switching 2 monitors on 1 computer

More specifically, I want to be able to switch between viewing a standard 17 inch monitor and a large flat screen TV. They both use vga connections. Currently, when I want to view computer videos on the large TV, I manually unplug the vga cable from the monitor into the computer, and plug in vga cable from the TV. (The computer has a built in video on the motherboard). I have been doing this change with the computer is off because I heard it could damage the video output of the computer if it is left on during such a change.

I wish to use a vga switch. But I would also like to find a way of not having to shut the computer down, changing the cables, then rebooting the computer. Would a regular vga switch allow me to do this? Or will I still be relegated to shutting the computer off for each change? Is there possibly a vga switch available with circuitry in it that would prevent damage to the video output of the computer?

Thanks

 

Hi. I can't help you as I have never tried what you are trying to achieve.
Someone should be along shortly who would be able to assist your further.
I have heard of switch boxes being used.