How to Use a Monitor with a Computer

Placing and Connecting the Monitor

A Monitor is a block that displays text and graphics sent from a Computer or Advanced Computer. Place the Monitor where players can see it, then place a Computer nearby. Attach a Wired Modem to the Computer and run Networking Cable to a Wired Modem on the Monitor, or use Wireless Modems on both if you want them apart. Open the Computer's Lua prompt and wrap the monitor peripheral to get a handle on it.

Writing to the Screen

Use the monitor handle to clear the screen, set the cursor position, and write text. You can also set the text scale so large displays show fewer, bigger characters. For a status board, write a label on one line and a value on the next, then loop and rewrite the value when it changes. An Advanced Monitor accepts colors, so an Advanced Computer can send colored text and shapes to it. If the Monitor shows nothing, confirm the modem is attached to the correct face and that the peripheral was wrapped after the modem was placed. Keep the program running so the display updates; if you close the program, the Monitor keeps the last frame until something clears it. Use a Monitor for readouts, alerts, and dashboards that other players can read at a glance.