Sony PCG-FXA63, PCG-FXA63P 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 Batteries



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 a power source. The computer charges the battery while you use AC power. See Using Batteries for more information on installing and using batteries.

Connecting the AC adapter



Turning on the computer



Page 3

Connecting the AC adapter

To connect the AC adapter

Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In port on your computer or docking station.

Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer

Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end into an AC outlet.

Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.

Page 4

Turning on the computer

To turn on the computer

Slide the release lever to the right, and lift the cover while holding the bottom of the computer firmly.

Opening the Computer

Press the power button until the green power indicator lights up.

Turning on the Computer

If you hold the power button down for more than four seconds, the computer turns off.

If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display as follows:

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



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



Page 5

Using Batteries

A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your computer is not plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer may come equipped with one or two battery bays, depending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes with two battery bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable battery to extend your computing time. Regardless how many batteries you use, you can always extend the life of the battery by conserving power. See Conserving Battery Power for more information.

Inserting a battery



Removing a battery



Using a second battery



Displaying 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

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

Slide the battery into the battery bay. If the computer is on, it automatically detects the battery.

Inserting a Battery

Push the battery bay cover up until it clicks into place.

If the port replicator is attached to your computer, do not insert or remove the battery. Lifting and turning the computer with the port replicator attached could cause a temporary loss of power.

For some software programs and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate 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 Standby or Hibernate. 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

Push the battery bay cover down to open it.

Pull the battery out of the battery bay.

Remov ing a Battery

Push in and lift up the battery bay cover until it clicks into place.

Page 8

Using a second battery

To insert a second battery

If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device.

Insert the battery into the multipurpose bay, and insert the weight saver. The battery 2 indicator turns on when the computer uses that battery.

Second Battery in Multipurpose Bay

To remove the second battery

Make sure the indicator of the battery you are not removing is on. If the indicator of the battery you are removing is on, right-click the battery icon on the taskbar, and click Switch discharge battery.

Turn the computer over, and slide the multipurpose bay Release lever in the direction of the arrow to unlock the battery.

Multipurpose Bay Release Lever

Pull the battery gently from the multipurpose bay. If the battery was installed with the weight saver, pull the weight saver and battery from the multipurpose bay.

Insert the weight saver into the multipurpose bay to protect the bay.

Page 9

Displaying battery information

You can display information for each of the batteries installed in your computer.

To display battery information

Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.

Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears.

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 have the option of viewing 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

Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.

Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears.

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 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 10

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 considerable amount of 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 for the approximate time needed to charge your battery.

Charge the batteries at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.

Insert the battery into the battery bay. If you want to charge more than one battery, insert the second battery into the computer. See Inserting a battery for more information.

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 in a double pattern while the battery charges. The battery indicator stops blinking when the battery is 85 percent full. To ensure the battery is 100 percent full, continue charging it for at least an additional hour after the indicator stops blinking.

When using two batteries, the battery you insert first charges first. The second battery you insert begins charging when the first battery is 85 percent full.

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 11

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 12

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when the battery is charged?

To determine the remaining battery charge, see "Displaying Battery Information" in the online VAIO® Computer User Guide for more 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 considerable amount of time.



Page 13

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 14

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. You can 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 reduces to a



minimum, and the system remains on.

Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in the Save to Disk Partition on the hard disk



and power is turned off. Power consumption reduces to a minimum, and the system is turned off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowest level of power. The computer automatically enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the setting you select.

To activate Standby mode

Press the key combination Fn+Esc or Fn+F12. The amber power indicator flashes in this mode.

Press any key to return to Normal mode.

To activate Hibernate mode

Press the power button and release it immediately. Do not move the computer until the power indicator turns off.

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 15

Using power schemes

You can use the preset power schemes or you can customize the power scheme settings to conserve power. By using the power schemes, you control the power supplied to different devices in your computer, such as the LCD screen and the hard disk drive. You also control when the computer activates a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate).

To set your battery alarm

You can set your computer to notify you when your battery charge reaches a certain level.

Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.

Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears.

Select the Alarms tab, and then select the type of alarm you want the computer to activate: a low battery alarm or a critical battery alarm.

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 3 percent by default.

To further customize your alarm settings, click Alarm Action. Here, you can select the type of alarm you want the computer to activate and how you want the computer to respond to the alarm.

To select a power scheme

Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.

Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears with the Power Schemes tab selected.

Select a power scheme from the drop-down power schemes list. 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.

Click Apply. The computer detects your changes.

To create a power scheme

Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.

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.

Select your changes from the drop-down lists in the Settings for....power scheme box, and click Save As in the

Power schemes box. The Save Scheme window appears.

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

Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.

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

power icon on the taskbar for more information.

Page 16

Select the Advanced tab, and select your changes from the drop-down lists in the Power buttons box. See

Frequently asked questions for information on how Standby and Hibernate modes affect power consumption.

Click Apply. The computer detects your changes.

To activate Hibernate mode, you must first enable the Hibernate mode. See To activate Hibernate mode for more information.

Page 17

Frequently asked questions

Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power?

When should I replace the battery?

If, after fully charging the battery, the battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced.

Why is the battery warm?

While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.

Page 18

Internet and Network Connections

Internet Connections



Network Connections



Connecting another VAIO Computer



Page 19

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 20

Setting up a dial-up Internet connection

Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone jack via a telephone cable (not supplied). Once you have set up your telephone cable, you're ready to connect to the Internet.

To connect a telephone cable

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 guide.

Plug one end of the telephone cable into the Modem jack. Make sure it clicks into place.

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

Connect your computer to a telephone jack. See To connect a telephone cable for more information.

Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard. The New Connection Wizard appears.

The New Connection Wizard

Page 21

Click Next.

If it is not already selected, click to select Connect to the Internet, and click Next.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Page 22

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, depending on the line conditions and Ethernet cable.

To connect an Ethernet cable

Locate the Ethernet port on your computer. For location information, see Locating Ports and Controls in the Setting Up chapter of your printed VAIO® Computer Quick Start guide.

Connecting an Ethernet Cable

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet port and the other into the network connection.

Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple phone 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 via a splitter, the modem or connected device may not work properly.

To set up an Ethernet connection to the Internet

Connect your computer to a network connection. See To connect an Ethernet cable for more information.

Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard. The New Connection Wizard appears.

The Location Information window may appear on the screen as well. Follow those instructions as necessary.

The New Connection Wizard

Page 23

Click Next.

If it is not already selected, click to select Connect to the Internet, and click Next.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Page 24

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 your browsing preferences.

To open the Internet Properties dialog box

Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and then Control Panel.

Click Network and Internet connections, and then Internet Options. The Internet Properties dialog box appears.

Page 25

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't my modem work?

Make sure the telephone cable is plugged into the cable jack. See To connect a telephone cable for more



information.

Make sure the telephone cable is working by plugging the cable into an ordinary telephone and listening 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 drivers.



See Using the Application Recovery CD(s) 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 26

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 LAN connections



Checking your network connection status



Frequently asked questions



Types of Networks

Page 27

Using Ethernet and dial-up connections

Local area networks (LANs) comprise a group of computers and associated devices within a small geographic area, such as a home or office building. For setting up 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, depending on the Ethernet cable.

To set up an Ethernet LAN

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet port and the other into the network connection.

Connecting an Ethernet Cable

Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click Network Setup Wizard. The Network Setup Wizard appears.

The Network Setup Wizard

Click Next.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Warning: 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, contact your network administrator.

You can connect to your company network from a remote location and use data, applications, and network resources. See Microsoft® Windows® Help by clicking Help and Support for 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

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.

Page 28

From the Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard.

Click Next. If you are prompted to the Local Information dialog box, follow the on-screen instructions.

Click Connect to the network at my workplace, and then click Next.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Ask your network administrator for the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to an existing network.

Page 29

Using wireless LAN 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.

You can also 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.

Most Sony Wireless LAN devices support the IEEE 802.11b standard. Devices connecting to a Wireless LAN using the IEEE

802.11a standard cannot connect to devices using the IEEE 802.11b standard.

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

Insert a Wireless LAN PC Card (not supplied) into the PC Card slot. See Inserting PC Cards for more information. The Wireless LAN indicator on the card lights up.

Connecting to a Wireless LAN

From the Start menu, click Control Panel.

Click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.

Double-click Wireless Network Connection. The Connect to Wireless Network dialog box appears.

Connecting to a Wireless LAN

Page 30

+ 132 hidden pages