Abstract: A system and method for enabling a computer user to switch between a higher resolution display and a lower resolution display, or to display simultaneously with both displays, while the operating system is active, the higher resolution display displaying with a higher resolution than the lower resolution display. More particularly, video device drivers are provided with the resolution characteristics of the two displays. The system management BIOS generates an event in response to a user pressing a predetermined keyboard "hot key". The operating system detects the event and broadcasts the event to video device drivers. The video device drivers then adjust the resolution, resize and move an application or applications under execution to properly fit on the display.