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

x

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

2

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.

8

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.

13

14

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®

16

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.

18

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.

19

20

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.