native resolution

I've heard monitors run best at thair native resolution, especially laptop screens. Is this true(for desktop monitiors and laptop)?

If this is true, how can I find what the native resolution of my montiors are? I have a 21" dell 1626ht(which I think is a rebadged sony) and an 15" advent laptop.

Also, what's the best resolution to run my dell at? I have an fx5900 card. Should I also have the refresh rate as high as it will go? Does it really make a difference?

Only TFT monitors have a native resolution. CRTs can run at just about any resolution.
The 15" laptop should probably be 1024x768. If you are not using a TFTs native resolution it will look blurred to some extent , just try changing it.
Refresh rates for CRTs are best set to 85-100 Hertz but too high can damage your screen.
TFTs I would just leave at the default.

Aye, this only applies to TFT monitors