Sony PCG-FX20, PCG-FX203K User Manual

Sony Notebook User Guide

PCG-FX203/PCG-FX203K/PCG-FX205K

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Sony Notebook User Guide

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Notice

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machinereadable form without prior written approval.

Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation 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.

Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engeneering or dissambly is prohibited.

Sony Corporation 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.

Sony, DVgate, i.LINK Setup, UI Design Selector, VAIO Action Setup, VisualFlow, OpenMG Jukebox, Memory Stick™, Memory Stick Formatter and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. The Microsoft, Windows, the Windows logo, Windows Media and Outlook trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S. Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

i.LINK™ is the name for the IEEE 1394-1995 standards and their revisions.

and Adobe® Acrobat® Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Adobe

QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used under license. QuickTime is registered in the U.S. and other countries.

RealPlayer and RealJukebox are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, inc. in the U.S. and other countries.

PowerPanel is a trademark of U.S. Phoenix Technologies Corporation.

, PictureGear, PowerPanel, MovieShaker, Smart Capture, Smart Connect, Smart Connect Monitor, Sony Notebook

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Symantec AntiVirus is a trademark of Symantec Corporation.

All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™ or specified.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

NERGY STAR

As an E

The International E

Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the E

NERGY STAR

Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of

NERGY STAR

guidelines for energy efficiency.

computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.

NERGY STAR

is a U.S. registered mark.

marks are not

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Safety information

Owner's record

The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony notebook. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call VAIO-Link.

Serial number: ________________________

Model number: PCG-982M (for PCG-FX203 and PCG-FX203K) / PCG-981M (for PCG-FX205K)

Sony Notebook User Guide

Warnings

General

Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.

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To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

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To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO notebook to rain or moisture.

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Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm.

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Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

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To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Center.

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Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals.

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Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables.

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Turn on the computer only after turning off all peripherals.

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The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They

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can erase the data on the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction. Do not place your computer near or on any objects which emit magnetic fields, mainly:

TV sets

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Speakers

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Magnets

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Magnetic bracelets.

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Audio/video

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Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Connectivity

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Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm.

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Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations.

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Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

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Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter. AC adapter mains connector and power cord: hazardous voltage to EN 60950. All other connectors for this notebook are SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN

60950.

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Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

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Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.

DVD-ROM drive

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The use of the optical instruments supplied with your notebook will cause eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this product is harmful to eyes, do not attempt any disassembling process. For servicing, refer to qualified personnel only.

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There are visible and invisible radiations when the DVD-ROM drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the laser beam.

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Regulatory information

This product conforms to the following European Directives:

73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive)

89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC Directives)

93/68/EEC (CE Marking Directive)

1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive) for models equipped with an internal modem.

This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial.

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 metres (9.8 feet).

The DVD-ROM drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825-1

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Disposing of lithium ion batteries

❑

Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life.

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Danger of explosion if the 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.

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The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above 60°C (140°F) or incinerate.

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Keep away from children.

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Your notebook is equipped with an internal backup memory battery. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link:

http://www.vaio-link.com

❑

In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.

❑

Use the public collection system.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO notebook. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

Here are just some of the features your VAIO notebook has to offer.

❑

Exceptional performance

internal modem.

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Portability

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Sony audio and video quality

- The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power.

advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

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Multimedia features

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Interconnectivity –

Your computer has Ethernet and i.LINK™ functionalities. i.LINK™ is a bidirectional

digital interface for exchanging data.

❑

Windows

❑

Communications

❑

Excellent customer support

- Your system includes the latest operating system from Microsoft.

- Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet...

the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution:

http://www.vaio-link.com

Before contacting VAIO-Link, you may try to solve the problem by reading the User Guide or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

- Your PC includes a fast processor, a fast CD-ROM and DVD-ROM and an

- A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s

– Enjoy the speakers to listen to audio and video CDs.

- If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Documentation pack

Your Documentation Pack contains paper and online user guides on a Documentation CD-ROM.

Printed documentation

❑

Getting Started

specifications of your notebook;

❑

Customer Guide

❑

Your

Sony Guarantee conditions

Online documentation

1 The Sony Notebook User Guide:

❑

Using Your Sony Notebook

❑

Connecting Peripheral Devices

peripherals.

❑

Getting Help

❑

Precautions

❑

Specifications

2 Refer to your

❑

About the Software

system.

❑

Customizing your notebook

❑

Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs

3 Consult the

troubleshooting.

4 Refer to the Microsoft

Online Help

brochure, where you find a brief description of the items in your box and some

, where you find all the basic information to start using your notebook;

shows you how to use the standard components of your system.

explains how you can add functionality by connecting various

explains the support options available to you, and offers basic troubleshooting tips.

provides facts and advice about using your notebook.

provides details on your computer, drivers and accessories.

Software Guide

for information on the bundled software and the Sony applications.

is a short description of the features of the software pre-installed on your

explains how to set your system and power management.

explains how to perform a system and application recovery.

files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and

Quick Start

manual for more information on Windows

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Your notebook and its accessories

Following hardware items should be in the box:

1 main unit 7 weight saver

2 product recovery CD-ROMs 8 video cable

3 documentation pack 9 phone plug (country specific)

4 AC adapter 10 phone cable

5 rechargeable battery pack 11 power cord

6 removable floppy disk drive (installed at factory) 12 DVD-ROM drive (installed at factory)

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Ergonomic considerations

You will be using your notebook as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments:

❑

Position of your computer

– Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.

❑

Furniture and posture

– Sit in a chair with good back support. 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 backwards.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑

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 as well.

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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.

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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.

❑

Tilt stands

– You use the tilt stands to place the computer at an angle that allows confortable typing.

Using your notebook

This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and external devices.

Locating controls and connectors

Right

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 PPK buttons (page 52)

2 power button (page 27)

3 DVD-ROM drive (page 36)

4 multi-purpose bay (for weight saver or floppy disk

drive or second battery with weight saver)

(page 39), (page 41), (page 23)

Using your notebook

Left

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 TV Out connector (page 63) 4 i.LINK™ connector (page 72)

2 microphone connector (page 67) 5 PC Card slots (page 45)

3 headphone connector for headphone or external speakers (page 66) 6 battery bay (page 19)

✍

AC adapter mains connector and power cord: hazardous voltage, according to EN 60950.

All other connectors for this notebook are SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN 60950.

Phone cable and connectors are TNV (Telecommunications Network Voltage), according to EN60950.

Using your notebook

Front

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 LCD screen (page 34) 7 battery 1 and 2 indicators (page 33)

2 speakers (page 34) 8 hard disk drive indicator (page 33)

3 keyboard (page 30) 9 Num Lock indicator (page 33)

4 touchpad (page 35) 10 Caps Lock indicator (page 33)

5 left/right buttons (page 35) 11 Scroll Lock indicator (page 33)

6 power indicator (page 33)

Using your notebook

Back

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 phone line jack (page 51) 5 monitor connector (page 60)

2 USB connector (page 69) 6 Ethernet connector (page 75)

3 serial connector (page 71) 7 USB connector (page 69)

4printer (page 71) 8DC In (page 18)

✍

There is a ventilation slot located near the USB connector. Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on.

Using your notebook

Bottom

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 port replicator connector cover (page 57)

2 release lever (page 57)

3 tilt stands (page 11)

Using your notebook

Connecting a power source

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

Using the AC adapter

To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows:

1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In connector (2) on the computer.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Plug one end of the power cord (3) into the AC adapter. 3 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.

✍

Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter.

To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.

Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

Using your notebook

Using the battery pack

You can use one or two batteries as a source of power. You can insert the second battery pack into the multipurpose bay on the right side of the computer. Additional battery packs are available as a separate option. The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.

Inserting the battery pack

To insert the battery pack, proceed as follows:

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 Open the cover of the battery bay.

2 Insert the battery pack with the label facing down into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.

3 Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.

✍

When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.

Using your notebook

Charging the battery pack

To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. 2 Insert the battery pack.

Sony Notebook User Guide

The computer automatically charges the battery (1) (the battery indicator (2) light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is 85% full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately one hour for the PCG-FX203/PCG-FX203K when the system is off. If the system is on, it takes one and a half hour. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour. There are two battery indicator lights on the computer: 1 indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the left side of the computer. 2 indicates the status of the battery pack in the multi-purpose bay on the right side of the computer.

battery indicator light status

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.

✍

When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink.

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.

meaning

Using your notebook

Sony Notebook User Guide

If the battery level falls to below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.

You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel utility. The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged 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 the battery life is nearly depleted, the battery indicator starts

flashing. For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode when 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 Standby or Hibernate.

When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.

Using your notebook

Removing the battery pack

To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Turn off the computer. 2 Open the cover of the battery bay. 3 Pull out the battery pack.

Sony Notebook User Guide

4 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

Standby

mode.

Using your notebook

Using the second battery pack

You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time you use your computer with battery power. When using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first charges first. The battery pack you insert second charges when the first battery pack is 85 percent full. You can monitor which battery pack is charging by observing the battery indicator lights.

Inserting the second battery pack

Sony Notebook User Guide

To insert a second battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 If the floppy disk drive is in the multi-purpose bay (1), remove the device. 2 Insert the battery pack (2) into the multi-purpose bay.

The battery 2 indicator light turns on.

3 Attach the weight saver (3) to the computer to stabilize the battery pack. 4 Slide the eject lever on the bottom of the weight saver toward the front of the computer to lock it.

Using your notebook

Sony Notebook User Guide

✍

If you attach two battery packs, you can remove one of them without shutting down the computer. When removing one battery pack, make sure that the other battery pack indicator is on. If the indicator of the battery pack your are going to remove is on, right click the battery icon on the taskbar and click the switch discharge battery menu.

Using your notebook

Charging the second battery pack

To charge the second battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Keep the battery pack (1-3) in the computer while it is connected to AC power.

2 When the battery indicator stops flashing, the battery is fully charged.

Sony Notebook User Guide

The battery indicator (2) flashes while the battery is charging.

Using your notebook

Removing the second battery pack

To remove the second battery pack, proceed as follows:

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 Slide the 2 Slide the

eject lever release lever

on the bottom of the weight saver, in the direction of arrow 1.

on the bottom of the computer in the direction of arrow 2.

3 Remove the weight saver. 4 Pull out the battery pack 5 Reinsert the weight saver.

Using your notebook

Starting your notebook

To start your computer, proceed as follows:

1 Slide the LCD lock lever (1) in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Press the power button (2) of the computer until the green power indicator (3) light turns on.

3 If necessary, press

* to adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display. To increase the

brightness, use the up or right arrow keys. To decrease, use the down or left arrow keys.

✍

* If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will turn off.

is only possible once you are in Windows.

Using your notebook

Shutting down your notebook

It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data.

To shut down your computer, proceed as follows:

1 Click the 2 Click

Sony Notebook User Guide

3 Select 4 Click OK. 5 Wait for your computer to turn off automatically.

6 Turn off any peripheral connected to your computer.

✍

button on the Windows

Start

taskbar.

Shut Down.

The

Shut Down Windows

Shut down

dialog box appears.

The power indicator turns off.

Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.

If you are unable to shut down your computer:

- Close all software in use.

- Remove the PC Cards if inserted. To do so, double-click the and click

- Disconnect any USB devices.

- Then press the < If this does not work, you can press the power button for more than four seconds. This will shut down the computer. This operation may result in data loss.

If you want to shut down the computer for a short period only, you can save power by using the

Stop

Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete>

keys at the same time to restart the computer.

Unplug or Eject Hardware

icon in the taskbar. Select the hardware you want to unplug

Standby

mode.

Registering your notebook

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

Using your notebook

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑

VAI O-Link –

If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, you can check the VAIO-Link web site for a possible solution:

http://www.vaio-link.com

❑

Guarantee –

to your

Protect your investment. See the

Customer Service Guide

Guarantee

for more information.

sheet for the terms and conditions and refer

To register your Sony Notebook, proceed as follows:

1 Click the 2 Click 3 Click

Next Internet

Registration

icon on your desktop,

4 Fill in your Registration card fields, 5 Scroll down to the bottom of the form and click

Send

6 Click OK.

✍

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

To access the online Registration web page, you must have a connection to the Internet.

Using your notebook

Using the keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific notebook-related tasks.

Sony Notebook User Guide

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