Sony personal computer user guide vgn-tx600 series (177 pages)
Summary of Contents for Sony VGN-X505ZP VAIO
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Go to the Sony Computing Support hardware specifications and preinstalled software information. For Sony software information, click Start and select Welcome to VAIO life. computer, and welcome to the online VAIO ® Web site to view the VAIO Computer Specifications, which list your computer's ®...
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Ergonomics and Caring for Your Computer This section provides information on how to safely use your Sony computer. Page 2...
Applying Ergonomics Your computer is a portable device and can be used in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should apply the following ergonomic considerations: Position of your computer — Place the computer directly in front of you as you work. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external mouse.
If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may condense inside your computer. In this case, allow at least one hour before turning on your computer. If any problems occur, unplug your computer, and contact your Sony Service Center. ...
Using Cables and Connections Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables. Do not use cut or damaged connection cables. If the telephone company makes a service call to your home or office and determines that your computer is responsible for a problem, the telephone company may bill you for the service call.
Cleaning Your Computer Clean the computer with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent such as alcohol or benzine, as these may damage the finish of your computer.
Handling the LCD Screen Direct sunlight can damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a window. Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on it. This can cause a malfunction. Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual image on the screen. This is not a malfunction.
Caution Notes Your computer is a high-precision machine with unique characteristics. Although it is manufactured to withstand a lot of various stress factors, great care must also be taken in how it is handled and operated. For general safety guidelines, see Ergonomics and Caring for Your Computer.
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Sensitive areas Temperature notes Take care when touching the upper panel, above the keyboard. This area may become hot during computer operations. High tem peratures The computer may become hot during use; this is normal, and not an indication of a malfunction. You can attempt to cool down the computer by doing the following: ...
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Sensitive areas Temperature notes Take care when touching the upper panel, above the keyboard. This area may become hot during computer operations. High tem peratures The computer may become hot during use; this is normal, and not an indication of a malfunction. You can attempt to cool down the computer by doing the following: ...
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Magnetism notes Do not expose your computer to magnetic sources, as internal components such as the hard disk drive may be damaged. If exposed to magnetism, information stored on the hard disk drive may be lost, and other internal components may be damaged as well.
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Weight pressure notes Do not put any pressure on the computer or place any heavy objects, such as books or other items, on top of the computer. If the computer is subjected to heavy pressure from objects or mishandling, internal components may become damaged. Pressure sensitiv ity Page 12...
Holding your computer When moving your computer, always hold it securely with both hands. Holding the com puter Page 13...
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Before transporting the computer When preparing to transport your computer, place the computer into the supplied carrying case. Using the carrying case This carrying case is intended to protect your computer from scratches, and will not protect it from shock-related malfunctions.
Locating Controls and Ports The following illustrations show locations for controls and ports on your computer. Front 1 Keyboard 2 Pointing device 3 Left, center, and right buttons 4 Power indicator 10 Built-in speaker 5 Battery indicator 11 Upper panel 6 Hard disk drive indicator 12 Computer screen (LCD) Left...
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DC In port i.LINK Multipurpose port for VGA/Ethernet adapter USB 2.0 ports Only connect 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX cables to the other type of network cable or any telephone line to this port. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an electric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port.
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PC Card eject button PC Card slot Power switch Bottom Model number Battery release latches Headphone jack Page 17...
Using the Pointing Device The pointing device on the keyboard enables you to point to, select, drag, and scroll for, objects on the screen. Page 18...
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Describing the pointing device Locating the Pointing Dev ice Action Description Point Press the pointing device in any direction to move the on-screen pointer toward an on-screen item or object. Click Press the left button once. Double-click Press the left button twice. Right-click Press the right button once.
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Replacing the pointing device cover Over time, the pointing device cover may wear out from extensive use. You can take off the pointing device cover and replace it with the spare cover supplied with your computer. Replacing the Pointing Device Cov er Make sure the cover is tightly secured to prevent damage to the screen when you close the computer.
Powering Your Computer Your VAIO computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these supplied ® accessories to power your computer. It also describes ways you can efficiently utilize the battery as a power source. Page 21...
Using AC Power The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as the power source. While the computer uses AC power, it automatically charges the battery if it is inserted. Using the Battery for more information on installing and using your battery.
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Connecting the AC adapter To connect the AC adapter Plug the AC adapter cable into the DC IN port. Connecting the AC Adapter to the Com puter Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet. Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer. Page 23...
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Turning on the computer To turn on the computer Lift the lid of the computer by holding the bottom of the computer firmly with one hand and lifting the LCD screen lid gently with the other hand. Opening the Com puter Press the power switch until the power indicator turns on.
Using the Battery Your computer is equipped with a battery that enables you to work without AC power for some time. For information on how to extend the life of the battery, see When operating your computer on battery power, your computer's CPU speed is reduced. The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
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Inserting a battery To insert a battery Turn the computer over. Align the grooves on the battery with the tabs on the back of the computer. Inserting a Battery Slide the battery into the computer toward the connector pins until the battery clicks into place. Some programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from automatically entering Hibernate mode.
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Removing a battery If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damaging the battery. To remove a battery Turn the computer over, and locate the release latches on the bottom of the battery. Slide the battery release latches in, toward each other and to the middle of the battery.
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Locating battery information You can display information for the battery installed in your computer. To view battery information Click Start on the Windows ® Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears. Select the Power Meter tab. The total remaining battery charge is listed as a percentage. You may also use the power icon on the Windows power icon on the taskbar for instructions on how to set up this shortcut.
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Charging a battery You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a long time. The lithium-ion battery supplied with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you wait until the battery is completely or partially discharged.
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Notes on batteries Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun. While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern. ...
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Frequently asked questions How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see When is the computer using AC power? When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed. When should I recharge the battery? ...
Conserving Battery Power You may use the power saving modes and power schemes to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power may significantly extend your computing time, depending on how you use your computer. Page 32...
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Using power saving modes In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices to save power, your computer has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. Use the Standby and Hibernate power saving modes to override a power profile setting and initiate immediate action.
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Using power schemes You can use the preset power schemes or you can customize the power profiles to conserve power. By using the power schemes and power profiles, you control the power supplied to different devices, such as the computer screen (LCD) and the hard disk drive, in your computer.
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For information about VAIO Power Management, click the Help button located toward the bottom of the VAIO Power Management tab. Alternately, click Start, select All Programs, then select VAIO Power Management, and click VAIO Power Management Help. The Help for VAIO Power Management file appears. To set your battery alarm You can change your computer settings to notify you when the battery power reaches a certain level.
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Locating power status information Displaying the power status provides useful information, such as remaining battery life. To view the Power Meter window Double-click the Power icon. The Power Meter window appears. You can also rollover the Power icon to view the remaining battery charge.
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Frequently asked questions Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power? Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery power, but some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently to avoid losing data.
Using PC Cards Your computer includes one or more PC Card slots. A PC Card enables you to connect devices such as an optical drive, floppy disk drive, or Network Interface Card (NIC). See your VAIO Computer Specifications for the type of PC Card that is compatible with your computer. These slots are ®...
Inserting PC Cards Some PC Cards may require you to disable idle devices when using the PC Card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disable these devices. Page 39...
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Click Start on the Windows taskbar, and then click All Programs. Point to Sony Notebook Setup, and click Sony Notebook Setup. The Sony Notebook Setup dialog box appears. Click the Device tab. If any devices need to be disabled, follow the instructions on the tab and click Apply.
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To insert a PC Card If there is a slot protector present in the PC Card slot, remove the protector. Make sure the front label of the PC Card is facing up. Push the PC Card gently into the slot. The system automatically detects the PC Card. Do not force a PC Card into the slot;...
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To Use a Memory Card Adapter Depending on the computer model you purchased, a Memory Card Adapter may be included. A Memory Card Adapter enables you to read and write to a variety of compatible memory cards via your computer's PC Card slot. By inserting one of the compatible memory cards into the Memory Card Adapter, you can read or write data to the card.
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Removing PC Cards You can remove a PC Card while the computer is on or off. PC Cards draw power from the computer when they are inserted into the PC Card slot, whether or not you use the card. If you are not using your PC Card and you are using a battery as a power source, remove the PC Card from the PC Card slot to conserve battery power.
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The PC Card drive enables you to read data stored on an optical disc drive (CD). Your computer may come with an external PC Card drive, depending on the model you purchased. If you wish to purchase a PC Card drive, shop Sony online at http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio...
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See the instructions that accompanied your PC Card. You may need to install driver software if you are not using a Sony PC Card. Why doesn't my computer recognize attached devices? For some PC Cards, if you alternate between normal power operation and the Standby or Hibernate modes while the card is inserted into the PC Card slot, the computer may not recognize the PC Card or the connected device.
Using Memory Stick Media This compact, portable, and versatile recording medium has a data capacity exceeding that of a floppy disk. Memory Stick ® media is specially designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products. Because it is removable, the media can be used for external data storage.
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Before using Memory Stick media Your VAIO computer is not equipped with a Memory Stick slot to accept Memory Stick media directly, but is instead ® ® ® supplied with a Memory Card Adapter that in turn accepts Memory Stick media.
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MG Memory Stick media to store and transfer any data created with SonicStage or OpenMG software. Visit the Sony Computing Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport regularly for the latest information on the new Memory Stick PRO media.
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Inserting a Memory Card Adapter Depending on the computer model you purchased, a Memory Card Adapter may be included. A Memory Card Adapter enables you to read and write to a variety of compatible memory cards via your computer's PC Card slot, including Memory Stick media.
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Inserting Memory Stick media The media slot accommodates only one Memory Stick media at a time. To insert Memory Stick media Insert the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing up and toward the Memory Stick media slot. Inserting the media in the wrong direction may damage the connector pins. Carefully slide the Memory Stick media into the slot until it clicks in place.
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Depending on the model you purchased, the Sony Memory Stick window may appear when you insert a Memory Stick media. From this window, you can choose to view, print, copy or organize your Memory Stick images or data. If the Sony...
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Write-protecting Memory Stick media Memory Stick media is designed with a write-protect tab to protect data from accidental erasure or overwriting. Move the ® tab to the right or left to set or release write-protection. When the write-protect tab of the Memory Stick media is set to LOCK, data cannot be recorded or erased.
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Formatting Memory Stick media Memory Stick media is formatted for immediate use when you purchase it. If you need to reformat Memory Stick media, ® follow the instructions below. Formatting Memory Stick media erases all data, including music data, previously saved to it. Before you reformat Memory Stick media, confirm that the media does not contain files you want to keep.
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Removing Memory Stick media To remove Memory Stick media Wait a minimum of 10 seconds after the Memory Stick media finishes reading or writing data before removing the Memory Card Adapter. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon appears. Click to select the Memory Card Adapter in the Hardware devices window, if it is not already selected. Click Stop.
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Frequently asked questions Why can't I save music files onto my Memory Stick media? The Memory Card Adapter does not support MagicGate Can I copy images from a digital video camera using Memory Stick media? Yes, and you can view video clips that you have recorded with Memory Stick media-compatible video camera recorders. How do I prevent damage to the Memory Stick media? ...
N K is a trademark of Sony us ed to des ignate that a produc t c ontains an I E E E 1 3 9 4 c onnec tor. T he i.LI...
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Connecting an i.LINK optical disc drive You can connect an i.LINK optical disc drive when the computer is on or off. Connecting the disc drive when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. Before you connect an i.LINK optical disc drive ...
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Disconnecting the i.LINK optical disc drive You can disconnect the optical disc drive while the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the i.LINK cable from the i.LINK port on the computer. Disconnecting the cable when the computer is in a power saving mode may cause the computer to malfunction.
Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs Your computer is not equipped with an internal, or built-in, optical disc drive. In order to use any CDs or DVDs, you must connect an external optical disc drive (supplied with selected models only). Avoid using adhesive labels to identify your CDs or DVDs.
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If the Eject button does not work, turn off the computer and insert a thin, straight object (such as a paper clip) into the manual eject hole next to the Eject button. Lift the disc from the drive. Push the drive tray gently to close it. Page 60...
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Copying and Playing CDs and DVDs Depending on the model you purchased, your computer may be supplied with an external optical disc drive that plays (and/or records) CDs and DVDs. Check your specifications for the type of optical drive that may have been supplied with your computer and use the table below to see which types of media the optical drive supports.
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Playing CDs Before you play an audio CD, you may need to enable your computer's audio feature. To enable the audio feature Click Start on the Windows ® The System Properties dialog box appears. As a shortcut, you can press Fn + the Windows key Select the Hardware tab, and in the Device Manager box, click Device Manager.
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O ptic al drive types vary, depending on the model you purc has ed. Page 63...
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Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R You can copy files to CD-R or CD-RW discs if your VAIO DVD-RW drive. Before you write data to a CD-RW or CD-R disc, read the following notes to avoid a computer malfunction and ensure the best writing results: ...
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Do not strike or move the computer or external optical disc drive while writing data to a disc. T he read/write drive letter des ignation may vary, depending on your s ys tem's hardware c onfiguration. Page 65...
Playing DVDs You can play DVDs in a connected optical drive and view the video on the computer screen. Page 66...
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Playing DVDs on your computer Depending on the model you purchased, your computer may be supplied with an optical drive that enables you to watch DVDs and most DVD-R discs on your computer. You must connect a compatible optical drive before using any DVD functionality.
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Frequently asked questions How do I maintain CDs and DVDs? Avoid touching the surface of the disc with your fingers. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of the disc may cause reading errors. Try using canned compressed air to clean dusty discs. ...
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between the speakers and the computer. If you are using battery-powered external speakers, make sure the batteries are correctly inserted. Make sure the CD audio feature is enabled and the correct driver software is installed. Follow these steps: Click Start on the Windows System.
Mice and Keyboards Using the Keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter's, but your computer keyboard has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks. Key descriptions Combinations and functions with the Windows key Indicator Lights ...
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Key descriptions Description Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations, such as addition and subtraction. Numbers appear on the front beveled edge of the numeric keys.
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(Ctrl, Alt, Shift keys) Several keys are always used with at least one other key: Ctrl, Alt, and Shift. When held down with another key, the Ctrl (Control) and Alt (Alternate) keys offer another way to give commands. For example, in many programs, instead of choosing the Save command from a menu, you can hold down Ctrl and press S (referred to as Ctrl+S ).
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Combinations and functions with the Windows key Combination Function Displays the VAIO Help and Support Center window. +Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays the desktop. Displays the Windows Explorer window. Displays the Search Results window, where you can find a file or folder. This is the equivalent of selecting Search from the Start menu.
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Indicator Lights Indicator Function Power Turns on when the power to the computer is on, blinks in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off. Battery Turns on when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery is running out of power, double-blinks when the battery is charging.
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Combinations and functions with the Fn key Feature Function Fn+F3 Toggles the built-in speakers off and on. Fn+F4 Adjusts the built-in speaker volume. An on-screen display appears notifying you when a change occurs. To increase volume, press Fn+F4 and then press To decrease volume, press Fn+F4 and then press Fn+F5 Adjusts the brightness of the computer screen (LCD).
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Connecting External Mice and Keyboards Your computer is compatible with many popular mice and keyboards. To function properly, the device you connect must be compatible with the Microsoft Windows ® computer's built-in keyboard and key functions, see Connecting a mouse or keyboard ...
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Connecting a mouse or keyboard Your computer can be on or off when connecting a universal serial bus (USB) mouse or keyboard. If you connect the mouse or keyboard when the computer is on, you may need to restart the computer for it to recognize the device. See asked questions for more information.
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Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard You can disconnect a USB mouse or keyboard when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting the mouse or keyboard when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. To disconnect a mouse or keyboard ...
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Frequently asked questions What do I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the port. See Restart the computer with the mouse connected to the computer. What do I do if the pointer doesn't move when I use the mouse? ...
N K is a trademark of Sony us ed to des ignate that a produc t c ontains an I E E E 1 3 9 4 c onnec tor. T he i.LI...
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Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder You can connect an i.LINK digital video (DV) recorder when the computer is on or off. Connecting the DV recorder when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. Before you connect an i.LINK digital video recorder ...
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Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder You can disconnect the digital video recorder while the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the i.LINK cable from the i.LINK port on the computer. Disconnecting the cable when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction.
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Using a digital video camera recorder Your computer comes with preinstalled driver software that is compatible with most Sony digital video camera recorders. If you purchased a camera that comes with its own driver software, install these drivers before you use the camera.
Using Computer Monitors and Projectors You can connect an external display (such as a computer monitor or a projector) to your computer. Page 85...
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Connecting a computer monitor Your computer can display images to the computer screen (LCD), to an external computer monitor, or to both the LCD and external monitor while your computer is on. To connect a computer monitor Make sure the computer monitor is plugged into an AC outlet. Plug the VGA/Ethernet adapter into the multipurpose port on the computer.
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Connecting a projector You can use a projector to display the actions and images from the computer screen (LCD). To connect a projector Plug the projector into an AC outlet. Plug the VGA/Ethernet adapter into the multipurpose port on the computer. (See more information.) Plug the display cable into the Monitor (VGA) port Connecting a Projector...
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Selecting a display You can connect external displays to your computer while it is on. When you connect an external display (projector or computer monitor) to your computer, you can switch the display between the computer screen (LCD), the external display, or both, using shortcut keys or the Display Properties settings.
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Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector You can disconnect the external computer monitor or projector by unplugging the monitor (VGA) cable adapter from your computer's port. Disconnecting the external display when the computer is in a power saving mode may cause the computer to malfunction.
Your computer comes with built-in speakers. If you wish to enhance the sound quality of your computer, you can purchase and connect external speakers, or you can purchase and connect headphones for sound privacy. If you want to purchase speakers, make sure the speakers are designed for computer use. You can shop Sony online at http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio or contact your local retailer.
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Connecting speakers or headphones You can connect either external speakers or headphones to your computer. Do not place floppy disks on speakers. The speakers' magnetic field may damage the data stored on the floppy disks. To connect speakers to your computer Turn down the volume of the speakers.
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Disconnecting speakers You can disconnect external speakers when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the speaker cable from the Headphone jack on the computer. Page 92...
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Adjusting the volume To adjust the volume for playing CDs and DVDs, use the Volume icon for playing CDs or DVDs does not adjust the volume for recording sound files. To adjust the volume of your speakers Right-click the Volume icon window appears.
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Enabling the audio feature If you do not hear sound when playing a CD or DVD, you may need to enable the audio feature. To enable the audio feature Click Start on the Windows ® Click Performance and Maintenance, and click System. The System Properties window appears. Select the Hardware tab, and click Device Manager.
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Frequently asked questions Why won't my speakers work? Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough to hear sound. Your speakers may not be designed for computer use. If the speakers have a mute button, set the button to off. ...
Printer Connections Printing With Your Computer Your computer is compatible with many popular printers. However, to ensure the best performance, printers must be compatible with the Microsoft Windows operating system installed on your computer. ® ® Page 96...
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Connecting a printer You can easily connect a printer to your computer or port replicator (if applicable). The New Hardware Wizard enables you to easily install the printer software, but some printers require separate driver software installation. See the instructions that accompanied your printer for more information.
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Disconnecting a printer You can disconnect the printer cable when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting a printer when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. To disconnect a printer Make sure all printing jobs are completed.
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Frequently asked questions Why can't I print a document? Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports on your printer and computer. Connecting a printer for more information. Make sure the printer is compatible with the Microsoft ...
Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet service provider (ISP) or setting up an existing account. When you connect to the Internet, you can register your VAIO computer, use online ® services, and gain access to Sony Computing Support. Page 100...
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Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps. To connect an Ethernet cable Locate the multipurpose port on your computer. See Plug the VGA/Ethernet adapter into the multipurpose port. Connecting an Ethernet Cable Plug one end of the Ethernet cable (not supplied) into the VGA/Ethernet adapter's Ethernet port other end of the cable into the network connection.
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Click Next. If the Location Information dialog box appears, follow the on-screen instructions. If it is not already selected, click to select Connect to the Internet, and click Next. Follow the on-screen instructions. Page 102...
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Customizing your Internet connection The Internet Properties dialog box enables you to change the way you view the Internet. You can change your home page, fonts, language, and colors. You can also regulate content and set browsing preferences. To open the Internet Properties dialog box Click Start on the Windows ®...
Network Connections With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks. The New Connection Wizard and Network Setup Wizard make it easy to gain access to networks (LANs) using wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up connections.
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Using Ethernet connections For setting up local area networks (LANs), Ethernet is a widely installed technology. Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps. To connect to a local area network using an Ethernet cable Locate the multipurpose port on your computer.
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Click Next. If you are prompted to the Local Information dialog box, follow the on-screen instructions. Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port of network cable or any telephone cable. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an electric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port.
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To connect to a wireless LAN, your computer requires the use of a Wireless LAN PC Card that allows for wireless connections. You can opt to purchase a Sony Wireless LAN Access Point to set up a LAN. The wireless LAN access point is designed for building a wireless LAN environment. Because a wireless LAN configuration requires no wiring, you can operate multiple computers more freely than ever before.
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About Wireless Panel The Wireless Panel software displays the communication status of various Wireless LAN PC Cards, including the PCWA-C800S/B (hereafter referred to as "Wireless LAN PC Card"). Normally, it runs in the background. Page 108...
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To start Wireless Panel Click Start, select All Programs, and select Wireless LAN. Click Wireless Panel. The Wireless Panel dialog box opens. Various icons appear in the Windows taskbar, depending on the status of the Wireless LAN connection. Right-clicking on the icons bring up menu options, including the main Wireless Panel dialog box and a Help for Wireless Panel file.
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To open Wireless Panel Help file Right-click the Wireless Panel icon (it may appear as click Help. The Help for Wireless Panel support file appears. The Help for Wireless Panel file contains detailed information on the following topics: Introduction to Wireless Panel ...
To connect to a wireless network Turn on the computer, if it is not already on. Insert a Wireless LAN PC Card, such as the supplied PCWA-C800S/B card, into the PC Card slot. (This card enables you to use the 802.11a wireless band, or 802.11b/g band.) Inserting a PC Card Click Start, select All Programs, select Wireless LAN, and click Wireless Panel.
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Click the Wireless Networks tab. Select a network name (SSID) from the Available networks list, and click Configure. If your access point does not appear in the list, check your access point settings or consult your network administrator and try again. 10.
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more information. If available, make sure the Data encryption (WEP enabled) check box is selected. If the Data encryption (WEP enabled) check box is not available: Select an authentication method from the Network Authentication menu. Select a data encryption method from the Data Encryption menu. Click to cancel the The key is provided for me automatically check box.
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Click the Wireless Networks tab. Click Add in the bottom panel under Preferred networks. The Wireless network properties dialog box appears. Wireless Network Properties Type the name of the network you want to connect to in the Network name (SSID) box. If available, make sure the Data encryption (WEP enabled) check box is selected.
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14. Click Advanced. The Advanced dialog box appears. Adv anced 15. Click to select Computer-to-computer {ad hoc} networks only, and then click Close. 16. Click OK. To disconnect from a wireless network Go to the Wireless Panel dialog box and select the Status tab. In the Wireless ON/OFF portion, click either the 802.11b/g or 802.11a button, or both, to turn off the wireless functionality.
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Gently pull the card out of the slot. Removing PC Cards for more information. Turning off the wireless LAN functionality while accessing remote documents, files, or resources may result in data loss. To switch from a computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network to an access point network Click Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.
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Checking your network connection status Whether you have a wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up connection, you can check the status of that connection. To check your network connection status Click Start on the taskbar, and double-click Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, and Network Connections.
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Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN access point channels may be preset to different channels from Sony devices. If you are using a wireless LAN access point, refer to connectivity information contained in your access point instructions.
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You can either change the encryption key back to the original profile or restart both computers. Page 119...
Power button to turn on the computer. Condensation may cause the computer to malfunction. If this occurs, do not use the computer for at least one hour. For further instructions, contact Sony Computing Support (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport). Page 120...
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Select Ok, and press Enter. The computer restarts. If this occurs on a regular basis, contact Sony Computing Support (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport). to select System Time, and then set the time (hour: minute: second). Press to select the Exit tab, and then press the Down Arrow key...
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Turn off the computer. Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer. Restart the computer. Press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS Setup window appears. Press the Right Arrow key Press the Down Arrow key values. appears.
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What do I do if my computer stops responding? It is best to turn off your computer using the Turn Off Computer option on the Microsoft the taskbar. Using other methods, including those listed below, may result in loss of unsaved data. ...
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Why won't my computer enter Standby or Hibernate mode? Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed before the computer completely enters Standby or Hibernate. To restore the computer to normal operating stability: Close all open programs. Restart the computer.
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Why does the System Properties dialog box display a slower CPU speed than the maximum? This is normal. Because your computer's CPU utilizes a type of CPU speed controlling technology for power conservation purposes, System Properties may display the CPU's current speed instead of the maximum speed. Page 125...
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Why don't my changes appear on the computer screen (LCD)? You may need to refresh the computer screen. Press and hold the Windows key , and press D twice. Page 126...
System Security How can I protect my system against security threats, such as viruses? The Microsoft Windows operating system is preinstalled on your computer. The best way to protect your computer against ® ® security threats, such as viruses, is to download and install the latest Windows updates regularly. You can get important Windows updates by doing one of the following: ...
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Using the ICF feature may interrupt the file and print sharing features for preinstalled networking software programs, such as VAIO Media software. As an alternative, Sony suggests installing a router as a hardware-based firewall solution. A router box protects your computer and allows your network to run without interruption.
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How do I keep my preinstalled antivirus software updated? You can keep the preinstalled Norton Internet Security Corporation. To download and install the latest security update Double-click the Norton Internet Security icon If you have not previously registered the antivirus software, a series of information wizards appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete each wizard Double-click the Norton Internet Security icon again.
Support Options The section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your VAIO computer and the preinstalled ® software. Page 130...
Sony Computing Support This service provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. Type a description of the problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online. You can visit Sony Computing Support at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. VAIO Update When your computer is connected to the Internet, VAIO Update automatically notifies you when critical software and security information is posted on the support Web site.
Telephone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) CLIÉ Converter Sony Electronics Inc. CLIÉ Converter software is a plug-in program that converts Giga Pocket playback on your Sony CLIÉ handheld. After converting your Video Capsules, you can use CLIÉ Converter software to ® ® transfer them to Memory Stick media or to save them to your hard disk drive for transfer to your CLIÉ...
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888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder ® Sony Electronics Inc. Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder is a unique set of hardware and software components that provide you with excellent ® TV viewing, recording, and playback experiences. You can watch and record your favorite TV programs from your computer, create custom playlists, and play your Video Capsules on other compatible computers.
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VAIO Product Registration is an integrated registration program for both Sony Electronics and Microsoft Corporation. By registering with Sony, you enable Sony to notify you of software and hardware issues that may affect your user experience. Microsoft directs the data to Sony Electronics. Sony uses the registration data for warranty and product support purposes and the analysis of customer feedback on Sony computer features.
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Telephone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) WinDVD for VAIO ® ® InterVideo, Inc. Web site http://www.intervideo.com/jsp/Support.jsp Telephone 510-651-0888 Premiere software that provides maximum compatibility and video ® ® computer up to date by regularly checking the Sony Online Support Web ® Page 135...
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