Sony PCG-838 Primary User Manual

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

PCG-838

Notice to Users

© 1999 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. This man ual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readab l e fo rm without prior written approval.

reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which busi n e ss proprietors can participate voluntar ily. The target e d products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standa rds and logo s are uniform amon g p articipating nati ons.

NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

SONY ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO W ARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTA INED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRE S S LY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARR ANTIES OF MERCHA NTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY ELECTRONICS INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, W HE T HER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECT IO N WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMA T ION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF.

Sony Electronics Inc. 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 license agreement.

This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product. Some of the software may not be transported or used outside the United State s . S oftware specificati ons are subject to change without notice and may not necessarily be identi cal to curr en t re tail versions.

Updates and additions to software may require an additional charge. Subscriptions to online service providers may require a fee and credit card information. Fin an cial services may require pri or arrangements with particip at in g financial instit ut ions.

Sony, i.LINK, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windows, Wi ndows NT, and the Windows 98 logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel, MMX, and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony Corporation has determined that this product meets the

T AR guideli nes for energy

efficienc y.

The Internat ional ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and other office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively

NERGY

Safety Information

Owner’s Record

The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO Notebook Computer. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call your Sony Service Center.

Model Number: PCG-838 Serial Number:__ ______________________

AVERTISSEMENT

Pour prévenir tout risque d’incendie

❏

ou d’électr ocution, gar der cet appar eil à l’abri de la plu ie et de l’ humidité. Pour prévenir tout risque

❏

d’électrocution, ne pas ouvir le châssis de cet appareil et ne confier son entretien qu’à une personne qualifi ée. L’appareil doit êt re le plus près

❏

possible d ’une prise mur ale pour en faciliter l’accè s.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do

❏

not expose your notebook computer to rain or moisture. To avoid electrical shock, do not open

❏

the cab inet. Refe r servici ng to qualified personnel only. Never install modem or telephone

❏

wiring during a lightning storm. Never install telephone jacks in wet

❏

locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations. Never touch uninsulated telephone

❏

wire or termina ls unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface. Use caution when installing or

❏

modifying telephone lines. Avoid using the modem during an

❏

electrical storm. Do not use the modem or a telephone

❏

to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak. A socket outlet should be as close as

❏

possible to th e u nit and easily accessible.

The laser beam used in the DVD-

ROM drive unit is harmful to the eyes. Do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only .

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No: PCG-838 Responsible Party:

Sony Electronics Inc.

Address:

1 Sony Drive

Park Ridge, NJ 07656 Tele p h on e No. : 201-930-6970 This device complies with Part 15 of

the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including in te rference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the Rules. These limits are desi gned to pr ovide reas onable protecti on against harmful interference in a resid e nt ial installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and u s e d in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communic ations.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, wh ich can be dete rmined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiv in g

❏

antenna. Increase the separation between the

❏

equipment and the receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet

❏

on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced

❏

radio/TV technician for help.

You are cautione d that an y chan ge s or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc. ) that comply with FCC Class B limits may be attached to this computer product. Operation with non-compliant peripherals is likely to result in interference to r adio and televis ion reception.

All cables used to connect peripherals must be shielded and grounded. Operation with cables, connected to peripherals, that are not shielded and grounded, may result in interference to radio and television reception.

FCC Part 68

This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. On the bottom of this equipment is a label that contains, among other information, the FCC equivalenc e number (REN) for this equipment. If requested, this information must be provided to the telephone company.

This modem uses the USOC RJ-11 telephone jack.

The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices which may b e connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on the telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most, but not all areas, the sum of the RENs should not exceed five (5.0). T o be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to the line, as det erm ined by the total RENs, conta ct the t ele phone compa ny to determine the maximum REN for the calling area.

If the terminal equipment (Notebook Computer PCG-838) causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. But if advance notice is not practical, the telephone company will notify the customer as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FC C if you believe it is necessary.

The telephone company may make changes in it s facilities, equ i p ment, operations or procedures that could affect the operations of the equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will provide advance notice in order for you to make the necessary m od ifications in order to maintain u ninterrupted service.

If trouble is experienced with this equipment (Notebook Computer PCG-

838), please conta ct 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972), or write to the Sony Customer Information Cent er, One Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 for repair and/or warranty information. If the trouble is causing harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may request that you remove the equipment from the network until the pr obl em is resolved.

Repair of this equipment should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972).

This equipment cannot be used on public coin service provided by the telephone company. Connection to Party Line Service is subject to st at e and p ossible provincial tariffs. (Contact th e st at e or provincial utility service commission, public service commission or corporation commission for information.)

Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY

You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center.

✍

In some a reas the di sposal of li thiu m ion batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited.

(United States)

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a computer or other electronic devic e to send any message via a telephone facsimile machine unless such message clearly contains, in a margin at the top or bottom of each transmit ted p ag e or on the first page of the transmission, the date and time it is sent and an identification of the business, other entity, or individual sending the message, and the telephone number of the sending machine or such business, other entity, or individual.

In order to program this in formation into your facsimile machine, see your fax software document at ion.

Telephone Consumer Guidelines (Canada)

Please refer to you r telepho ne directo ry under ‘Privacy Issues’ and/or ‘Terms of Service’. For more detailed information please contact:

CRTC Terrasses de la Chaudiére, Tour centrale 1 promenade du Portage, 5 étage Hull PQ K1A 0N2.

For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1-888-476-6972 in the United St at es or

1-800-961-7669 in Canada

Do not handle damaged or leaking

lithium ion batteries.

Ne pas manipuler les batteries au lithium-ion qui fuient ou sont endommagées.

Danger of explosion if battery is incorr ec tly replac ed. Replace only with the same or equi valent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructio n s.

Une batterie non conforme présent e un danger d'explosi on. La remplacer seulement par une batterie identique ou de type équivalent recommandé par le fabricant. Évacuer les batteries usées selon les directives du fabricant.

This Class B digital apparat us c omplies with Canadian ICE S -003.

Cet àppareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

The battery pack used in this

device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above 212°F (100°C) or incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly. Keep away from children.

La manutention incorrecte du

module de batterie de cet appareil présente un risque d'incendie ou de brûlures chimiques. Ne pas démonter, incinérer ou exposer à une température de plus de 100°C. Évacuer promptement la batterie usée. Garder hors de portée des enfants.

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE

NOTICE: The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipmen t meets certain teleco mmuni cati ons networ k protective, operational and safety requirements as prescribed in the appropriate Terminal Equipment Technical Requirements document(s). The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.

telecommunications company cau se to request that the user disconnect the equipment.

Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines and in t ernal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

Caution: Users should not a ttempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, o r el ect ri cian, as appropriate.

NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned t o e ach t e rminal device provides an indication of the maximum number of terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The termination on an interface may consist of any combinat ion of devices subject only t o the requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 5. The Ringer Equivalence Number for this equipment is 0.3.

AVIS DE L’INDUSTRIE CANADA

AVIS: L’étiquette d’In dustrie Cana da identifie le matériel homologué .

Before ins t a lling this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection.

The customer should be aware that compliance with the above con di tions may not prevent degrad at io n of s erv ice in some situations.

Repairs to cert ified equipment shou ld be coordinated by a r epres entative designa ted by the supplier. Equipment malfunctions or any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment may give the

Cette étiqu ette certifie qu e le matériel est conforme aux normes de protection , d’exploitatio n et de sécuri té des rés eau x de télécom munications , comme le prescrivent les documents concernant les exigences techniques rela ti ves au maté riel terminal. Le Ministère n’assure toutefois pas que le matériel fonctionnera à la satisfaction de l’utilisateur.

Avan t d’installer ce ma t é rie l, l’utilisateu r doit s’assurer qu’il est permis de le raccorder aux installations de l’ e n treprise locale de télécommunication. Le matériel doit également être installé en suivant une méthode acceptée de raccordement. L’abonné ne doit pas oublier qu’il est

possible que la conformité aux conditions énoncées ci-dessus n’empêche pas la dégradation du se rv ice dans certaines situations.

Les réparations de ma t ériel homologué doivent être coordonnées par un représentant désigné par le fournisseur. L’entreprise de télécommunications peut demander à l’ u tilisateur de dé brancher un appareil à la suite de réparations ou de modifications effectuées par l’utilisateur ou à cause de mauvais fonctionnement.

Pour sa propre protection, l’utilisateur doit s’assurer que tous les fil s de mise à la terre de la source d ’éner gie électrique, des l ignes téléphoniques et des canalisations d’eau métalliques, s’il y en a, son t rac co rdés ensemble. Cette précaution est particuliè rement importante dans le s régions rurales .

Avertissement: L’utilisateur ne doit pas tenter de fair e ces raccor dements lui- même; il doit avoir recours à un service d’inspection des in st allations électriques, ou à un électricien, selon le cas.

AVIS: L’indice d’équivalence de la sonnerie (IES) assigné à chaque dispositif terminal indique le nombre maximal de terminaux qui peuvent être raccor dés à une interface.

La terminaison d’une interfac e téléphonique peut consister en une combination de quelques dispositifs, à la seule condition que la somme d’indices d’équivalence de la sonnerie de tous les dispositifs n’ e xcède pas 5.

Contents

Welcome

Ergonomic Considerations.............................................................2

Using Your Notebook Computer

Locating the Controls and Connectors.........................................5

Connecting a Power Source ...........................................................8

Starting Your Computer ...............................................................12

Shutting Down Your Computer..................................................13

Registering Windows

98.............................................................14

Registering Your Computer.........................................................15

Using the Keyboard.......................................................................16

Using the Touchpad......................................................................22

Using the Floppy Disk Drive .......................................................23

Using the DVD-ROM Drive.........................................................26

Using the Headphone with Remote Control.............................30

Using PC Cards..............................................................................33

Using Infrared Communication Devices....................................36

Using Power Saving Modes.........................................................38

Using a Second Battery Pack........................................................40

Using the Weight Saver .......................................... ......... .............42

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting a Phone Line..............................................................44

Connecting the Docking Station..................................................45

Connecting a Printer......................................................................53

Connecting an External Display..................................................54

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard.............................57

Connecting External Speakers......................................................58

Connecting an External Microphone...........................................59

Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Device .......60

Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder...........................61

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................62

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen.............................63

Controlling Power Management..................................................66

Displaying Battery Information...................................................70

Selecting the Display Mode..........................................................73

Using the Dual Display Function.................................................77

Getting Help

Troubleshooting .............................................................................81

Using the System and Application Recovery CDs....................88

Notes on Use

Adding Memory.............................................................................96

Limited Warranty Statement............................................99

Index.................................................................................105

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO Notebook Computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in aud io, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

About the User Guide

The User Guide offers a quick introduction and reference to your Sony Notebook computer.

❑ Using Your VAIO® Notebook Computer shows you how to use the

standard components of your system.

❑ Connecting Peripheral Devices explains ho w you can add

functionalit y by c onnecting various p eripherals.

❑ Getting Help explains th e support options available to you and

offers basic troubleshooting tips.

❑ Notes on Use provides facts and advice about using your notebook

computer.

❑ Limited Warranty Stat ement provides your product warranty

statement and explains how to extend your warranty for an additiona l ni ne mo nt hs .

The online User Guide is included with your computer as an electronic document. It includes additional information on using the Sony software products that are installed on your computer and how to customize your Sony noteboo k computer.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Ergonomic Considerations

You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to apply the following ergonomic consi d era tions to both stationary and portable environments.

Computer positioned directly in front of you

Arms at desk level

Wrists relaxed and flat

❑ 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, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take breaks during sessions with your computer . Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.

❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support and

armrests. 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 backward.

❑ Viewing angle of the computer’s displa y – Use the display’s 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 brightn e ss setting of the display also.

Welcome

❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create

glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to a v oid bright spots on the display. Yo u can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

❑ Tilt stand – You use the tilt stand to place the computer at an angle

that allows comfortable typing.

❑ Placement of an external display – When using an external display,

set the display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Using Your Notebook Computer

This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and external devices, such as the touchpad, floppy disk drive, and DVD-ROM drive.

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Front

LCD screen (pages 20, 91) Power indicator (pages 12, 19)

Speakers (page58) Battery 1 and 2 indicators (pages 19, 70)

Keyboard (page 16) Hard disk drive indicator (page 19)

Microphone (page 59) Num Lock indicator (page 19)

Touchpad (page22) Caps Lock indicator (page 19)

Left/right buttons (page 22) Scroll Lock indicator (page 19)

7 8 9

10 11 12

Num Lock

Caps

Lock

Scroll

Lock

Left

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Power switch (page12)

1 4

Hard disk drive

2 5

Battery bay (pages 9, 48)

3 6

✍

There is a ventilation slot located directly above the headphone connector. Do not cover the

Headphone connector (pages 30, 58) Microphone connector (page 59)

Line In connector

ventilation slot when your computer is on.

Using Your Notebook Computer

62738

Right

Phone line jack (page 44) Drive bay (pages 23, 26)

1 3

PC card slots (page 33)

Back

DC In (page 8)

cover

Monitor connector (page 54)

Serial connector (page60)

Infrared port (page 36)

4 5

USB connector (page 62)

/ Mouse/Keyboard connector (page57)

Docking station port (page 45)

/ FDD/Printer connector (page 53)

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Connecting a Power Source

You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.

Using the AC Adapter

Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on

the computer. Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.

Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.

Notebook computer

DC in

AC adapter (supplied)

Power cord (supplied)

Using Your Notebook Computer

Using Battery Power

You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery pack inserts into the drive ba y on the right side of the computer. (See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 38.) Additional battery packs are available as a separate option.

The battery pack that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase. Follow the steps below to insert and charge the battery pack.

To insert the battery pack

Open the cover of the battery bay.

Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of th e

computer.

Battery pack (supplied)

Label side facing down

Close the cover of the battery bay.

To charge the battery pack

1 2

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

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). When the battery is 85 percent full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately two hours. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour.

A fully charged battery pack supplies power for approximat el y two to four hours. The time varies based on your system configuration. See “Displaying Detailed Battery Information” on page 71 for information on checking the battery life.

There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:

Battery pack (supplied)

Battery Indicator Meaning

Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the left side of the computer.

Indicates the status of the battery pa ck in the driv e bay on the right si de of the computer.

Battery indicators

Secondary battery pack (not supplied)

Battery Indicator Light Status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power. Single blink The battery is running out of power. Double blink The battery is charging. Off The computer is using AC power.

Using Your Notebook Computer

✍

When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink. See “Using a Second Batt ery P ack” on page40 for info rmati on on ins talling and c harging a

battery pack in the drive bay. 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 to below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge

the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery. You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel

utility. See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 38. The battery p ac k sup pli ed wi th your c omp uter is a li thium ion ba tter y and ca n b e recha rg ed

at any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life. The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When

battery life is nearly depleted, the battery indicator starts flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter System Hibernation mode when the battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as System Suspend or System Hibernation.

To remove the bat tery pack

Open the cover of the battery bay.

Pull out the battery pack.

Close the cover of the battery bay.

You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and

not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the compute r is in System Suspend mode.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Starting Your Computer

Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the

cover.

LCD lock lever

Slide the power switch on the left side toward the front of the

computer until the green power indicator light turns on.

Power switch

✍

If you hold the power switch in the on position for more than four seconds, the computer turns off.

If necessary, adjust the brigh tne ss controls for the LCD displa y. To

decrease the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the do wn or left a rrow key. To increase the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the up or right arrow key.

Power indicator

Using Your Notebook Computer

Shutting Down Your Computer

To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your computer.

Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.

Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut

Down Windows dialog box.

Select Shut down.

Click OK.

✍

Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.

Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator

(green) turns off. Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.

✍

If you are unable to shut down your computer using the steps described above, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys at the same time to restart the computer. If you are unable to restart the computer in this way, you can slide the power switch forward and hold for four seconds. This operation may result in data loss.

During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using System Suspend mode. See “Controlling Power Management” on page66.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Registering Windows® 98

The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few steps to register and configure the Windows 98 software that is already installed on your computer.

You must register Windows 98 before you can use the computer.

✍

To install Windows NT use the Application Recovery CD. See “Using the Application Recovery CD(s)” on page 90 for instructions.

The on-screen instructions guide you through the registration and configuration process. The following is an overview of the process.

Gathering information:

❑ Enter your name.

Workstation 4.0 drivers on your notebook computer, you need to

❑ Read and accept the License Agreement. ❑ Enter your Certificate of Authenticity number located on the

cover of the Microsoft Windows 98

Windows 98 setup: Click the Finish button on the Windows 98 Setup

Wizard screen . Selecting your computer settings: If necessary, change the Time Zone,

Date and Ti me on the Date/Time Properties screen. Registering your computer: For details on registering your computer,

see “Registering Your Computer” on page 15. You can also sign up for your 100 free hours of Internet service at this time.

Learning about Windows 98: If you wish, take the tour of

Windows 98.

Getting Started

manual.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Registering Your Computer

You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits by registering your computer with Sony.

❑ Sony Customer Support – Talk to a Support Representative to

troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.

❑ Extended Limited Warranty – Protect your investment. Extend your

Warranty nine months for a total of 12 months from the original date of purchase when you register your computer.

❑ Express service – Provides convenient resolution of problems. ❑ Free Internet access – Use the Internet for up to 100 free hours when

you sign up with GTE (no credit card necessary). Free access expires 100 hours or 60 days after signing up, whichever occurs first.

If you have not already registered, follow these steps to use your notebook computer’s online registration service.

You must connect your phone line before using any online services, including the online

✍

registration service. See “Connecting a Phone Line” on page 44.

Click the Sony VAIO Registration icon on the VAIO desktop.

Enter the information requested on the first online registration form.

Press the Tab key to move from box to box. Click the Next button to advance to the next form.

Complete the remaining forms by clicking the Next button each time

you complete a form.

The computer automatically transfers your registration information using your built-in modem and a to ll-free telephone number.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific co mputer-related tasks.

Escape Key Function keys Print Screen key

Correction keys

Shift key

Ctrl key

Fn key

Applications key

Alt key

Numeric keypad area

Windows 98 key

Navigation keys

Keys Descriptions

Numeric keypad area

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. Note that you must press the Num Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (When you do so, the Num Lock light will be on.)

Navigation keys Several keys are devoted to moving the cursor on the

screen (the four arrow keys, which also function as the Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys).

Correction keys The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable you to

make corrections in your documents.

Function keys The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard

are used to perform designated tasks. For example, in many applications, F1 is th e Help key. The task associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next.

Escape key The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Keys Descriptions

Print Screen key The Print Sc reen key takes an electronic snapshot of the

screen and places it in the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste the screen shot into a document and print it.

Operator 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 applications, instea d of choosing the Save command fr om a menu, you can hold down Ctrl and press S (referred to as Ctrl+S). The Shift key operates the same way as on a typewriter; it is used to produce capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.

W indow s 98 key The key w ith the Windows logo displays the Windows 98

Start menu; it is the equiv alent of clic king th e Start but ton on the task bar. See “Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 Key” on page 18.

Fn key The Fn key is used in combinatio n with other keys to

issue commands. The Fn keys at the left and right sides both work the same. See “Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key” on page 20.

Applications key The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of

context-sensitive choices; pressing this key is the equivalent of clicking the right mouse button.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 Key

Combinations Functions

+ F1 Displays Windows Help. + Tab Switches the se lec t e d butt o n on the taskbar. + E Displays Windows Explorer. + F Displays the Windows Find: All Files win dow to f ind

a file or folder. This is the equ ivalent of selec ting Fi nd and then Files or Folders from the Start menu.

+ Ctrl + F Displays the Windows Find: Computer window

where you can locate other computers. This is the equivalent of selecting Find and th en Computer from the Start menu.

+ M Minimizes all display ed wind ows.

Shift + + M Returns all minimized windows to their previous

size.

+ R Displays the Run window. This is the equivalent of

selecting Run from the Start menu.

Fn + + Insert Displays th e Properties window. This is the

equivalent of double-clicking the System icon in the Control Panel.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Indicators

Indicators Functions

Power Lights when the power to the computer is turned on.

Flashes in System Suspend mode. Turns off when the computer is in System Hibernation mode or powered off.

Battery 1 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery

Battery 2 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the drive

Hard disk Lights when data is being read from or written to the

bay on the left side of the computer.

bay on the right side of the computer.

hard drive. Do not enter System Suspend mode or turn off the computer when this indicator light is on.

Light On Off

Num Lock The number keys in the

numeric keypad are active.

The alphan umeric character keys in the keypad area are active.

Caps Lock The letters appear in

uppercase as you type. The Shift key lowers the case of

Letters appear in lower case as you type (unless you hold

down the Shift key). typed letters when Caps Lock is on.

Scroll Lock The screen scrolls d ifferently.

(Exactly how it scrolls

Information moves across the

display normally. depends on the specific application. It has no effect in many applications.)

➜

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Combinations/ Feature

Fn+ (ESC) System Suspend

Fn+ (F2) Display power sou rce

status Fn+ (F3)

Mute on/off Fn+ (F4)

Speaker volume

Fn+ (F5) Brightness control

Functions

Puts the system into System Suspend mode, a power management state. To return the system to the active state, press any key or press the power switch on your computer. (Not available when connected to the docking station.)

Displays the power status, as in the example below:

Using AC power

Charging the battery

Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.

Adjusts the built-in speaker volume. To increase volume, press Fn+F4, then or ➜.

➜

To decrease volume, press Fn+F4, then or . Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.

To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or ➜.

➜

To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .

Fn+F6

Fn+ / (F7)

LCD

Switch to the external monitor/LCD

Fn+F8

Fn+ (F9)

Not available on this model.

Toggles through th e LCD, extern al displ ay (connected to the Monitor connector) and both LCD and e xternal display.

Only LCD

LCD and external display

Only external display

Not available on this model.

Disconnects from the docking station when the power is on. (Not available on all models.) Make sure there is a charged battery in the computer before you disconnect the docking station.

+ 91 hidden pages

Sony PCG-838 Primary User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual