Sony PCG-FR130, PCG-FR130P User Guide
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide.
This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to
preinstalled software programs.
In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this
main window.
View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.
View the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's hardware specifications and preinstalled software
information, such as descriptions and contact information.
Page 1
Powering Your Computer
Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these supplied
accessories to power your computer. It also describes ways you can efficiently utilize the battery as a power source.
Using AC Power
Using the Battery
Conserving Battery Power
Page 2
Using AC Power
The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your computer immediately, use the supplied
AC adapter as the power source. While the computer uses AC power, it automatically charges the battery if it is inserted.
See Using the Battery for more information on installing and using your battery.
Connecting the AC adapter
Turning on the computer
Page 3
Connecting the AC adapter
To connect the AC adapter
1.
Plug the AC adapter cable into the DC IN port.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
2.
Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.
Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.
Page 4
Turning on the computer
To turn on the computer
1.
Lift the lid of the computer by sliding the front switch to the right and lifting the lid. You may need to hold the
bottom of the computer firmly to lift the lid.
Opening the Computer
2.
Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.
Turning on the Computer
If you hold the power button down, the computer turns off.
3.
Adjust the brightness of the computer screen by pressing the Fn+F5 keys.
Page 5
Using the Battery
Your computer, depending on the model you purchased, may come equipped with one battery bay and one multipurpose
bay that supports a second battery. If your computer comes with two bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable
battery to extend your computing time. For information on how to extend the life of the battery, see Conserving Battery
Power for more information.
Inserting a battery
Removing a battery
Locating battery information
Charging a battery
Notes on batteries
Frequently asked questions
The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
Page 6
Inserting a battery
To insert a battery
1.
Lift the lid of the computer.
2.
Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out but does not detach from the
computer.
Opening the Battery Bay
3.
Slide the battery into the battery bay. If the computer is on, it automatically detects the battery.
Inserting a Battery
4.
Push the battery bay cover up until it clicks into place.
Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from automatically entering Hibernate mode. If you are
using battery power, save your data frequently to avoid data loss and manually activate a power saving mode. See Using
power saving modes for more information.
Page 7
Removing a battery
If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damaging
the battery. You can remove the battery when the computer is on or off.
If the computer is on, connect the AC adapter and exit a power saving mode before you remove the battery.
To remove a battery
1.
Push the battery bay cover down to open it.
2.
Pull the battery out of the battery bay.
3.
Push in and lift up the battery bay cover until it clicks into place.
Remov ing a Battery
Page 8
Locating battery information
You can display information for each of the batteries installed in your computer.
To view battery information
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.
2.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window
appears.
3.
Select the Power Meter tab. The total remaining battery charge is listed as a percentage. If your computer
comes with more than one battery, you can view information on both batteries or just the primary battery.
You may also use the power icon on the Windows® taskbar to quickly view battery information. See To display the
power icon on the taskbar for instructions on how to set up this shortcut.
To display the power icon on the taskbar
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.
2.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window
appears.
3.
Select the Advanced tab, and then select Always show icon on the taskbar in the Options box. The power icon
appears on the taskbar. See the power icon descriptions below for more information.
You can rollover the power icon to view the remaining battery charge, and you can double-click the power icon to open the
Power Meter window, which also displays the remaining battery charge.
Power icon Power status
Computer is using AC power.
Computer is using AC power and charging the battery.
Battery is charging.
Battery is fully charged.
Battery is discharging.
No battery is inserted in the computer.
Page 9
Charging a battery
You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a long
time. The lithium-ion battery supplied with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you wait until the battery
is completely or partially discharged. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the
battery and find that battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and you may need to replace
it.
The battery supplied with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.
To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery will charge faster when the computer is
off. Charging the battery takes several hours. See your VAIO® Computer Specifications on the Welcome page for the
approximate time needed to charge your battery.
Charge the battery at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower temperatures require more time
to charge.
1.
Insert the battery into the battery bay.
2.
Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically charges the battery as long as the
computer is using AC power.
The battery indicator blinks while the battery charges. The battery indicator stops blinking when the battery is fully
charged.
Battery Indicator
Battery indicator status Description
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.
Page 10
Notes on batteries
Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the
sun.
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.
Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.
Keep the battery dry.
Do not open or disassemble the battery.
Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.
Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery efficiency at low temperatures.
Page 11
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when the battery is charged?
To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information.
When is the computer using AC power?
When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed.
When should I recharge the battery?
When the battery level falls below 10 percent.
When both the battery and power indicators blink.
When you have not used the battery for a long time.
When should I replace the battery?
If, after charging the battery, the battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life and should be
replaced.
Should I be concerned that the installed battery is warm?
No, it is normal for the battery to be warm when it is powering the computer.
Page 12
Conserving Battery Power
You may use the power saving modes and power schemes to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power may
significantly extend your computing time, depending on how you use your computer.
Using power saving modes
Using power schemes
Frequently asked questions
Page 13
Using power saving modes
In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinct
power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. Use the Standby and Hibernate power saving modes to override a profile
setting or initiate an immediate action.
Standby — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory (RAM). Power consumption is reduced
to a minimum. The system remains on, and the computer screen (LCD) is off.
Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices to the hard disk. Power consumption is reduced
to the lowest possible setting without being completely off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowest level of power.
Your computer enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the
setting you select.
Since some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your
data frequently to avoid data loss.
To activate Standby mode
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and select Turn Off Computer.
2.
Click Standby when the Turn off computer window appears. The power indicator blinks in this mode.
3.
Press any key to return to normal mode.
To activate Hibernate mode
1.
Press the Fn+F12 keys, or press the power button and release it immediately. Do not move the computer until
the power indicator turns off.
2.
Press the power button to return to normal mode.
If the computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see Frequently asked questions for more information.
Page 14
Using power schemes
You can use the preset power schemes or you can customize the power profiles to conserve power. By using the power
schemes and power profiles, you control the power supplied to different devices, such as the computer screen (LCD) and
the hard disk drive, in your computer. You also control when the computer activates a power saving mode (Standby or
Hibernate).
To set your battery alarm
You can change your computer settings to notify you when the battery power reaches a certain level.
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.
2.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window
appears.
3.
Select the Alarms tab, and then select the type of alarm you want the computer to activate: a low or a critical
battery alarm.
4.
Drag the slider to the battery level at which you want the computer to activate the alarm. The Low battery
alarm is set to 10 percent, and the Critical battery alarm is set to 5 percent by default.
To further customize your alarm settings, click Alarm Action. You can select the type of alarm you want the computer
to activate and how you want the computer to respond to the alarm in this window.
To select a power scheme
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.
2.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears
with the Power Schemes tab selected.
3.
Select a power scheme from the drop-down menu in the Power schemes box. Each power scheme is preset to
utilize your power supply efficiently, according to your computing functions. Select the power scheme that best
explains how you want to use your computer.
4.
Click Apply. The computer detects your changes.
To create a power scheme
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.
2.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears
with the Power Schemes tab selected.
You can also right-click the power icon on the Windows® taskbar, and select Adjust Power Properties to open
the Power Options Properties window.
3.
Select your changes from the drop-down menus in the Settings for....power scheme box, and click Save As in
the Power schemes box. The Save Scheme window appears.
4.
Type a name for your customized power scheme, and click OK. The power scheme you created appears in the
Power schemes box.
If you want to delete a power scheme, select the power scheme and click Delete. When the Delete Scheme window
appears, click Yes.
To customize your power properties
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.
2.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window
appears.
If you want to access the power scheme information quickly from the Windows® taskbar, see To display the
Page 15
power icon on the taskbar for more information.
3.
Select the Advanced tab, and select your changes from the drop-down menus in the Power buttons box. See
Using power saving modes for information on how Standby and Hibernate modes affect power consumption.
4.
Click Apply. The computer detects your changes.
To activate Hibernate mode, you may first need to enable it. See Frequently asked questions for more information.
Page 16
Frequently asked questions
Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power?
Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery power, but some software programs and peripheral devices
prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode at all. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering
Hibernate mode, save your data frequently. See To activate Hibernate mode for information on how you can manually
activate Hibernate mode.
Why doesn't my computer enter Hibernate mode?
You may first need to enable Hibernate mode. Follow these steps:
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.
2.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window
appears.
3.
Select the Hibernate tab.
4.
Click to check the box next to Enable hibernation.
Page 17
Internet and Network Connections
Internet Connections
Network Connections
Connecting Another VAIO Computer
Page 18
Internet Connections
This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The New
Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet service provider
(ISP) or setting up an existing account. When you connect to the Internet, you can register your VAIO® computer, use online
services, and gain access to Sony Computing Support.
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection
Customizing your Internet connection
Frequently asked questions
Page 19
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection
Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone line via a telephone cable (not
supplied). Once you set up your telephone cable, you're ready to connect to the Internet.
To connect a telephone cable
1.
Locate the Modem jack on your computer. For location information, see Locating Ports and Controls in the Setting
Up chapter of your printed VAIO® Computer Quick Start.
2.
Plug one end of the telephone cable into the Modem jack. Make sure it clicks into place.
3.
Plug the other end into the wall jack.
Connecting a Telephone Cable
Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not
work with multiple telephone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX). Some of these connections may result in excess
electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem.
If you connect a telephone cable coming through a splitter, the modem or connected device may not work properly.
To set up a dial-up connection to the Internet
1.
Connect your computer to a telephone line. See To connect a telephone cable for more information.
2.
Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard. The New
Connection Wizard appears.
New Connection Wizard
3.
Click Next. If the Location Information wizard appears, follow the on-screen instructions, and then close the
Location Information wizard.
4.
If it is not already selected, click to select Connect to the Internet, and click Next.
Page 20
5.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Page 21
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection
Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between
10 and 100 Mbps.
To connect an Ethernet cable
1.
Locate the Ethernet port on your computer. For location information, see "Locating Controls and Ports" in the
Setting Up chapter of your printed VAIO® Computer Quick Start.
Connecting an Ethernet Cable
2.
Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet port and the other into the network
connection.
To set up an Ethernet connection to the Internet
1.
Connect your computer to a network connection.
2.
Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard. The New
Connection Wizard appears.
New Connection Wizard
3.
Click Next. If the Location Information wizard appears, follow the on-screen instructions, and then close the
Location Information wizard.
Page 22
4.
If it is not already selected, click to select Connect to the Internet, and click Next.
5.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Page 23
Customizing your Internet connection
The Internet Properties dialog box enables you to change the way you view the Internet. You can change your home page,
fonts, language, and colors. You can also regulate content and set browsing preferences.
To open the Internet Properties dialog box
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and then Control Panel.
2.
Click Network and Internet Connections, and then Internet Options. The Internet Properties dialog box
appears.
3.
Click the tabs to view options.
4.
Make changes, and click Apply to activate your changes.
5.
Click OK.
Page 24
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't my modem work?
Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem jack on the computer and the wall jack. See To
connect a telephone cable for more information.
Make sure the telephone cable is working. Plug the cable into an ordinary telephone and listen for a dial tone.
Make sure the telephone number the program is dialing is correct.
Make sure the software you are using is compatible with the computer's modem. (All preinstalled Sony programs are
compatible.)
If you are still experiencing problems, use the supplied Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the modem driver
software. See Using the Application Recovery CDs for more information.
Why is my modem connection slow?
Your computer is equipped with a V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem connection speed, including
telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment, such as fax machines or other modems. If you think your
modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP), follow
these steps:
Ask your telephone company to verify your telephone line is free of any line noise.
If your problem is fax-related, make sure there are no problems with the fax machine you are calling and that it is
compatible with fax modems.
If you are having a problem connecting with your ISP, make sure the ISP is not experiencing technical problems.
If you have a second telephone cable available, try connecting the modem to that cable.
Page 25
Network Connections
With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks. The New Connection Wizard and Network
Setup Wizard make it easy to gain access to remote and local area networks (LANs) using wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up
connections.
For more information about networking, click Start, Help and Support, and then Networking and the Web.
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections
Using wireless network connections
Checking your network connection status
Frequently asked questions
Types of Networks*
* T he c omputers repres ented in this graphic may not be identic al to the model you purc has ed.
Page 26
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections
For setting up local area networks (LANs), Ethernet is a widely installed technology. Your computer accommodates both
10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps.
To connect to a local area network using a telephone or Ethernet cable
1.
Connect an Ethernet or telephone cable to your computer. See To connect an Ethernet cable and Setting up a
dial-up Internet connection for more information.
Connecting an Ethernet Cable
2.
Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click Network Setup Wizard. The
Network Setup Wizard appears.
Network Setup Wizard
3.
Click Next. If you are prompted to the Local Information window, follow the on-screen instructions, and then
close the window.
4.
Follow the Network Setup Wizard instructions.
Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port . Do not connect any other type of
network cable or any telephone cable. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an electric
current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port. To connect the unit to the network,
see Using Ethernet and dial-up connections or contact your network administrator.
Page 27
You can connect to your company network from a remote location and use data, programs, and network resources. See
Microsoft® Windows® Help by clicking Help and Support from the Start menu, and then clicking Networking and the Web in
the left panel.
To connect to a remote network using a telephone or Ethernet cable
1.
Connect an Ethernet or telephone cable to your computer. See To connect an Ethernet cable and Setting up a
dial-up Internet connection for more information.
2.
From the Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard.
3.
Click Next. If you are prompted to the Local Information window, follow the on-screen instructions, and then
close the window.
4.
Click Connect to the network at my workplace, and then click Next.
5.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
6.
Ask your network administrator for the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to an existing network.
Page 28
Using wireless network connections
A wireless local area network (LAN) is a network in which you can connect to a LAN through a wireless (radio) connection.
You can opt to purchase a Sony Wireless LAN Access Point to set up a LAN.
The wireless LAN access point is designed for building a wireless LAN environment. Because a wireless LAN configuration
requires no wiring, you can operate multiple computers more freely than ever before.
A Wireless LAN PC Card may accompany your computer (depending on the model you purchased) or you can purchase an
external Wireless LAN PC Card separately. The Wireless LAN PC Card is designed for a wireless LAN environment. You can
use the Wireless LAN PC Card with or without the access point.
For more information on Sony Wireless LAN, go to http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio.
There are two types of wireless connections:
An infrastructure network is one that extends an existing wired local network to wireless devices by providing an
access point. The access point bridges the wireless and wired LAN and acts as a central controller for the wireless
LAN. The access point coordinates transmission and reception from multiple wireless devices within a specific range.
A computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network is one in which a local network is created only by the wireless devices
themselves, with no other central controller or access point. Each device communicates directly with other devices in
the network. You can set up an ad-hoc network easily at home.
To connect to an existing wireless network
1.
Make sure an access point is set up. See the instructions that accompanied the access point for more
information.
2.
Insert a Wireless LAN PC Card into the PC Card slot. See Inserting PC Cards for more information.
Inserting a PC Card
3.
Click Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, and Network Connections. The Network
Connections window appears.
4.
Right-click Wireless Network Connection, and select Properties. The Wireless Network Connection Properties
dialog box appears.
5.
On the General tab, click to select Show icon in notification area when connected.
6.
Click the Wireless Network Connection icon on the taskbar. The Wireless Network Connection dialog box
appears.
Wireless Network Connection
Page 29
7.
From the Available wireless networks list, select the name of the network (access point) in which you want to
connect. If you do not see the network name, see If the network does not appear in the Available wireless
networks list box.
8.
If required, type the network key in the Network key box. (The key should be between 5 and 13 ASCII
characters or 10 to 26 hexadecimal characters.)
9.
Retype the network key in the Confirm network key box.
10.
Make sure Enable IEEE 802.1x authentication for this network is selected.
11.
Click Connect.
If the network does not appear in the Available wireless networks list box
1.
Click Advanced on the Wireless Network Connection dialog box. The Wireless Network Connection Properties
dialog box appears.
Wireless Network Connection Properties
2.
Click Add in the Preferred networks box. The Wireless network properties dialog box appears.
Wireless Network Properties
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