Sony PCG31211L User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCYB Series

Contents

Before Use..........................................................................4

Finding More about Your VAIO Computer.................... 5

Ergonomic Considerations............................................8

Getting Started..................................................................10

Locating Controls and Ports........................................11

About the Indicator Lights ...........................................13

Connecting a Power Source.......................................14

Using the Battery Pack................................................ 16

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................23

Using the Power Saving Modes.................................. 24

Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition..........27

Using Your VAIO Computer..............................................30

Using the Keyboard..................................................... 31

Using the Touch Pad................................................... 33

Using the Special-function Button...............................34

Using the Built-in Camera...........................................35

Using "Memory Stick"..................................................36

Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................42

Using the Internet........................................................46

Using the Network (LAN) ............................................47

Using the Wireless LAN ..............................................48

Using the Bluetooth Function...................................... 53

Using Peripheral Devices..................................................58

Connecting an Optical Disc Drive................................59

Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........61

Connecting an External Display ..................................62

Selecting Display Modes .............................................67

Connecting an External Microphone ...........................68

Connecting a USB Device ...........................................69

Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................71

Setting the Password...................................................72

Using Intel(R) VT.........................................................79

Using the VAIO Control Center ...................................80

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer.......................................81

Adding and Removing Memory...................................82

Precautions.......................................................................88

Safety Information.......................................................89

Care and Maintenance Information.............................91

Handling Your Computer.............................................92

Handling the LCD Screen ...........................................94

Using the Power Source .............................................95

Handling the Built-in Camera......................................96

Handling Discs ............................................................97

Using the Battery Pack................................................ 98

Handling "Memory Stick".............................................99

Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................100

Troubleshooting..............................................................101

Computer Operations................................................103

System Update / Security.......................................... 109

Recovery................................................................... 110

Battery Pack..............................................................112

Built-in Camera .........................................................114

Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN)............................... 116

Bluetooth Technology ...............................................119

Optical Discs .............................................................123

Display ......................................................................124

Printing...................................................................... 128

Microphone ...............................................................129

Speakers................................................................... 130

Touch Pad .................................................................132

Keyboard ...................................................................133

Floppy Disks..............................................................134

Audio/Video ...............................................................135

"Memory Stick" ..........................................................137

Peripherals ................................................................138

Trademarks.....................................................................139

Notice..............................................................................141

Before Use >

Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with a state-of-the-art computing experience.

External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.

How to find specifications

Some features, options, and supplied items may not be available on your computer. To find out about the configuration of your computer, visit the web site at http://www.sony-asia.com/

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

This section provides support information about your VAIO computer.

1. Printed Documentation

❑ Quick Start Guide — An overview of components connection, set-up information, etc. ❑ Recovery, Backup and Troubleshooting Guide ❑ Safety Regulations, etc.

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Before activating the wireless functions such as the wireless LAN and Bluetooth technology, read the Safety Regulations carefully.

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

2. On-screen Documentation

❑ VAIO User Guide — General information of your VAIO computer including support and troubleshooting information.

To access VAIO User Guide, click Start , All Programs, and VAIO Manual.

❑ Windows Help and Support — A comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you

learn to use your computer. To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support, or press and hold the Microsoft Windows

key and press the F1 key.

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

3. Support Web Sites

❑ Sony online support web site

The Sony online support web site provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems:

http://www.sony-asia.com/support/vaio/onlinesupport

❑ Online registration

You can register your computer online at the following URL:

http://www.sony-asia.com/support/vaio/registration

❑ Contact information

You can contact us at the following URL:

http://www.sony-asia.com/support/vaio/contactus

❑ For other Sony products, visit the web site at http://www.sony-asia.com/

Before Use > 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 for both stationary and portable environments:

❑ Position of y our comput er – Place the computer directly in front of you. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists

in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard or the pointing device. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take frequent breaks while using your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain ey es, muscles, or tendons.

❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the

floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far back wards.

Before Use > Ergonomic Considerations

❑ Viewing angle of the computer display – Use the display tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye

strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness level of the display as well.

❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not cause glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect

lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.

❑ Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance.

Make sure the display screen is at or slightly below eye level when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Getting Started >

Getting Started

This section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.

Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Upon completion, connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturer's instructions.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 11) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 13) ❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 14) ❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 16) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 23) ❑ Using the Power Saving Modes (page 24) ❑ Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition (page 27)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Locating Controls and Ports

Take a moment and see the following reference lists to identify the controls and ports on your computer.

The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications.

Control and Port Mark List

Control/port mark Control/port name

MOTION EYE Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 35) WIRELESS WIRELESS switch (page 48), (page 53)

"Memory Stick Duo" slot (page 36)

Your computer suppor t s only Duo-size "Memory Stick". SD SD memory card slot (page 42) 1 Power button ASSIST ASSIST button (page 34)

USB port (page 69)

Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard.

Network (LAN) port (page 47)

a Monitor port (page 62)

HDMI HDMI output port (page 65)

m Microphone jack (page 68) i Headphones jack (page 61)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Location List of Controls and Ports without Marks

Control/port name Location

Built-in microphone (monaural) Located on the left side of the built-in MOTION EYE camera. Media Access indicator (page 13) Located on the right side of the "Memory Stick Duo" slot.

Security slot

DC IN port Memory module compartment cover (page 82) Located on the bottom of the computer.

Located between the USB port and the Network (LAN) port.

Located on the left side of the monitor port.

Getting Started > About the Indicator Lights

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green while the computer is in Normal mode, blinks slowly i n orange while the computer is in Sleep

Charge Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in camera is in use. Media Access Illuminates while data access to a memory card, such as "Memory Stick" and an SD memory card, is in

Disc drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

WIRELESS Illuminates while one or more wireless options are enabled.

mode, and turns off when the computer is turned off or enters Hibernate mode. Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 19) for more i nf orma ti on.

progress. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.) When the indicator light is unlit, the memory card is not in use.

Illuminates while data access to the built-in storage device is in progress. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.

Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator light is unlit.

Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key while the indicator light is lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator light. Normal typing resumes when the Caps lock indicator light is turned off.

Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys to change how you scroll the display . Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock indicator light is turned off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all programs.

Getting Started > Connecting a Power Source

Connecting a Power Source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplying power to your computer.

Using the AC Adapter

While your computer is directly connected to an AC power source and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

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Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

To use the AC adapter

1 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the A C adapter (3). 2 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2). 3 Plug the cable from the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.

Getting Started > Connecting a Power Source

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To disconnect your computer completely from an AC power source, unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet.

Make sure that an AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not intend to use your computer for an extended period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page

26).

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

Using the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.

Installing/Removing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery LOCK switch to the unlock position. 3 Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (1) on either side of the battery

compartment fits into the cut (2) on either side of the battery pack.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

4 Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.

5 Slide the battery LOCK switch to the LOCK position to secure the battery pack on the computer.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

To remove the battery pack

You will lose all unsaved data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter.

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery LOCK switch to the unlock position. 3 Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch, put your fingertip underneath the tab on the battery pack, and lift the battery

pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.

For your safety, it is highly recommended that you use genuine Sony rechargeable battery packs and AC adapters that meet the quality assurance standard, supplied by Sony for your VAIO computer. Some VAIO computers may only function with a genuine Sony battery pack.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

Charging the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.

To charge the battery pack

1 Install the battery pack. 2 Connect the computer to a power source with the AC adapter.

The charge in dica tor lig ht is on whil e t he b atte ry pac k i s ch argi ng. Whe n the ba tt ery pac k ch ar ges cl os e to the maxi mu m charge level you selected, the charge indicator turns off.

Charge indicator status Meaning

Lit in orange The battery pack is charging. Blinks along with the green

power indicator Blinks along with the orange

power indicator Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery

Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.

The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal mode)

The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)

pack or an unlocked battery pack.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

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Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to an AC power source. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

When the battery pack is running out of power and both the charge and power indicator lights blink, you should either connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery pack.

Your computer is supplied with a lithium ion battery pack and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery pack does not affect the life of battery.

While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when the remaining battery life becomes short. To avoid loss of data while the computer is running on the battery, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power

management mode, such as Sleep or Hibernate.

If the battery pack runs out of power while the computer is in Sleep mode, you will lose all unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

Checking the Battery Charge Capacity

The battery charge capacity gradually decreases as the number of battery charging increases or the duration of use of the battery pack extends. To get the most out of the battery pack, check the battery charge capacity and change the battery settings.

To check the battery charge capacity

1 Click Start, All Pro grams, and VAIO Control Center. 2 Click Power Management and Battery.

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Additionally, you can enable the battery care function to extend the life of the battery pack.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

Extending the Battery Life

When your computer is running on battery power, you can extend the battery life using the following methods.

❑ Decrease the LCD brightness of your computer screen. ❑ Use the power saving mode. See Using the Power Saving Modes (page 24) for more information. ❑ Set the wallpaper in Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting as your desktop background with the VAIO Control Center.

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For more information on how to extend the battery life, see the help file after following the steps in Checking the Battery Charge Capacity (page 21).

Getting Started > Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.

To shut down your computer

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer. 2 Save your data and close all running software applications. 3 Click Start and the Shut down button.

After a short time, the computer automatically turns off. Make sure the power indicator light turns off.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Modes

Using the Power Saving Modes

You can take advantage of the power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, your computer has two distinct power saving modes to suit your preference: Sleep and Hibernate.

If you do not intend to use your computer for an extended period of time while it is disconnected from an AC power source, place the computer into Hibernate mode or turn it off.

If the battery pack runs out of power while your computer is in Sleep mode, you will lose all unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

Mode Description

Normal mode This is the normal state of your computer while it is in use. The green power indicator light is lit while the

computer is in this mode.

Sleep mode Sleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the built -in storage device(s) and the CPU into a low power

Hibernate mode While your computer is in Hibernate mode, the state of the system is sav ed on the built-in storage device(s) and

consumption mode. The orange power indicator light blinks slo wly while your computer is in this mode. Your computer comes out of Sleep mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode. However, Sleep mode uses more power than Hibernate mode.

power is turned off. Even when the battery pack runs out of power, no data will be lost. The power indicator light is unlit while your computer is in this mode.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Modes

Using Sleep Mode

To activate Sleep mode

Click Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and Sleep.

To return to Normal mod e

❑ Press any key. ❑ Press the power button on your computer.

If you press and hold the power button for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically. You will lose all unsaved data.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Modes

Using Hibernate Mode

To activate Hibernate mode

Press the Fn+F12 keys. Alternatively, you can click Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and Hibernate.

Do not move your computer before its power indicator light turns off.

To return to Normal mod e

Press the power button.

If you press and hold the power button for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically.

Getting Started > Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition

Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition

Updating Your Computer

Be sure to update your VAIO computer with the following software applications for enhancing your computer's efficiency, security, and functionality.

The VAIO Update automatically notifies you of new updates available on the Internet, and downloads and installs them on the computer.

❑ Windows Update

Click Start, All Pro grams, and Windows Update and then follow the on-screen instructions.

❑ VAIO Update 5

Click Start, All Pro grams, and VAIO Update 5 and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Your computer must be connected to the Internet to download the updates.

Getting Started > Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition

Keeping t he Antivirus Software Updated

You can keep the Internet security software programs current with the latest updates by downloading and installing the updates from the web site of the manufacturer.

Your computer must be connected to the Internet to download the updates.

❑ When using the McAfee:

1 Click Start, All Programs, McAfee, and McAfee SecurityCenter. 2 Click the update tab and select the option to check for updates. 3 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updates.

❑ When using the Norton Internet Security:

1 Click Start, All Programs, Norton Internet Security, and LiveUpdate or Norton Internet Security. 2 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updates.

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See the help file included with your software program for more information.

The actual procedure may be different from the above depending on updates installed on your computer. In such a case, follow the on-screen instructions.

Getting Started > Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition

Using the VAIO Care

With the VA IO Ca re, you can regularly conduct performance checks and tune-ups on your computer to keep it running at an optimum level. Launch the VAIO Care whenever a problem is found on your computer. The VAIO Care will provide appropriate measures to solve the problem.

To launch the VAIO Care

❑ On models with the ASSIST button

Press the ASSIST button while you r computer is on.

❑ On models without the ASSIST button

Click Start, All Programs, VAIO Care, and VAIO Care.

Do not press the ASSIST button while the computer is in Hibernate mode.

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See the help file included with the VAIO Care for more information.

On models with the ASSIST button, pressing the ASSIST button while the computer is off launches the VAIO Care Rescue. The VAIO Care Rescue can be used to recover your computer in case of emergency, for example, when the Windows does not start.

Using Your VAIO Computer >

Using Your VAIO Computer

This section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 31) ❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 33) ❑ Using the Special-function Button (page 34) ❑ Using the Built-in Camera (page 35) ❑ Using "Memory Stick" (page 36) ❑ Using Other Modules / Memory Cards (page 42) ❑ Using the Internet (page 46) ❑ Using the Network (LAN) (page 47) ❑ Using the Wireless LAN (page 48) ❑ Using the Bluetooth Function (page 53)

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