Sony PCG-K315B Hardware Manual
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P C G - K s e r i e s

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  • Page 1 Hardware Guide P C G - K s e r i e s...
  • Page 2: Read This First

    In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified. Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user licence agreement.
  • Page 3 U.S. registered mark. NERGY Owner's record The serial number, model number and product code are located on the bottom of your Sony computer. Record the numbers and refer to them if you call VAIO-Link. See also the printed Specifications sheet.
  • Page 4: Safety Information

    If reporting a gas leak, do not use the modem or a telephone in the vicinity of the leak. Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm. To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Centre. Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals.
  • Page 5 Audio/video Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation. Connectivity Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm. Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations. Take care when installing or modifying telephone lines.
  • Page 6: Regulatory Information

    Read this first Regulatory information Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive). In case your model is not equipped with Wireless LAN...
  • Page 7 The optical disc drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825- 1. Repair and maintenance only by authorised Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards. In case your model is equipped with Wireless LAN, please read the Wireless LAN Regulations before activating the Wireless LAN functionality.
  • Page 8 Disposing of lithium ion batteries Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life. Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Page 9 Exceptional performance. Portability – The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power. Sony audio and video quality – A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today's advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software. Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs/DVDs.
  • Page 10: Documentation Pack

    Documentation pack Your Documentation Pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer. The user guides are collected under My Documentation, which can be shown as follows: Go to Start and click the My Info Centre icon* From My Home, select your country and language from the drop-down boxes.
  • Page 11: Printed Documentation

    A Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System, where you will find solutions to common problems, an explanation of how to recover your computer's system if you need to, and VAIO-Link information. Your Sony Guarantee conditions; Booklets containing the following information: Safety Regulations, Modem Regulations, Wireless LAN Regulations, Bluetooth Regulations** and Wireless Product Regulations Guide**.
  • Page 12 In My Info Centre you can also find: My Software Feeling creative? Click on this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options. My VAIO essentials Want to expand the capabilities of your VAIO? Click on this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories. My Websites Click on this icon and check out our most popular websites.
  • Page 13: Ergonomic Considerations

    Ergonomic considerations You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments: Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse.
  • Page 14 Welcome Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
  • Page 15: Table Of Contents

    Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer. Connecting a power source (page 16) Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup Shutting down your computer safely Using the keyboard (page 23)
  • Page 16: Connecting A Power Source

    Connecting a power source You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. Using the AC adapter To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows: Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2).
  • Page 17: Using The Battery Pack

    Sony batteries designed for this model. When inserting another kind of battery, the battery may not be charged and the notebook will not function. A tool is installed on your machine that checks if you use a genuine Sony battery designed for this model. When another kind of battery is detected and your notebook: 1.
  • Page 18: Inserting The Battery Pack

    Inserting the battery pack To insert the battery pack, proceed as follows: Open the cover of the battery bay. Insert the battery pack with the label facing up into the battery bay of the computer. Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks. When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.
  • Page 19: Charging The Battery Pack

    Charging the battery pack To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows: Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Insert the battery pack. The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges).
  • Page 20: Removing The Battery Pack

    When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink. Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer. If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.
  • Page 21: Setting Up Your Computer With Sony Notebook Setup

    For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the help file. If you open Sony Notebook Setup as a limited user, then only the About This Computer tab will be visible. Using your VAIO computer...
  • Page 22: Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

    Shutting down your computer safely It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data. To shut down your computer, proceed as follows: Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer. Click the Start button. Click Turn Off Computer.
  • Page 23: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer's, but has additional keys that perform specific notebook-related tasks. For more information on the standard keys, please go to the Windows Help and Support Center. The VAIO-Link website (www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard. Combinations and functions with the <Fn>...
  • Page 24 Some functions are not available until Windows is launched. Indicators Indicator Functions Power 1 Power on: lights green. Standby mode: flashes umber. Battery e Indicates the status of the battery. Wireless LAN Turns on when the Wireless LAN is activated. Turns off when the Wireless LAN is not activated. Memory Stick Pro Turns on when the Memory Stick is in use.
  • Page 25 Troubleshooting keyboard A key top has fallen off If the Enter key, the Caps Lock key, the Ctrl key, the Tab key, the space bar key, or the left Shift key falls off, replace the key top as shown below. If any other key top falls off, place it back into position and push it in from above until it clicks.
  • Page 26 Using your VAIO computer Space bar key, left Shift key If any key top other than the above keys falls off, see the figure below to place it back into position. To replace a key top Hook the catches (1) on the key top onto the screen side corners of the key top support (2), place the key top back into position, and then press it from above (3) until it clicks.
  • Page 27 Troubleshooting sound My speakers are not producing sound The built-in speakers may be turned off. Press <Fn>+<F2> to turn on the speakers. The speaker volume may be turned to the minimum. Press <Fn>+<F4> to increase the volume. If your computer is powered by battery, check that the battery is inserted properly and that it is charged. If you are using an application that has its own volume control, check that the volume is turned up.
  • Page 28: Using The Touchpad

    Using the touchpad The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, your touchpad (1). You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad. Action Description Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer (2) on an item or object. Click Press the left button (3) once.
  • Page 29: Using The Disc Drive

    Using the disc drive Your computer is equipped with a disc drive. See the Specifications sheet for details on your model. To insert a disc, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Press the eject button (1) to open the drive. The tray slides out.
  • Page 30 Reading and writing CDs and DVDs To achieve optimum performance when writing data on to disc (also called "burning"), follow these recommendations: To make the data on a disc readable on an optical drive, you need to close the session when you eject it. To complete this process, follow the instructions included with your software.
  • Page 31: Playing Dvds

    Playing DVDs To achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations. You can play DVDs using the optical drive and the VAIO Zone software. See the help file on the VAIO Zone software for details. Close all open applications before playing a DVD movie. Do not use resident disc utilities or resident utilities to speed up the access of discs, because they may cause the system to become unstable.
  • Page 32 Troubleshooting optical disc drive I cannot switch from LCD display to TV and vice versa If a DVD disc is inserted in the optical drive, remove the disc. My disc drive tray does not open Make sure the computer is turned on and press the eject button on the drive. Click Start, and select My Computer.
  • Page 33 I cannot play a DVD If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player, it could be that the DVD you are trying to play is incompatible with the DVD drive on your computer. The region code is listed on the packaging of the disc. Change the resolution under Control Panel - Display to a lower resolution.
  • Page 34 I cannot play a DVD when using two screens When you use two screens at the same time (LCD and TV / LCD and CRT), the following errors will occur: When you play a DVD with Windows Media Player 9 or VAIO Zone, you can only watch the content on the primary display. You will not have a problem in the following situations: When you use a CRT or an LCD display on its own.
  • Page 35: Using Pc Cards

    Using PC Cards Your computer includes one or two PC Card slots (depending on your model). PC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices. Please see the printed Specifications sheet to see if your computer has one or two PC Card slots. You do not need to shut down your computer when inserting a PC Card.
  • Page 36 If your computer has two PC Card slots, use the lower slot for Type III PC Cards. Some PC Cards may require you to disable idle devices when using the PC Card. You can use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices.
  • Page 37: Removing A Pc Card

    Removing a PC Card Follow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, your system may not work properly. If you want to remove a PC Card when your computer is off, skip steps 1 to 7. To remove a PC Card, proceed as follows: Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system tray.
  • Page 38: My Pc Card Is Not Working

    If you unplug the PC Card from the computer when it is still turned on, your system might crash and you might lose data that you did not save before. Before you remove the PC Card, click the PC Card icon on the taskbar and close the card. Close any applications that use the PC Card before removing the card. Otherwise, data may be lost.
  • Page 39: Using The Memory Stick

    Please see the printed Specifications sheet to see which Memory Stick types are compatible with your VAIO and if there are any limitations. You can purchase Memory Sticks from the Sony Style website (www.sonystyle-europe.com), or from your local Sony dealer. Detailed information about which CLIE handhelds are compatible with which Memory Sticks can be found here: www.clie-link.com.
  • Page 40: Inserting A Memory Stick

    Inserting a Memory Stick There are two ways you can insert a Memory Stick in your computer: Using the Memory Stick slot; Using a PC Card slot. To do this, you need an optional PC Card adapter. You can only insert one Memory Stick at a time. To insert a Memory Stick using the Memory Stick slot, proceed as follows: Once you have stored your data from your digital device, insert the Memory Stick with the arrow facing up and toward the Memory Stick slot.
  • Page 41: Removing A Memory Stick

    Removing a Memory Stick To remove a Memory Stick using the Memory Stick slot, proceed as follows: Check that the access light is off. Push the Memory Stick in towards the computer. The Memory Stick ejects. Pull the Memory Stick out of the slot. Always remove the Memory Stick gently, or it may pop out unexpectedly.
  • Page 42: Using The Modem

    Using the modem Your computer is equipped with an internal modem. You need to connect to a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet, as well as to register your computer and software online, and to contact VAIO-Link. To connect a phone line, proceed as follows: Plug one end of the phone cable (1) into the phone line jack Plug the other end into the wall jack (2).
  • Page 43: Troubleshooting The Modem

    Troubleshooting the modem My modem does not work or cannot establish a connection Check that the phone line is plugged into your computer. Make sure that the modem is the only device connected to your phone line. Check that the phone line is working. You can check the line by plugging in an ordinary phone and listening for a dial tone. Check that the phone number the program is dialling is correct.
  • Page 44 My modem connection is slow Many factors influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment (such as fax machines or other modems). If you think your modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your Internet Service Provider, check the following: Have your phone company check that your phone line is free from any line noise.
  • Page 45: Using Wireless Lan (Wlan)

    (radio) connection. So there is no need anymore to pull cables or wires through walls and ceilings. The Sony WLAN supports all normal Ethernet activities, but with the added benefits of mobility and roaming. You can still access information, internet/intranet and network resources, even in the middle of a meeting, or as you move from one place to another.
  • Page 46 Communicating without Access Point (ad-hoc) An ad-hoc network is a network in which a local network is created only by the wireless devices themselves, with no other central controller or Access Point. Each device communicates directly with other devices in the network. You can set up an ad-hoc network easily at home.
  • Page 47 Select WEP from the Data Encryption drop-down box. Deselect the The key is provided for me automatically option button. Some information becomes visible. 10 Fill in the Network key*. The network key should be 5 or 13 alphanumeric characters or 10 or 26 hexadecimal** characters long. You can choose whatever you want.
  • Page 48: Communicating With An Access Point (Infrastructure)

    Type the Network Key. If you are using the Sony Access Point PCWA-A320, by default, you don't need to enter any encryption key (WEP/WPA). To be able to communicate, you must select the box Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network, even though it is not secure.
  • Page 49 Click Connect. After 30 seconds, the connection is established. For more information about setting up an access point, see the documentation supplied with your Access Point. The WPA key needs to contain at least 8 characters. Using your VAIO computer...
  • Page 50 Using the WiFi protected access (WPA) WPA is a wireless security enhancement that allows you to transfer data in a highly secure way*. To use WPA on your notebook, proceed as follows: Turn on the Wireless LAN switch. Right-click the network icon on the taskbar displaying Wireless Network Connection. Select View available network connections.
  • Page 51 Wireless LAN channel selection In a 802.11b/g configuration, channel 1 to 13 can be used. (a) With an Access Point ("Infrastructure") The channel used will be the channel selected by the Access Point. ATT: For details on how to select the channel that will be used by the Access Point, please refer to the corresponding Instruction Manual.
  • Page 52: Troubleshooting Wireless Lan

    Troubleshooting Wireless LAN I cannot use the Wireless LAN functionality Check if the Wireless LAN switch is turned on. The Wireless LAN Access Point and your computer cannot communicate Check if the Wireless LAN switch is turned on. Check if the power of the Access Point is turned on. Check if the Access Point is displayed in the Available networks window.
  • Page 53 The data transfer speed is slow The maximum communication speed can vary depending on the obstacles or the distance between the communication devices, the radio waves, the operating system or the software you use. Remove the obstacle or make the distance between the Access Point and your machine smaller.
  • Page 54 I cannot use a Wireless LAN network Check if the Wireless Zero Configuration service is active. To check the status of the Wireless Zero Configuration service, proceed as follows: Click Start and then Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears. Click the Performance and Maintenance icon.
  • Page 55: Using Power Saving Modes

    Using power saving modes When you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, you can take advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate.
  • Page 56: Using Hibernate Mode

    If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch off automatically. You will lose any unsaved data. When the computer is in Standby mode, you cannot insert a disc. The computer comes out of Standby mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode. Standby mode uses more power than Hibernate mode.
  • Page 57: Troubleshooting Power Management

    To return to Normal mode, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer by pressing the power button. The computer returns to its previous state. If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch off automatically. If you do not use the AC adapter for a long period of time, put your computer into Hibernate mode.
  • Page 58: Managing Power With Vaio Power Management

    Managing power with VAIO Power Management Power management helps you to set up power schemes of your computer that is running on AC power or batteries to suit your requirements for power consumption. VAIO Power Management is a software application developed exclusively for VAIO computers. With this software application, you can enhance the Windows power management functions to ensure better operations of your computer and for longer battery life.
  • Page 59 Activating VAIO Power Management power schemes VAIO Power Management provides several predefined power schemes. Each power scheme consists of a group of power management settings that are designed to meet specific power management goals, ranging from maximum power management to no power management.
  • Page 60 If you have a mobile CPU (see the printed Specifications sheet), a CPU control icon may appear on the taskbar. The CPU control icon indicates the CPU control status (Performance, Adaptive, Battery Life, Degrade). To make the icon appear, click the Advanced button on the VAIO Power Management tab. Select the Show CPU status icon in the taskbar box and then click OK.
  • Page 61: Vaio Power Management Viewer

    Using your VAIO computer VAIO Power Management Viewer To start VAIO Power Management Viewer, proceed as follows: Click on the VAIO Power Management tab. Alternatively, you can click Start, point to All Programs, Security & Utilities and VAIO Power Management, and then click VAIO Power Management Viewer to start the viewer.
  • Page 62: Connecting Peripheral Devices

    To identify and locate the ports on your computer, please see the printed Specifications sheet. Sony computer supplies, accessories and peripherals can be purchased from your local retailer or from the Sony website: For more information about connection compatibility, go to the VAIO-Link website:...
  • Page 63: Connecting An External Display

    Connecting an external display You can connect an external display to your computer. For example, you can use your computer with a computer display or a projector. Turn off your computer and the peripherals, unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the external display. Connect the power cord after connecting all other cables.
  • Page 64: Connecting A Multimedia Computer Display

    Connecting a multimedia computer display You can connect the computer to a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and a microphone. To connect a multimedia computer display, proceed as follows: Plug the power cord of the multimedia computer display (1) into an AC outlet. Plug the display cable (2) (not supplied) into the monitor/VGA connector (3) a on the computer.
  • Page 65: Connecting A Tv

    Connecting a TV To connect a TV to the computer, proceed as follows: Plug the power cord of the TV (1) into an AC outlet. Plug one end of the audio/video cable (2) (optional) into the AV Out connector (3) (yellow) and the other end into the TV. Switch the input channel of the TV to external input.
  • Page 66 Which cable can I use to connect my VAIO equipped with an Audio/Video port to a TV? You need to use an AV cable which has a minijack connector on one end and 3 RCA (also called cinch) connectors on the other end. For example, the Sony VMC-20FR which is available via direct sales and various retailers. Please note that not all TVs have RCA in, if your TV does not have RCA in, you need an RCA to Scart converter (provided of course that your TV has a Scart in).
  • Page 67: Connecting A Projector

    Connecting a projector To connect a projector, proceed as follows: Connect the power cord (1) of the projector into an AC outlet. Plug the RGB signal cable (2) into the monitor/VGA connector (3) a on the computer. Plug the audio cable (4) (not supplied) into the earphone connector (5) i. Plug the RGB signal cable and the audio cable into the connectors on the projector (6).
  • Page 68: Troubleshooting External Displays

    Connecting peripheral devices Troubleshooting external displays I cannot display contents on two or more displays at the same time You cannot display contents on multiple external displays at the same time. Select one of the external displays.
  • Page 69: Selecting Display Modes

    Selecting display modes When the computer is connected to an external display (desktop monitor, TV, ...), you can select which display is used as the primary monitor. If you want to work on the computer display and the external display at the same time, see Using the Multiple Monitors function (page 70) for more information.
  • Page 70: Using The Multiple Monitors Function

    Using the Multiple Monitors function The Multiple Monitors function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop across separate displays. For example, if you have an external monitor attached to the monitor connector, your LCD display and the monitor can function as a single desktop. You can move the cursor from one display to the other.
  • Page 71 Selecting the Multiple Monitors mode To select the Multiple Monitors mode, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. Click Control Panel. Click Appearance and Themes. Click the Display icon. Select the Settings tab. Click the display marked 2. Select the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor check box.
  • Page 72 Setting the colours and resolution for each display You can set the display colours and resolution for each display that is part of multiple monitors. To set the display colours and resolution for each display, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. Click Control Panel.
  • Page 73 Customizing the multiple monitors You can customize the Multiple Monitors mode by changing the position of the two monitors comprising the multiple monitors. To customize Multiple Monitors mode, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. Click Control Panel. Click Appearance and Themes.
  • Page 74 Deactivating the Multiple Monitors function To deactivate the Multiple Monitors function, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. Click Control Panel. Click Appearance and Themes. Click the Display icon. Click the Settings tab. Click the display 2. Deselect the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor option.
  • Page 75: Connecting External Speakers

    Connecting external speakers You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. To connect external speakers, proceed as follows: Plug the speaker cable (1) into the headphone connector (2). Plug the other end of the speaker cable into the external speaker (3). Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on.
  • Page 76: Connecting An External Microphone

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting an external microphone If you need to use a sound input device, for example to chat on the Internet, you need to plug in an external microphone. To connect an external microphone, proceed as follows: Plug the microphone cable (1) into the microphone connector (2) identified by the m symbol. Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use.
  • Page 77: Connecting A Universal Serial Bus (Usb) Device

    Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device You can connect a USB device (for example, a mouse, floppy disk drive, keyboard, printer) to your computer. USB devices are hot plug and play devices. You do not need to shut down your computer prior to connecting these devices unless the manual supplied with the device states otherwise.
  • Page 78: Connecting A Usb Mouse

    Connecting a USB mouse To connect a USB mouse, proceed as follows: Choose the USB connector (1) you prefer to use. Plug the USB mouse cable (2) into the USB connector. You can use your USB mouse (3). The VAIO USB mouse software driver is preinstalled on your computer, therefore, you only need to plug the USB mouse into the USB connector and you can start working.
  • Page 79: Connecting A Usb Floppy Disk Drive

    Connecting a USB floppy disk drive As an optional extra, you can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer. To connect a USB floppy disk drive, proceed as follows: Choose the USB connector you prefer to use. Plug the USB floppy disk drive cable into the USB connector.
  • Page 80 Inserting a floppy disk To insert a floppy disk, proceed as follows: Hold the disk (1) with the label side facing up. Gently push the disk into the drive (2) until it clicks into place. Connecting peripheral devices...
  • Page 81 Removing a floppy disk To remove a floppy disk, proceed as follows: When you have finished using the floppy disk, wait until the LED indicator (1) turns off and then press the eject button (2) to remove the disk. Before pressing the eject button, make sure that the LED indicator is turned off. If the disk does not come out by pressing the eject button, disconnect the floppy disk drive from the computer.
  • Page 82: Troubleshooting Floppy Disks

    Troubleshooting floppy disks My USB floppy disk drive cannot write to a floppy disk The floppy disk is write-protected. Disable the write-protect feature or use a floppy disk that is not write-protected. Check that the disk is properly inserted into the floppy disk drive. Your disk may be corrupt.
  • Page 83: Connecting A Printer

    Connecting a printer You can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents. Connecting a printer using the USB connector You can connect a USB printer compatible with your version of Windows to your computer. To connect a printer using the USB connector, proceed as follows: Plug the printer power cord into an AC outlet (1).
  • Page 84 Connecting a printer using the printer connector To connect a printer using the printer connector, proceed as follows: Plug the printer power cord (1) into an AC outlet. Plug the printer cable (2) supplied with the printer into the printer connector (3) identified by the Turn off your computer and the printer, unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the printer.
  • Page 85: Connecting An I.link Device

    Connecting an i.LINK device Your computer includes an i.LINK (IEEE1394) connector, which you can use to connect to an i.LINK device such as a digital video camera recorder or to connect two VAIO notebooks in order to copy, delete or edit files. The i.LINK connector of your computer does not supply power to external devices generally powered by i.LINK connectors.
  • Page 86: Connecting A Digital Video Camera Recorder

    Connecting a digital video camera recorder To connect a digital video camera recorder, proceed as follows: Plug one end of the i.LINK cable (1) into the i.LINK connector (2) of the computer and the other end into the DV In/Out connector (3) on the digital video camera recorder.
  • Page 87 On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labelled DV Out, DV In/Out or i.LINK are i.LINK-compatible. The Sony digital video camera recorder is an example; your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently. If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick slot, you can copy images from it to your computer via a Memory Stick. To do so, simply copy images on the Memory Stick, then use a special PC Card adapter to insert it into your computer.
  • Page 88: Connecting Two Vaio Notebooks

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting two VAIO notebooks You can copy, edit or delete files on another VAIO computer to your computer with an optional i.LINK cable. You can also print a document on a printer connected to another VAIO computer.
  • Page 89 Check the connection and then turn on the power again. You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK cables, as using other brands may cause problems with the i.LINK devices.
  • Page 90: Connecting To A Network (Lan)

    Connecting to a network (LAN) You can connect your computer to 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T-type networks* via an Ethernet network cable. For the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to the network, consult your Network Administrator. * Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications sheet for more information. The default settings make your computer able to connect to the network.
  • Page 91 Network and telephone lines cannot be connected to the NETWORK (LAN) connector on your computer. If these connectors are connected to the telephone lines mentioned below, high electric current to the connectors may cause damage, overheating or fire. - Home (intercom speakerphone) or business-use telephone lines (multi-line business telephone); - Network lines such as 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T lines (Depending on your model.
  • Page 92: Upgrading Your Vaio Computer

    Upgrading your VAIO computer Your computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors technology. To avoid the invalidation of your guarantee by mishandling, it is recommended that: You contact your dealer to install a new memory module. You do not install it yourself, if you are not familiar with upgrading memory on a computer.
  • Page 93 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage memory modules and other components. Install the memory module only at an ESD workstation. If such a station is not available, do not work in a carpeted area, and do not handle materials that produce or hold static electricity (cellophane wrappers, for example).
  • Page 94: Removing And Installing A Memory Module

    Removing and installing a memory module To change or add a memory module, proceed as follows: Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. Unplug the computer and remove the battery. Wait until the computer cools down. Turn the computer upside down. Open the cover on the bottom by unscrewing the screw (turn counter-clockwise).
  • Page 95 To remove the memory module, pull the tabs in the direction of the arrows 1. The memory module is released. Pull the memory module in the direction of arrow 2. Remove the new memory module from its packaging. Install the memory module by sliding it into the memory module slot, as shown. Upgrading your VAIO computer...
  • Page 96 10 Press the module into place until it clicks. Please do not touch any other board than the memory modules. If you only place one memory module, please put the module to the slot, as shown in the illustration below. Upgrading your VAIO computer...
  • Page 97: Viewing The Amount Of Memory

    To view the amount of memory, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Go to Sony Notebook Setup via the Start menu. The Sony Notebook Setup dialog box appears. On the About this Computer tab you can view the amount of system memory. If the additional memory does not appear, repeat the whole procedure and restart the computer.
  • Page 98: Getting Help

    Getting help This section describes how to get help and support if something goes wrong with your computer. Sony offers you many support options for your computer. Sony support options Please see Documentation pack (page 10) as further sources of reference.
  • Page 99 Getting help e-Support What is e-Support? You have searched our user guides and website (www.vaio-link.com) but have not found an answer to your question/issue? e-Support is the ideal solution for you! Our e-Support Web Portal is an interactive website on which you can submit any technical query you may have regarding your VAIO and receive answers from our dedicated support team.
  • Page 100 Getting help Can I submit my questions at any time? Yes, you can submit your questions 24/7, but please keep in mind that our e-Support Team can only treat your queries from Monday till Friday between 8am and 6pm. Is there a cost involved for using e-Support? No, this is a complete free of charge service offered to all registered VAIO customers! How do I know when the e-Support Team has handled my query/case? As soon as your case has been dealt with by our e-Support Team, you will receive an email, notifying you that your case has been...
  • Page 101 Precautions This section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage. Please contact VAIO-Link if you need assistance. On handling the hard disk (page 102) On handling the LCD screen (page 103) On using the power source (page 104) On handling your computer (page 105)
  • Page 102: On Handling The Hard Disk

    On handling the hard disk The hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily damaged by mechanical vibration, shock or dust. Although the hard disk has the internal safety device to prevent losing data due to mechanical vibration, shock or dust, you should be careful when handling your computer.
  • Page 103: On Handling The Lcd Screen

    Precautions On handling the LCD screen Do not leave the LCD facing the sun as it can damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a window. Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on it. This could cause a malfunction. Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual image on the screen.
  • Page 104: On Using The Power Source

    Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible. When the AC adapter is not used, unplug it from the AC outlet. Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer or genuine Sony products. Do not use any other AC adapter as it may cause a malfunction.
  • Page 105: On Handling Your Computer

    On handling your computer Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is either dry or 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. Should you drop a solid object or any liquid onto the computer, shut down your computer and then unplug it.
  • Page 106: On Handling Floppy Disks

    Precautions 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 VAIO-Link. Make sure you disconnect the power cord before cleaning the computer.
  • Page 107: On Handling Discs

    Precautions On handling discs Do not touch the surface of the disc. Do not drop or bend the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Always hold the disc by its edges and central hole, as shown: Proper care of the disc is essential to its continuous reliability.
  • Page 108: On Using The Battery Pack

    On using the battery pack Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 60°C (140°F), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight. Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased battery efficiency at low temperatures. Charge the batteries at temperatures between 18°F to 86°F (10°C to 30°C).
  • Page 109: On Handling Memory Sticks

    On handling Memory Sticks Do not touch the Memory Stick connector with your finger or metallic objects. Use only the label supplied with the Memory Stick as a label. Do not bend, drop, or apply strong shock to the Memory Stick. Do not disassemble or modify Memory Sticks.
  • Page 110 Trademarks Trademarks Sony, Battery Checker, Click to DVD, DVgate Plus, HotKey Utility, Keyboard Utility, Memory Stick Formatter, PictureGear Studio, Prepare your VAIO, SonicStage, SonicStage Mastering Studio, Sony Notebook Setup, VAIO Edit Components, VAIO Launcher, VAIO Media, VAIO Power Management, VAIO Power Management Viewer, VAIO System Information, VAIO Zone, Memory Stick, the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
  • Page 111 Trademarks All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified. Specifications are subject to change without notice. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Please see the printed Specifications sheet to see what software is available for your model.

This manual is also suitable for:

Pcg-k315mPcg-k315sPcg-k315zVaio pcg-k series

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