Not always monitors were connected to computers via VGA and DVI interfaces. Previously, MDA, Hercules, CGA and EGA standards were widely used. If desired, such a monitor can be connected to a computer with a Pentium III or lower processor.
Instructions
Step 1
Make sure your computer motherboard has at least one ISA slot. Video cards of the MDA, Hercules, CGA and EGA standards with other interfaces were not produced.
Step 2
Find out which standard is supported by your monitor. Despite the fact that they are all connected in the same way (via a DB-9 connector), there are differences in the pinout and video signal parameters. the monitor of MDA standard when working with a Hercules card may lose synchronization in some modes. A monitor of CGA standard when working with an EGA card will strongly distort colors (it does not have additional inputs for supplying separate information about the intensity of colors), and even then only in those modes in which it can synchronize. Operating in a mode in which there is no sync can damage the monitor.
Step 3
Purchase a graphics card that is strictly the same standard as your monitor. They are no longer produced - you will have to use the services of flea markets, markets, online auctions and message boards. Get ready for inflated prices - there are just very few such cards left in comparison with the usual VGA adapters.
Step 4
Disconnect your computer. Remove the regular video card from it (keep it), and replace it with the card of the MDA, Hercules, CGA or EGA standard you purchased. Use the ISA slot to install it. Also, install another hard drive in the machine, and temporarily disable the existing one so that the data on it remains intact.
Step 5
Connect the monitor to the video card. Go to the CMOS Setup mode and in the Standard CMOS Features section select the type of the installed card.
Step 6
Install the Linux or DOS operating system on the newly installed hard disk. In the first of them, you can work with such a video card only in text mode. Remember also that in both DOS and Linux you can only load the CG into the EGA card.
Step 7
If you still want to use graphical mode on a Hercules card or EGA card in Linux, install the following software:
zdeeck.borg.cz/linuxhw/hercules.phtml
www.pps.jussieu.fr/~jch/software/kdrive.html
Step 8
To start using a regular video card again, with the machine turned off, remove the old standard card and install a regular one, and also disconnect the newly added hard drive and connect the main one.
