7,680x1,600 pixels. MaxiVista additionally allows controlling up to four PCs with one mouse and keyboard. MaxiVista also optionally mirrors the Primary PC’s display contents to another PC. MaxiVista is based only on software. No need to buy graphics cards, monitors or keyboard mouse switches.” 

Sounds impressive! I was approached by Bartels Media, the maker of MaxiVista to review their product. At first, I was hesitant because I have never used this type of software before, but I love software and was curious to see if it really worked as advertised. 

Setup

My setup is a simple home network of 2 PCs connected via a hub with a DSL broadband connection. My PCs are about 6’ apart and while not ideal, I could still see that far to know what I was doing on the second monitor[1].

I downloaded the 1.78MB trial version for the purposes of this review. The trial does have limitations[2], but none that impacted how the software ran on my setup:

• The demo version runs for 14 days after first installation, 50 program launches and no later than December 2005

• The Mirroring feature is not included in the demo. However, if you like the performance of the extended screen, the mirroring function will operate similarly

• Only one Secondary PC and one extended screen will be supported

• The demo includes a splash screen and a demo background window which is of course non-existent in the full versions

The downloaded ‘zip’ file extracts three files: one executable for the main PC, one for the secondary and a readme text file. An installation tutorial video can be found on the same download page: http://www.maxivista.com/download.htm

I first ran the “Primary PC” setup executable program on my XP SP2 Professional box. Install takes literally seconds to perform.  

Then, Internet Explorer opens with a page with further instructions: 

The installation is almost done:

·        Please copy and install the file Maxivista_Setup_SecondaryPC.exe to the PC which you would like to use as the extended display

·        Connect both computers to a network

·        IMPORTANT: If using the Windows XP SP2 firewall, make sure to unblock MaxiVista:

·        Please note that MaxiVista is not compatible to the free version of ZoneAlarm. You may need to disable or uninstall this ZoneAlarm version if you want to use MaxiVista

If the extended MaxiVista display should not be activated please try the following:

·        Activate the Secondary Display by double-clicking the server program icon

·        Reboot the PC to finalize the installation

I now moved to the other PC (XP Home SP2) and ran the “Secondary PC” setup program, which again took seconds. 

Once it was finished and the network connection was recognized, the following page now appeared in IE, replacing the one above: 

MaxiVista is ready to use!

You should see the Primary PC's background picture on the Secondary PC's display. Now, drag a window to the Secondary PC:

Does it not work?

That's an easy one: Windows does not yet know how the monitors are arranged on your desk.

We have opened the Windows Display Properties for you. Now, please move the monitor symbols in this dialog window according to the physical arrangement of the monitors on your desk:

In this example, we changed the location of the Secondary PC from the left to the right. When you now leave the right monitor border of your Primary PC's monitor, Windows knows now that the cursor must appear on the left border of the Secondary PC's display.

Once I changed the order of the displays as suggested above and clicked ‘OK’ MaxiVista was up and running! A small indicator (see red arrow) appears in the Taskbar or, Notification Area. Green indicates that the secondary display is active; yellow indicates it is inactive.

The icon also has a comprehensive list of options for the program as well as for the secondary display, allowing one to change the resolution, disable the screensaver and more:

The secondary display now had my PC’s wallpaper displayed as well as the “MaxiVista Demo Version” graphic. I could now slide windows back & forth with ease. Despite the two monitors having different graphic cards and resolutions, there were no display problems.

To disable the secondary display, simple double-click the Taskbar icon. 

Here’s how it looks on the two displays.

Main (1024X768): 

Secondary (800X600): 

Pretty cool! 

Conclusion 

I can see how this software could make things easier for someone who needs multiple windows open at the same time. Of course, it would be most ideal to have the 2 monitors side by side, of the same size and resolution. It’s also an economical way to use a second PC hanging around your home or office that might be otherwise unused.

MaxiVista is easy to set up and easy to use, and it comes in various versions priced according on how many networked PCs you will need to run it on.

I recommend this software to anyone who needs more Windows desktop space.

http://www.maxivista.com/

Originally posted: May 22, 2005
Updated: December 29, 2005