Sony PCG-F270, PCG-F290 User Guide

®
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide
PCG-F250/PCG-F270/PCG-F280/PCG-F290
®

Notice to Users

© 1999 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. This manual and the soft ware described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval.
SONY ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY 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, WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION 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 States. Software specifications are subject to change without notice and may not necessarily be identical to current retail versions.
Updates and additions to software may require an additional char ge . Subscrip tions to online service providers may require a
fee and credit card information. Financial services may require prior arrangements with participating financial institutions.
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony Corporation has determined that this product meets the
S
TAR guidelines for energy
efficiency.
The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy savin g through the use of computers and other office equipment. The program backs th e development and dissemination of products with functions that eff ectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equ i pment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.
E
NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.
Sony, i.LINK, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windows, Windows NT, and the Windows 98 logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
E
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-F250/PCG-F270/ PCG-F280/PCG-F290
Serial Number:________________________
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 cabinet. Refer servicing 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 terminals 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 the unit and easily accessible.
!
For CD-ROM (model PCG-F250): The use of optical instruments with the CD-ROM drive will increase eye hazard.
! For DVD-ROM (models PCG-F270/
F280/F290): As the laser beam used in the DVD-ROM drive is harmful to the eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the drive cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
AVERTISSEMENT
Pour prévenir tout risque d’incendie ou d’électrocution, garder cet appar eil à l’abri de la pluie 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 qualifiée.
L’appareil doit être le plus près possible d’une prise murale pour en faciliter l’accès.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No: PCG-F250/PCG-F270/
PCG-F280/PCG-F290 Responsible Party:
Sony Electronics Inc.
Address:
1 Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656 Telephone 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 any interference 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 designed to provide reasonable protection agains t harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. 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, which can be determined 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 receiving 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 cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly appr ov ed 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 radio and television 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 equivalence 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 be 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). To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to the line, as determined by the total RENs, contact the telephone company to determine the maximum REN for the calling area.
If the terminal equipment (Notebook Computer PCG-F250/PCG-F270/ PCG-F280/PCG-F290) causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be r equired. 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 FCC if you believe it is necessary.
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, 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 modifications in order to maintain uninterrupted service.
If trouble is experienced with this equipment (Notebook Computer PCG-F250/PCG-F270/PCG-F280/ PCG-F290), please contact 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972), or write to the Sony Customer Information Center, 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 problem 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 state and possible provincial tariffs. (Contact the state or provincial utility service commission, public service commission, or corporation commission for information.)

Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (United States)

The T elephone Consumer Protecti on Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a computer or other electronic device to send any message via a telephone facsimile machine unless such message clearly contains, in a margin at the top or bo ttom of each transmitted page or on the first page of the transmission, the date an d 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 information into your facsimile machine, see your fax software documentation.

Telephone Consumer Guidelines (Canada)

Please refer to your telephone directory 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.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet àppareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

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 areas the disposal of lithium ion
batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited.
For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1-888-476-6972 in the United States 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
incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
! Une batterie non conforme
présente un danger d'explosion. La remplacer seulement par une batterie identique ou de type équivalent recommandé par le fabricant. Évacuer les batteries usées selon les directives du fabricant.
! 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 equipment meets certain telecommunications n etwork 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.
Before installing 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 conditions ma y not prevent degradation of service in some situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be coordinated by a repr esentati ve designat ed by the supplier. Equipment malfunctions or any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment may give the telecommunications company cause 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 internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.
Caution: Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate.
NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal 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 combination of devices subject only to 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 0.4.

AVIS DE L’INDUSTRIE CANADA

AVIS: L’étiquette d’Industrie Canada identifie le matériel homologué.
Cette étiquette certifie que le matériel est conforme aux normes de protection, d’exploitation et de sécurité d es rése aux d e télécommunications, comme le prescrivent les documents concernant les exigences techniques relatives au matériel terminal. Le Ministère n’assure toutefois pas que le matériel fonctionnera à la satisfaction de l’utilisateur.
Avant d’installer ce matériel, l’utilisateur doit s’assurer qu’il est permis de le raccorder aux installations d e l’ en trep ri se 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 service dans certaines situations.
Les réparations de matériel homologué doivent être coordonnées par un représentant désigné par le fournisseur. L’entreprise de télécommunications peut demander à l’utilisateur de débrancher 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’utilisate ur doi t s’assurer que tous les fils de mise à la terre de la source d’énergie électrique, des lignes téléphoniques et des canalisations d’eau métalliques, s’il y en a, sont raccordés ensemble. Cette précaution est particulièrement importante dans les régions rurales.
Avertissement: L’utilisateur ne doit pas tenter de faire ces raccordements lui-même; il doit avoir recours à un service d’inspection des installations électriques, ou à un électricien, selon le cas.
A VIS: L’indice d’équiva lence de la sonnerie (IES) assigné à chaque dispositif terminal indique le nombre maximal de terminaux qui peuvent être raccordés à une interface.
La terminaison d’une interface 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’excède pas 5.

Contents

Welcome
Ergonomic Considerations.............................................................2
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors.........................................5
Connecting a Power Source ...........................................................9
Starting Your Computer ............................................................... 14
Shutting Down Your Computer.................................................. 15
Configuring Windows
Registering Your Computer.........................................................17
Using the Keyboard.......................................................................18
Using the Touchpad...................................................................... 24
Using the Floppy Disk Drive .......................................................25
Using the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM Drive...................................... 27
Using PC Cards.............................................................................. 29
Using Smart Connect.....................................................................32
Using Infrared Communication Devices.................................... 33
Using Power Saving Modes ......................................................... 35
Using a Second Battery Pack........................................................37
Using the Weight Saver ................................................................39
®
98........................................................... 16
Connecting Peripheral Devices
Connecting a Phone Line.............................................................. 42
Connecting the Port Replicator.................................................... 43
Connecting a Printer...................................................................... 47
Connecting an External Display..................................................48
ix
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide
Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard.............................51
Connecting External Speakers......................................................52
Connecting an External Microphone...........................................53
Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Device .......54
Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder...........................55
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device ......................56
Getting Help
Troubleshooting .............................................................................59
Replacing the Internal Backup Battery........................................66
Using the System and Application Recovery CDs....................68
Notes on Use
Adding Memory.............................................................................76
Limited Warranty Statement ............................................ 81
Index................................................................................... 87

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO notebook computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, 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 how you can add functionality by connecting various peripherals.
Getting Help explains the support options available to you and offers basic troubleshooting tips.
Notes on Use provides facts and advice about using your notebook computer.
Limited Warranty Statement provides your product warranty statement and explains how to extend your warranty for an additional nine months.
The online User Guide is included with your computer as an electronic document. Additional information on customizing your computer can be found in the electronic document Customizing Your VAIO Computer. You can access these documents from the Windows Start menu by selecting Programs/VAIO/Documentation.
®
Notebook
1
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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 considerations 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. T ake br eaks 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 display – 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 brightness 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 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.
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.
3
4

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/CD-ROM drive.

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Front

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen (pages
1
22, 71)
2
Speakers (pages 22, 52) Hard disk drive indicator (page 21)
3
Keyboard (page 18) Num Lock indicator (page 21)
4
Touchpad (page 24) Caps Lock indicator (page 21)
5
Left/right buttons (page 24) Scroll Lock indicator (page 21)
6
Power indicator (page 11)
7
Battery 1 and 2 indicators (pages 11, 21)
8
9
10
11
5
6
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Left

Power switch (page 14)
1 5
Kensington Security Cable Lock port
2 6
Infrared port connector (page 33) PC card slots (page 29)
3 7
4 8
Microphone connector (pages 49, 53)
Battery bay (page 10)
Headphone connector (pages 49, 52)
S200 i.LINK
connector (page 55)

Right

526
7
PPK buttons (see the online
1
document
Customizing Your VAIO®
Notebook Computer
on use)
DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive (page 27) Internal microphone
2 4
for information
Drive bay (pages 25, 37, 39)
3

Back

Using Your Notebook Computer
7
cover
Phone line jack (page 42)
1
/ Mouse/Keyboard connector (page 51)
3
4
Serial connector (page 54)
Printer connector (page 47)
There is a ventilation slot located between the USB connector and the DC In connector. Do
Monitor connector (page 48)
USB connector (page 56)
DC In connector (page 9)
not cover the ventilation slot when your computer is on.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Bottom

Port replicator connector cover (pages 44, 46) Tilt stands
1 3
Drive bay RELEASE lever (pages 38, 40)
2
Using Your Notebook Computer

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

1
Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the computer.
2
Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.
3
Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
9
DC In
Notebook computer
1
AC adapter (supplied)
3
2
Power cord (supplied)
10
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using Battery Power

You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery pack inserts into the drive bay on the right side of the computer. (See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 35.) 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
1
Open the cover of the battery bay.
2
Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
Battery pack (supplied)
Label side facing down
3
Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.
When attaching your computer to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or remove the
battery pack. Lifting and turning the computer with an attached docking station could cause a temporary loss of power.
Using Your Notebook Computer
To charge the battery pack
1
Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
2
Insert the battery pack.
11
The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the batt er y 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. See “Displaying Detailed Battery Information” in the online document Customizing Your
®
VA I O
Notebook Computer for information on checking the battery life.
There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:
Battery indicators
Secondary battery pack (not supplied)
Battery pack (supplied)
Battery Indicator Meaning
1
2
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.
To determine the amount of time the battery lasts, see “Displaying Battery Information” in
the online document
Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
Indicates the status of the battery pack in the drive bay on the right side of the computer.
Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook Computer
.
12
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide
When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink.
When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.
See “Using a Second Battery Pack” on page 37 for information on installing and charging 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 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 35.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged 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 battery pack
1
Open the cover of the battery bay.
2
Pull out the battery pack.
Using Your Notebook Computer
3
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 computer is in System Suspend mode.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Starting Your Computer

1
Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.
LCD lock lever
2
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.
3
If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display. To decrease the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the down or left arr ow 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.
1
Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.
2
Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
3
Select Shut down.
4
Click OK.
15
Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.
5
W ait for your computer to turn of f automatically. The power indicator (green) turns off.
6
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” in the online document
Notebook Computer.
Customizing Your VAIO®
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Configuring Windows® 98

The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few steps to configure the Windows 98 operating system that is already installed.
You must configure Windows 98 before you can use the computer.
The on-screen instructions guide you through the configuration process. The following is an overview of the process.
1
Entering information:
Enter your name.
Read and accept the License Agreement.
Enter the product ID number located on the Certificate of Authenticity on the cover of the Microsoft Windows 98
Started
2
Windows 98 setup: Click the Finish button on the Windows 98 Setup Wizard screen.
3
Selecting your computer settings:
manual.
Getting
If necessary, change the Time Zone, Date and Time on the Date/Time Properties screen.
4
Registering your computer: For details on registering your computer, see “Registering Your
Computer” on page 17. You can also sign up for your 100 free hours of Internet service at this time.
5
Learning about Windows 98: If you wish, take the tour of Windows 98.
Using Your Notebook Computer
17

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 42.
1
Click the Sony VAIO Registration icon on the VAIO desktop.
2
Enter the information requested on the first online registration form. Press the Tab key to move from box to box.
3
Click the Next button to advance to the next form.
4
Complete the remaining forms by clicking the Next button each time you complete a form.
The computer automatically transfers your registration inf ormation using your built-in modem and a toll-free telephone number.
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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 computer-related tasks.
Correction keys
Navigation keys
Shift key
Ctrl key
Fn key
Escape Key
Alt key
Windows 98 key
Function keys
Print Screen key
Applications key
Numeric keypad area
Key Description
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.
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 the 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
Key Description
Print Screen key The Print Screen key takes an electronic snapshot of the
screen and places it in the W indows 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, instead of choosing the Save command from 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 $.
Windows 98 key The key with the Windows logo displays the Windows 98
Start menu; it is the equivalent of clicking the Start button on the taskbar . See “Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 Key” on page 20.
Fn key The Fn key is used in combination with other keys to
issue commands. See “Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key” on page 22.
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.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 Key

Combination Function
+ F1 Displays Windows Help. + Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar. + E Displays Windows Explorer. + F Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to find
a file or folder . This is the equivalent o f selecting Find 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 then Computer from the Start menu.
+ M Minimizes all displayed windows.
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 the Properties window. This is the
equivalent of double-clicking the System icon in the Control Panel.
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