First off..

You want high resolution, when using your 17" monitor, at least 1024x768, and not the standard "looser" 800x600.
Where to start?

I tried to "Google" the question "debian linux howto" and got a list of what claimed to be the knowledge I wanted (it's always like that with Google). Searching the list, I found the Single list of howto's and thats what I want, Yeah!.... A *single* page nothing less, nothing more!
...and my problems started. Where do I go from here? what am I actually looking for? 'Monitor', 'gui', 'video', 'graphics' 'hardware' WHAAT!?

Ahemm, I feel that I need to tell you that I have some knowledge of the linux world, allthough I'm a Windoze nerd. That's why I knew to look for X windows.

I found something that looked like the thing I was looking for. The complete HOWTO XWindow guide, and that gave me an idea of what to do..

Found the file "/etc/X11/XF86Config" and with my VI skills, managed to edit the line where it states both "800x600" and "640x480", insert'd "1024x768" in front, and did a restart, woohoo!
It worked...