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Sony Notebook User Guide

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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 machine-readable 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 authorised by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorised by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly 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 licence agreement.

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Sony Notebook User Guide

ENERGY STAR

As an ENERGY STAR® Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency.

The International E of 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.

NERGY STAR

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

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Safety information

Owner's record

The serial number and model number are located on the bottom of your Sony notebook. Record the serial number and the model number and refer to them if you call VAIO-Link. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

Warnings

Sony Notebook User Guide

General

❑ Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee. ❑ To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. ❑ To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO notebook to rain or moisture. ❑ Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm. ❑ Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak. ❑ To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Centre. ❑ Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals. ❑ Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables. ❑ Turn on the computer only after turning off all peripherals. ❑ Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode. ❑ The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They

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 ❑ Speakers ❑ Magnets ❑ Magnetic bracelets.

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Audio/video

❑ Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any

equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Connectivity

❑ Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm. ❑ Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations. ❑ Be cautious when installing or modifying telephone lines. ❑ Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from

mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.

❑ Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible. ❑ Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected

at the network interface.

Optical disc drive

❑ Misuse of the optical instruments supplied with your notebook can 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.

❑ There are visible and invisible radiations when the optical disc drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the

laser beam.

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Regulatory information

Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive).

Declaration of Conformity

The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This effort has resulted in several EU Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards. Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC).

Primarily, the Declarations of Conformity are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required standards. Additionally, Sony provides these EU DoC's on the website http://www.compliance.sony.de

You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box above. A list of matching documents will be displayed and can be downloaded. Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope of the EU Directives and the individual product specifications.

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 not longer than 3 metres (9.8 feet).

The optical disc 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 authorised Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.

as a service to our customers.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825-1

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Before activating the built-in modem, please read the Modem Regulations leaflet.

Depending on the country, usage of the Wireless LAN functionality may be restricted. For country-specific details, please refer to the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet. The Wireless LAN PC functionality which is incorporated into this unit has passed Wi-Fi certification, and complies with the interoperability specifications established by WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance).

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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. ❑ 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.

❑ 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.

❑ Dispose of used batteries promptly and properly. ❑ Keep away from children. ❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited. ❑ Use the public collection system.

Disposing of internal memory backup battery

❑ Your notebook is equipped with an internal memory backup battery that should not have to be replaced

during the lifetime of the product. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link.

❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. ❑ Dispose of properly at end-of-life. ❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion and other non-hazardous batteries in household or business

waste may be prohibited.

❑ Please 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 - Your PC includes a fast processor, a fast CD-RW/DVD-ROM or DVD±RW*

drive and an internal modem.

❑ Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power. ❑ Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s

advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

❑ Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs. ❑ Interconnectivity – Your computer has Ethernet, USB 2.0 (High-speed/Full-speed/Low-speed) and

i.LINK™ functionalities. i.LINK™ is a bidirectional digital interface for exchanging data. With the Memory Stick™ you can easily exchange and share digital data with compatible products.

❑ Wireless technology – Thanks to the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b) technology, you can communicate

freely, without cables or wires*.

❑ Windows

Pack 1 operating system.

❑ Communications - Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet. ❑ Excellent customer support - If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check

the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution:

http://www.vaio-link.com

Before contacting VAIO-Link, you should try to solve the problem by reading this user guide or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

* Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

- Your system includes Microsoft’s Windows® XP Professional or Home Edition* with Service

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Documentation pack

Your Documentation Pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer. The user guides are compiled in the VAIO Info Centre on the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc.

Printed documentation

❑ A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, and how

to setup your notebook;

❑ A Specification sheet, containing a table of specifications and a list of bundled software. ❑ A Guide to Troubleshooting / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc booklet, where

you will find troubleshooting, VAIO-Link information and an explanation of the purpose and use of the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc.

❑ A Dual Language Operating System leaflet*; ❑ You r Sony Guarantee conditions; ❑ A Safety Regulations leaflet; ❑ A Wireless Lan Regulations leaflet**; ❑ A Modem Regulations leaflet.

* Depending on your country. Dual Language Operating Systems are available in Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

** Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Documentation on disc

The online part of your documentation includes the following:

1 The Hardware Guide (this guide):

❑ Using your notebook shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this part

of the manual you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™ and how to use the Wireless LAN function*.

❑ 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. ❑ Precautions provides facts and advice about using your notebook. ❑ Glossary refers to terms used in this manual.

* Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

2 Refer to your Software Guide for information on the software and the Sony applications.

❑ About the Software delivered with your computer is a short description of the features of the

software delivered with your system.

❑ Using Video software explains how to use Sony video software: DVgate and Network Smart

Capture.

❑ Managing audio files with SonicStage explains how to convert your existing MP3, WMA and

WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.

❑ Using PictureGear Studio explains how to get the most enjoyment out of your photographs taken

with a digital camera.

❑ Using Click to DVD explains how to capture video images from a digital external device (camera,

VCR, etc.) and write them to a DVD*.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Using VAIO Media explains how to enjoy music, video and photos through your home networking

environment.

❑ Customizing your computer explains how to configure your modem, set a wallpaper or select a

screensaver.

❑ Installing and updating applications explains how to install, run or uninstall a software

application.

❑ Managing drivers explains how to install, update or uninstall a driver.

3 In the VAIO-Link Customer Service Guide you will find all the VAIO-Link information you need,

including specific contact numbers for each country.

* Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

Online documentation

1 Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and

troubleshooting.

2 Refer to the Microsoft Quick Start manual for more information on Windows 3 Go to http://www.club-vaio.com

to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Your notebook and its accessories

The following items are in the box:

1 Main unit 6 Weight saver

2 VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc* 7 Phone cable

3 Documentation pack 8 Power cord

4 AC adapter 9 Phone plug (country-specific)**

5 Rechargeable battery pack

* See the printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc for details.

** Not available with models sold in Belgium or Spain.

✍ If you find an extra phone plug in the box, see Using the correct phone plug (page 57).

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.

❑ 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.

❑ Positioning 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.

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 (page 16) ❑ Connecting a power source (page 21)

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Starting your notebook (page 28) ❑ Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup (page 29) ❑ Shutting down your notebook (page 31) ❑ Using the keyboard (page 32) ❑ Using the touchpad (page 37) ❑ Using the disc drive (page 38) ❑ Using the weight saver (page 41) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 42) ❑ Using Memory Stick™ (page 45) ❑ Using the modem (page 56) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 58) ❑ Using power saving modes (page 64) ❑ Managing power with PowerPanel (page 66)

Using your notebook

Locating controls and connectors

Right

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 Battery bay (page 22)

2 Ventilation slot (page 19)

3 LCD lock lever (page 28)

✍ Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on.

Using your notebook

Left

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 MagicGate Memory Stick™ slot (page 45)

2 i.LINK™ (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 96)

3 PC Card slots (page 42)

4 Multipurpose bay (for weight saver or second

battery with weight saver or removable DVD±RW drive or a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combined drive)*

* Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

(page 24) / (page 41) / (page 38)

Using your notebook

Front

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 LCD screen (page 35)

2 Speakers (page 35)

3 Keyboard (page 32)

4 Touchpad (page 37)

5 Left/right buttons (page 37)

6 Power indicator (page 36)

7 Battery 1 and 2 indicators (page 36)

8 Hard disk drive indicator (page 36)

9 Memory Stick™ indicator (page 36)

10 Num Lock indicator (page 36)

11 Caps Lock indicator (page 36)

12 Scroll Lock indicator (page 36)

13 Power button (page 28)

14 Magnify button* /

15 Volume down button (page 35)

16 Volume up button (page 35)

17 Wireless LAN switch** (page 58)

* The Magnify button changes the image resolution. Be aware that some applications may not be supported.

** Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

Using your notebook

Sony Notebook User Guide

Back

1 Ventilation slot (page 19)

2 DC In (page 21)

3 Printer connector (page 95)

4 Monitor/VGA

connector

5 AV Out connector (page 80)

6 3 USB 2.0 ports* (page 90)

7 Ethernet connector

(network)

8 Modem connector (page 56)

9 Microphone

connector

10 Headphone

connector for headphones or external speakers

* This USB connector supports USB 2.0 standard. USB 2.0 is a new USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard which supports higher data transfer speed than USB 1.1. Connectors which support USB 2.0 support products with USB 1.1. There are 3 transfer modes:

- High-speed: 480 Mbps, this is the highest speed.

- Full-speed: 12 Mbps transfer mode.

- Low-speed: 1.5 Mbps transfer mode. Used for low-speed devices such as mouse and keyboards.

(page 77)

(page 99)

(page 88)

(page 87)

✍ There is a ventilation slot located on the left side of the back panel. 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 73)

2 Modem module (page 56)

3 Multi-purpose bay release lever (page 24) / (page 41) / (page 38)

4 Reset button /

5 Memory module (page 125)

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 into the multipurpose bay on the left 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:

1 Open the cover of the battery bay.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Insert the battery pack with the label facing up into the battery bay on the right 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 2.5 hours when the system is on. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for 1 hour. There are two battery indicator lights on the computer: 1 indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the right side of the computer. 2 indicates the status of the battery pack in the multi-purpose bay on the left 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.

Meaning

✍ 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.

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.

Using your notebook

Sony Notebook User Guide

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. 4 Close the cover of the battery bay.

✍ You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on

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, both the battery and power indicators start flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even 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.

and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in Standby mode.

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.

Using your notebook

Inserting the second battery pack

To insert a second battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 If the weight saver or the optical disc drive

2 Insert the battery (2) into the multi-

3 Attach the weight saver (3) to the

Sony Notebook User Guide

4 Slide the eject lever on the bottom of the

✍ If you attach two batteries, you can remove one of them

is in the multi-purpose bay (1), remove it.

purpose bay. The battery 2 indicator light turns on.

computer to stabilize the battery pack.

weight saver toward the front of the computer to lock it.

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 you are going to remove is on, right-click the battery icon in the system tray and click the Switch Battery option.

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 85% 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:

1 Slide the multi-purpose bay release lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of the arrow.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Remove the weight saver. 3 Pull out the battery pack. 4 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

2 Press the power button (2) of the computer

Sony Notebook User Guide

3 If necessary, press <Fn>+<F5> to adjust the

✍ <Fn>+<F5> is only possible if Windows

of the arrow, and lift the cover.

until the green power indicator (3) light turns on.

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.

is running.

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

Using your notebook

Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup

The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and set up password protection for your VAIO notebook.

To use Sony Notebook Setup, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows 2 In All Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup and then click Sony Notebook Setup.

Sony Notebook User Guide

taskbar.

The Sony Notebook Setup window appears.

Using your notebook

Sony Notebook User Guide

3 Select the tab for the item you want to change. 4 Once finished, click OK.

✍ For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the help file.

Tab De scription

About This Computer Displays system information, including memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.

Initial Setting Selects the drive and device order you wish to use for loading the operating system. You can

specify the hard drive as well as other drives inserted into your computer. You can change the volume of the sounds played while the operating system is loading.

Power On Password Sets the password to secure your computer.

If you use this option, remember the password at all times. If you forget the password, you cannot change this setting anymore, and you will not be able to start your computer.

Device Disables ports or devices to release resources to the system. To change the port settings, select a

port and click Settings in the Device tab.

The item has been changed.

If you open Sony Notebook Setup as a limited user, then only the About This Computer tab will be visible.

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 Start button. 2 Click Turn Off Computer.

Sony Notebook User Guide

3 Select Turn Off.

4 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.

✍ Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users.

The Turn off computer screen appears.

Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator turns off.

If you are unable to shut down your computer;

- Close all software in use.

- If applicable, remove the PC Card. To do so, double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar. Select the hardware you want to unplug and click Stop.

- Disconnect any USB devices.

- Press <Alt>+<F4> and select Tur n O f f from the screen that appears. 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 loss of data.

If you are not using the computer for a short period of time, you can save power by using the Standby mode. To enter Standby mode, press the <Fn> and <Esc>-keys simultaneously. Or go to the Start menu, select Turn Off Computer, and then click Stand By. For more details on power management, see Using power saving modes (page 64).

Using your notebook

Using the keyboard

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

Sony Notebook User Guide

Using your notebook

Keys Descriptions

Escape key (1) The <Esc> (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.

Function keys (2) The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform designated

Print Screen key (3) The <Print Screen> key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and moves it to the

Sony Notebook User Guide

Correction keys (4) The <Insert>, <Back Space> and <Delete> keys enable you to make corrections.

Navigation keys (5) These keys enable you to move the cursor on the screen.

Application key (6)

Numeric keypad area (7) Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area to type

Operator keys (8-11-12) Several keys are always used with at least one other key: <Ctrl>, <Alt>, and <Shift>. When

Windows

<Fn> key (10) The <Fn> key is used in combination with other keys to execute commands.

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 other.

Windows

The Application key displays a shortcut menu; pressing this key is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button.

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 indicator illuminates.

held down with another key, the <Ctrl> (Control) and <Alt> (Alternate) keys offer another way to execute 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 is used to produce capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.

key (9) The key with the Windows®logo displays the Windows®Start menu; it is equivalent to

clicking the Start button on the taskbar.

Clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into a document and print it.

Using your notebook

Combinations and functions with the Windows® key

Combinations Functions

Sony Notebook User Guide

+ <F1> Displays Help and Support Center.

+ <Tab> Switches the selected button on the taskbar.

+ <D> Displays the Desktop.

+ <E> Displays My Computer.

+ <F> Displays the Search Results window to find a file or folder. This is equivalent to selecting Search

from the Start menu.

+ <Ctrl> + <F> Displays the Search Results - Computers window where you can locate other computers.

+ <M> Minimises all displayed windows.

Returns all minimised windows to their previous size.

+ <R> Displays the Run window. This is equivalent to selecting Run from the Start menu.

Displays the System Properties window. This is equivalent to double-clicking the System icon in the Control Panel or to right-clicking My Computer (then clicking Properties) from the Start menu.

Using your notebook

Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key

Combinations/ Feature Functions

<Fn> + <Esc> : Standby Puts the system into Standby mode, a power management state. To return the system to the

<Fn> + (F3): speaker switch Toggles the built-in speaker on and off.

<Fn> + (F4): speaker volume Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.

Sony Notebook User Guide

<Fn> + (F5): brightness control Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.

<Fn> + (F7)*: switch to the

external display

<Fn> + (F12): Hibernate Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the

<Fn> + <E> Opens the disk tray.

active state, press any key.

To increase volume, press <Fn>+<F4> and then or .

To decrease volume, press <Fn>+<F4> and then or . You can also adjust the volume by pressing the Volume up and Volume down keys below the

touchpad of your notebook.

To increase lightness intensity, press <Fn>+<F5> and then or .

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

Toggles between the LCD, external device (monitor or TV depending on which device is connected) and both LCD and external device. This function can only be used by the first user to log in. It will not work under a second user account.

states of the system and of the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power switch to turn on the power.

For details on power management, see the section Using power saving modes (page 64).

! * This function can only be used by the first user to log on. It will not work if you have switched to another user account. If

another user wants to display on an external monitor or TV, use the monitor properties to switch to an external monitor or TV.

✍ Some functions are not available until Windows

is launched.

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Indicators

Indicator Functions

Power

Battery 1

Sony Notebook User Guide

Battery 2

Wireless LAN Turns green when the Wireless LAN is activated. Turns off when the Wireless LAN is not

MagicGate Memory Stick™ Turns on when the Memory Stick™ is in use. Turns off when the Memory Stick™ is no

Light On Off

Hard disk

Num Lock

Caps Lock

Scroll Lock

Power on: lights green. Standby mode: flashes umber.

Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay on the left side of the computer.

Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay on the right side of the computer.

activated.

longer in use.

Data is read from or written to the hard drive. The hard drive is not being accessed.

Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad are active.

Turns on when the characters appear in uppercase as you type. The <Shift> key lowers the case of typed characters when Caps Lock is on.

Turns on when the screen scrolls differently (depends on the application, no effect in many applications).

Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the keypad area are active.

Turns off when the characters appear in lowercase as you type (unless you hold down the <Shift> key).

Turns off when the information moves across the display normally.

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Using the touchpad

The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, your touchpad (1). You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad.

Sony Notebook User Guide

Action Description

Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the

pointer (2) on an item or object.

Click Press the left button (3) once.

Double-click Press the left button twice.

Right-click Press the right button (4) once. In many

applications, this action displays a shortcut menu.

Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button.

Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the

touchpad to scroll vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touchpad scroll feature).

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Using the disc drive

Your computer is equipped with either a DVD±RW drive or a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combined drive. Check the printed Specifications sheet for details on your model.

See the glossary for more information on CD

To insert a disc, proceed as follows:

1 Turn on the computer.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Press the eject button (1) to

3 Place a disc in the middle of the

4 Close the tray by pushing it

✍ When the computer is in Standby or

-RW and DVD±RW.

open the drive. The tray slides out.

tray with the label side facing up until the disc clicks into place.

gently.

Hibernate mode, you cannot insert or remove a disc.

Be sure to seat the disc firmly over the disc drive hub fingers. If you do not seat the disc firmly, you could damage your disc drive and you may not be able to open the tray.

When you finish using a disc, wait until the LED indicator turns off and then press the eject button to remove the disc. If the disc does not come out when you press the eject button, go to Windows Explorer or My Computer. Select the drive, click the right button

of your mouse and select Eject or press <Fn>+<E> keys to open the disk tray. If it still does not work, turn off the computer and insert a thin, pointed object (e.g. a paper clip) into the manual eject hole.

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Using the disc recording function*

To burn CDs, you can use DVD/CD-RW and/or DVD/CD-Rs**:

❑ The ±RW (-ReWriteable) disc is a data memory medium that can be used to write, erase and rewrite a

❑ The -R (-Recordable) disc is a data memory medium that can be used to write a program or other data,

Sony Notebook User Guide

To achieve optimum performance when writing data on an optical disc, follow these recommendations :

❑ To make the data on a disc readable on an optical drive, you need to close the session when you eject it.

❑ Only use circular discs. Do not use discs with any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage

❑ Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data to a disc. ❑ For optimal writing speed, deactivate the screensaver before writing data to a disc. ❑ Memory-resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss. Deactivate these utilities before

❑ When using your software application to burn CDs, be sure to exit and close all other applications. ❑ Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing

❑ Do not put your VAIO notebook into a power saving mode while using the pre-installed software and

* Ultra Speed CD-RW is not supported. ** DVD or CD depends on your type of disc drive.

program or other data.

but once only.

To complete this process, follow the instructions included with your software.

the optical drive.

writing data to a disc.

errors.

while using the CD burning software.

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Using the DVD function

To achieve optimum performance when playing DVD-ROM discs, you should follow these recommendations.

❑ You can play DVDs using the optical drive and the WinDVD for VAIO software. See the help file on the

❑ Close all open applications before playing a DVD-ROM movie. ❑ Do not use resident disc utilities or resident utilities to speed up the access of discs, because they may

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Make sure that the screensaver is deactivated. ❑ Region codes indicators are labelled on the DVD discs to indicate in which region and on what type of

❑ Do not try to change the region code settings of the optical drive. Any difficulties caused by changing

❑ When a TV is connected, a part of the video screen will not appear with the factory settings. Adjust the

❑ When playing a DVD movie, you can use the <Fn>+<F7> combination to view the movie at the same time

WinDVD for VAIO software for details.

cause the system to become unstable.

player you can play the disc. Unless a '2' (Europe belongs to region '2') or 'all' (this means that you can play this DVD everywhere in the world) is labelled on your DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on this player.

the region code settings of the optical drive are out of warranty.

display resolution to 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768.

on the notebook display and a connected external display. See Selecting display modes (page 83) for more details on customizing the display.

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Using the weight saver

The weight saver protects the multi-purpose bay when it is empty, and secures the second battery or the optical drive when they are installed in the multi-purpose bay.

To attach the weight saver, proceed as follows:

1 If another device is in the multi-purpose bay, remove the device. 2 Slide the weight saver in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place.

Sony Notebook User Guide

To remove the weight saver, proceed as follows:

1 Slide the multi-purpose bay release lever on the

2 Remove the weight saver.

bottom of the computer in the direction of the arrow.

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Using PC Cards

Your computer includes two PC Card slots. PC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices. You do not need to shut down your computer when inserting a PC Card.

Inserting a PC Card

To insert a PC Card, proceed as follows:

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 Insert the PC Card into one of the PC Card slots with the front label facing upwards.

2 Gently push the PC Card slot into the connector.

The PC Card is automatically detected by your system. The Safely Remove Hardware icon appears in the system tray.

✍ Some devices may not function properly if you repeat returning to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode.

The computer will return to its original state if you restart it.

The PC Card slots can accommodate (at the same time) two Type I, two Type II or one Type III PC Card. These slots are compatible with Card Bus ports.

Use the lower slot for PC Type III cards.

Some PC Cards may require you to disable idle devices when using the PC Card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disable devices.

Make sure you use the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card manufacturer.

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Sony Notebook User Guide

If an “!” mark appears on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties dialog box, remove the software driver and then reinstall it.

You do not need to shut down the computer before inserting or removing a PC Card.

Do not force a PC Card into the slot. It may damage the connector pins. If you have difficulty inserting a PC Card, check that you are inserting the PC Card in the correct direction. See the manual supplied with your PC Card for more information on use.

For some PC Cards, if you alternate between Normal power operation and Standby or Hibernate power management modes while the card is inserted, you may find that a device connected to your system is not recognised. Restart your system to correct the problem.

Do not carry your notebook while touching the head of a PC Card, as pressure or shock may damage the connector pins.

It is recommended that you always use the same slot for a PC Card as switching slots can cause problems with some PC Cards.

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Removing a PC Card

Follow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, your system may not work properly. If you want to remove a PC Card when your computer is off, skip steps 1 to 7.

To remove a PC Card, proceed as follows:

1 Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system tray.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Select the hardware you want to unplug. 3 Click Stop. 4 In the Stop a Hardware Device dialog box, confirm that the device can be safely removed from the

5 Click OK.

6 Click OK. 7 Click Close. 8 Push the PC Card release button so that the release button pops out. 9 Push the PC Card release button a second time so that the PC Card pops out. 10 Gently take hold of the Card and pull it out of the slot. 11 If the PC Card release button is still out, push it back in to close the front panel cover.

✍ If you unplug the PC Card from the computer when it is still turned on, your system might crash and you might lose data that you did not save before.

The Safely Remove Hardware dialog box appears.

system.

A dialog box appears, explaining that it is safe to remove the device.

Before you remove the PC Card, click the PC Card icon in the taskbar and close the card. Close any applications that use the PC Card before removing the card. Otherwise, data may be lost.

While the card is inserted, your computer may not enter the Hibernate power management mode. It may enter Standby mode. It is recommended that you remove the card before your computer enters Hibernate mode by pressing the <Fn>+<F12> keys or by using the PowerPanel Utility, and when it is set to enter Hibernate automatically while using a battery as the source of power.

Some PC Cards or their functions may not be compatible with this computer.

Using your notebook

Using Memory Stick™

Your VAIO computer is designed to support the Memory Stick™. The Memory Stick™ is a compact, portable, and versatile device especially designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products. Because it is removable, it can be used for external data storage. Use the flash memory technology to download anything that can be converted into digital data, such as pictures, music, words, sounds, movies and photographs. Foreseen as the universal data storage device of the future, the Memory Stick™ can already be used with an

Sony Notebook User Guide

ever-increasing range of compatible products, including:

❑ Audio systems ❑ Visual devices ❑ VAIO products ❑ CLIE handhelds ❑ Mobile phones.

There are currently three different types of Memory Stick™ supported by your VAIO:

❑ The generic Memory Stick™, coloured blue. ❑ The MagicGate Memory Stick™, coloured white. ❑ The Memory Stick PRO™.

✍ You can purchase Memory Sticks™ from the Sony Style website (http://www.sonystyle-europe.com), or from your local Sony dealer.

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Why Memory Stick™?

Sony's vision is to expand the world of communication, promoting the portability of digital data. The Memory Stick™ is the resulting medium, through which digital devices can be instantly connected. With it, you can download data from any compatible device, then transfer it to another in a single and instant transfer.

The main advantages of the Memory Stick™ are its:

❑ Compactness: with dimensions of just 21.5 mm (W) x 2.8 mm (H) x 50 mm (D), compatible products can

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Capacity: Its data capacity far exceeds that of a floppy disk. ❑ Security: its lock option means you can protect your data from accidental erasure. ❑ Versatility: memory capacity ranges from 4 MB up to 128 MB (the equivalent capacity of 88 floppy disks)

❑ Reliability: by way of protecting the hardware and its contents, the number of terminals is reduced to

❑ Durability: the same Memory Stick™ can be used tens of thousands of times. ❑ Forward compatibility: the Memory Stick's™ current format is designed to be compatible with future

also be small, lightweight and attractive in their design.

and up to 1GB for Memory Stick PRO™.

only 10 pins. This, and the overall robust structure of the stick, gives it a longer lifespan than other storage devices.

products and higher capacity Memory Sticks™.

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Generic Memory Stick™

The original Memory Stick™, blue in colour, can be used to record image data taken with digital still cameras, etc. or data from the PC. With it, you can record, play back and transfer various kinds of data at any given time.

Sony Notebook User Guide

Because it is easy to remove and transport safely, you can use Memory Stick™ anywhere by inserting it into any compatible device to transfer and share the information you have saved.

For you, this means you can expand the capabilities of your VAIO computer in the following scenarios:

❑ With your still digital camera, share your holiday pictures instantly by e-mail. ❑ From your handycam to your VAIO, make the most of your captured moments with the VAIO's movie

❑ Carry pictures on you by copying image files from the Internet to your VAIO or to your CLIE handheld. ❑ With your voice recorder, add your voice to e-mails so your tone is never misunderstood.

The blue Memory Stick™ is currently available with a 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 or a 128 MB memory (the equivalent capacity of 88 floppy disks).

✍ Generic Memory Sticks™ cannot be used with the Memory Stick™ Walkman, or with data that is protected by copyright.

editing tools.

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MagicGate Memory Stick™

The MagicGate Memory Stick™, white in colour, records PC and image data just like its blue counterpart; the difference is it uses the MagicGate copyright protection technology.

Sony Notebook User Guide

With this type of Memory Stick™, also called the MG Memory Stick™, you can enjoy the following features:

❑ 32, 64 and 128 MB capacity versions. ❑ Storage of up to 120 minutes of audio data. ❑ Download and save:

❑ digital music ❑ pictures

❑ movies, and more. ❑ Combine data files to add music to your home movies, for example. ❑ Transfer and share data between several digital products. ❑ MagicGate Copyright Protection Technology. ❑ SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative) Compliance. ❑ SonicStage software.

So that you further distinguish a MagicGate Memory Stick™ from a generic one, look for:

❑ the logo printed on it ❑ a protruding dot located on the back.

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✍ MagicGate is a copyright protection technology that complies with the standards set by SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative, an organization working

MagicGate

MagicGate refers to the copyright protection technology used by the MagicGate Memory Stick™ and other MagicGate Memory Stick™ compatible devices.

Sony Notebook User Guide

The Memory Stick™ Walkman and MagicGate Memory Stick™ work together to check the data and ensure it complies with copyright protection. If no problems are detected, the data is exchanged in encrypted form; if authentication is not passed, data cannot be exchanged or played back.

SonicStage

SonicStage uses copyright protection technology designed to manage the digital music content downloaded to the PC from CDs, the Internet and/or other sources. Software installed on the PC records music content in encrypted form onto the hard disk. As well as allowing you to enjoy music on the PC, this technology protects against unauthorized distribution on the Internet. Since it is compatible with MagicGate, you can use SonicStage to transfer music that you have downloaded onto your PC to your white MG Memory Stick™, and playback on other MagicGate-equipped devices and media.

to draw up industry standard specifications in order to protect copyrights of digital music).

The logo indicates the copyright protection system devised by Sony. It is not meant to guarantee compatibility with other media.

Copyright protection

People who create artistic works such as music are entitled to a "copyright", meaning that they have exclusive rights to dictate how their work is used. When they are created, artistic works are automatically protected by a copyright without having to submit notification or registration, and may not be used without the permission of the person who created the work. In the music world, however, illegal acts of distributing music without the permission of the artist,

Using your notebook

particularly on the Internet, have recently been on the increase. That is why the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) took the initiative to organize a forum called Secure Music Digital Initiative (SDMI) to study technology for protecting copyrights during the electronic distribution of music. Sony offers the MagicGate Memory Stick™ and Memory Stick™ Walkman with a copyright protection function that complies with SDMI standards, thereby providing an environment where individuals can record and enjoy third-party music data without worrying about copyright infringement.

✍ Literary works that are recorded by individuals are permitted for private usage only.

Sony Notebook User Guide

Compatible devices

There are nearly 80 Memory Stick™-enabled products on the market or announced for introduction worldwide, ranging from camcorders and portable music players to voice recorders and many other electronic devices.

You can currently use Memory Sticks™ with the following Sony products:

Visual:

❑ Cybershot digital camera ❑ Mavica digital camera ❑ PC, TRV and VX series digital video cameras ❑ LC data projector

Audio:

❑ MS Walkman ❑ MS Hi-fi system ❑ Network Walkmans ❑ Voice recorders

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Other:

❑ VAIO notebooks ❑ VAIO desktops ❑ CLIE Handheld Entertainment Organiser ❑ Sony mobile phones ❑ Digital printers ❑ AIBO the Sony Entertainment Robot

Sony Notebook User Guide

To find out more about the products available in your country, go to:

http://www.sonystyle-europe.com

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Memory Stick PRO™

The Memory Stick PRO™ records PC and image data just like its blue and white counterpart. However, the Memory Stick PRO™ provides you with a capacity of up to 1 GB. It also exists in 256MB and 512 MB.

A 1 GB Memory Stick PRO™ card enables users to enjoy a staggering 6 hours of MPEG4 (384 Kbps) moving images or 24 minutes of DVD quality MPEG2 video. This equates to around sixteen audio CDs, assuming 64 MB per CD, or 360 JPEG images in 5.0 Megapixel quality, more than ten rolls of 24/36 film.

Sony Notebook User Guide

Compatible devices

You can currently use the Memory Stick PRO™ with the following Sony products:

Visual:

❑ Cyber-shot DSC-F717, -F77 and FX77 digital camera ❑ DPP-EX5 and -EX7 digital photo printers

❑ Digital camcorders DCR-TRV355, -TRV22, -TRV33, -TRV60 and -TRV80

Other:

❑ MSAC-US20 USB Memory Stick adapter ❑ MSAC-US70 USB optical mouse and Memory Stick adapter ❑ MSAC-PC3 PC Card Memory Stick adapter ❑ MSAC-US7 USB optical mouse and Memory Stick adapter ❑ MSAC-US2 USB Memory Stick adapter

Devices that can be upgraded to accept the Memory Stick PRO™ media via a software patch are:

❑ Sony CLIÉ PEG-NX70V handheld. Detailed information will be available on www.clie-link.com. ❑ Some VAIO models. Detailed information will be available on www.vaio-link.com.

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LOCK

LOCK LOCK

Write-protecting a Memory Stick™

Memory Sticks™ are designed with an erasure prevention switch to protect valuable data from accidental erasure or overwriting. Move the tab to the right or left* to set or release write-protection. When the erasure prevention switch is off, data can be saved on the Memory Stick™. When the erasure prevention switch is on, data can be read from but not saved on the Memory Stick™.

Sony Notebook User Guide

* The 128 MB Memory Stick™ has a vertical lock.

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Inserting a Memory Stick™

There are 2 ways you can insert a Memory Stick™ in your notebook:

❑ Using the Memory Stick™ slot; ❑ Using one of the PC Card slots. To do this, you need an optional PC Card adapter.

You can only insert one Memory Stick™ at a time.

To insert a Memory Stick™ using the Memory Stick™ slot, proceed as follows:

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 Once you have stored your data from your digital device, insert the Memory Stick™ with the arrow

2 Carefully slide the Memory Stick™ into the slot until it clicks in place.

facing up and toward the Memory Stick™ slot.

The Memory Stick™ is automatically detected by your system and appears in your My Computer

window as a local drive, under the appropriate letter (depending on the configuration of your

computer).

! Hold the Memory Stick™ with the arrow pointing in the correct direction when you insert it into the slot. To avoid damaging the computer or the

Memory Stick™, do not force the Memory Stick™ into the slot if it does not insert smoothly.

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Removing a Memory Stick™

To remove a Memory Stick™ using the Memory Stick™ slot, proceed as follows:

1 Check that the access light is off. 2 Push the Memory Stick™ in towards the notebook.

3 Pull the Memory Stick™ out of the slot.

Sony Notebook User Guide

✍ Always remove the Memory Stick™ gently, or it may pop out unexpectedly.

The Memory Stick™ ejects.

It is recommended that you remove the Memory Stick™ before shutting down the computer.

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Using the modem

Your notebook is equipped with an internal modem. You need to connect to a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet, as well as to register your computer and software online, and to contact VAIO-Link.

To connect a phone line, proceed as follows:

1 Plug one end of the phone cable (1) into the phone line jack on the computer.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Plug the other end into the wall jack (2).

✍ Do not pull the flexible cover too forcefully.

A country-specific phone plug is supplied with your VAIO notebook, allowing you to plug the phone line into the wall jack.

We recommend you to use the supplied plug, because the usage of any other phone plug can decrease the connection quality.

Your computer cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX).

If you connect the modem to a parallel connected phone line, the modem or the other connected device may not function properly. Some of these

connections may result in excess electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem.

Only DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) signalling (tone dialling) is supported.

Before using the modem, it will be necessary to select the country where you are actually using it. The detailed procedure for selecting your present

location is explained in Configuring your modem in the Software User Guide.

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Using the correct phone plug

If there are two phone plugs in the box, make sure you use the correct one for the country you are in, as follows:

Sony Notebook User Guide

UK: The connector can be identified by its cuboid shape and flat pins.

The Netherlands: The connector can be identified by its protruding pins.

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Using Wireless LAN (WLAN)

Thanks to Sony’s Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality communicate freely with each other through a powerful network. A WLAN is a network in which a mobile user can connect to a local area network (LAN) through a wireless (radio) connection. So there is no need anymore to pull cables or wires through walls and ceilings. The Sony WLAN supports all normal Ethernet activities, but with the added benefits of mobility and roaming. You can still access information, internet/intranet and network resources, even in the middle of a

Sony Notebook User Guide

meeting, or as you move from one place to another. You can communicate without an Access Point, this means that you can communicate between a limited number of computers (ad-hoc), or you can communicate through an Access Point, which allows you to create a full infrastructure network (infrastructure).

✍ In some countries, using WLAN products may be restricted by the local regulations (e.g. limited number of channels). Therefore, before activating the

WLAN functionality, read the Wireless LAN Regulation leaflet carefully. Channel selection is explained further in this manual (see Wireless LAN

channel selection (page 63)).

WLAN uses the IEEE 802.11b standard, which specifies the used technology. The standard includes the encryption method: Wired Equivalent

Privacy (WEP), which is a security protocol. Data encryption protects the vulnerable wireless link between clients and Access Points. Besides that,

there are other typical LAN security mechanisms to ensure privacy, such as: password protection, end-to-end encryption, virtual private networks, and

authentication.

Wireless LAN devices using the IEEE 802.11a standard and the ones using the IEEE 802.11b standard cannot communicate because the frequencies

are different.

The standard access is 11 Mbps, or about 30 to 100 times faster than a standard dial up.

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Communicating without Access Point (ad-hoc)

An ad-hoc network is a network 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.

Sony Notebook User Guide

To communicate without Access Point (ad-hoc), proceed as follows:

1 Turn on the Wireless LAN switch of the computer.

2 Double-click the network icon in the taskbar displaying Wireless Network Connection.

3 Click the Properties button.

4 Select the Wireless Networks tab. 5 Click the Add… button.

6 Enter a Network name (SSID)*.

The Switch wireless devices dialog box appears.

The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears.

The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears.

The Wireless Network Properties dialog box appears.

The Data encryption (WEP enabled) option button must be selected.

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7 Deselect the The key is provided for me automatically option button.

8 Fill in the Network key*.

9 Select the option "This is a computer to computer (ad hoc) network; wireless access points are

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10 Click OK. 11 Click OK again.

* If you want to communicate between two or more computers, you need to configure all these computers the exact same way. This means that you need to enter the same Network name and the same Network key on all computers as on the first computer you configure.

** ASCII: The basis of character sets used in almost all present-day computers. ASCII is a code for representing English characters as numbers, with each letter assigned a number from 0 to 127. Hexadecimal: A number representation using the digits 0-9, with their usual meaning, plus the letters A-F (or a-f) to represent hexadecimal digits with values of (decimal) 10 to 15.

✍ In France, only channels 10 and 11 are legally allowed when using WLAN.

Some information becomes visible.

The network key should be 5 or 13 ASCII characters or 10 or 26 hexadecimal characters long. You

can choose whatever you want**.

not used" at the bottom of the screen.

Your computer is ready to communicate with another computer.

For more information, see the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet.

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Communicating with an Access Point (infrastructure)

An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired local network to wireless devices by providing an Access Point, for example the Sony PCWA-A220 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.

Sony Notebook User Guide

To communicate with an Access Point (infrastructure), proceed as follows:

1 Turn on the Wireless switch of the computer.

2 Right-click the network icon in the taskbar displaying the Wireless Network Connection message. 3 Click View Available Wireless Networks.

4 Select the network you want to use. 5 Type the Network Key.

The Switch wireless devices dialog box appears.

The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears.

If you are using the Sony Access Point PCWA-A220, by default, you don’t need to enter any wep key. To

be able to communicate, you must select the box Allow me to connect to the selected wireless

network, even though it is not secure.

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6 Click Connect.

For more information about setting up an access point, see the documentation supplied with your Access Point.

✍ In France, only channels 10 and 11 are legally allowed when using WLAN.

Sony Notebook User Guide

After 30 seconds, the connection is established.

For more information on channel selection, see the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet.

The length of the network key can be set up as in the case of ad-hoc network; meaning, 5 or 13 ascii characters or 10 or 26 hexadecimal characters

long.

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Wireless LAN channel selection

When using Wireless LAN, radio frequencies are used to transmit data from one computer to another. Radio frequencies are divided into several channels (1 to 14). But in France, you have to use channels 10 or 11 (indoor and outdoor).

✍ If you use a non-Sony Access Point, read the manual of the Access Point to be sure which channel to use.

For more information on Wireless LAN, read the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet.

Sony Notebook User Guide

Infrastructure network

The channel is automatically set by the Access Point.

Ad-hoc network

By default, the channel is set to 11.

✍ When you change the channel number on one computer, you need to change the channel number manually on all other devices intended for wireless

connection.

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Using power saving modes

When you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, you can take advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. 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. When using battery power, you should be aware that the computer automatically enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 7 percent, regardless of the power management setting you select.

Sony Notebook User Guide

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

Using Normal mode

This is the normal state of your computer when it is in use. The green power indicator light is on in this mode. To save power while not working, you can turn off a specific device such as the LCD or the hard disk.

Using Standby mode

Standby mode turns off the LCD screen and sets the hard disk and the CPU to a low power consumption mode. The umber power light flashes in this mode.

To activate Standby mode, proceed as follows:

fully charged battery.

Go to Start/Turn Off Computer and press Stand By. To return to Normal mode, press any key.

✍ If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch off automatically.

When the computer is in Standby mode, you cannot insert a disc.

The computer comes out of Standby mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode.

Standby uses more power than Hibernate.

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If the notebook is not used for 25 minutes, it will enter System Standby mode when running on AC power. When running on batteries, the notebook will enter System Standby mode after 5 minutes if unused. To avoid this, you can change the settings either in PowerPanel (right-click on the PowerPanel icon and select Edit/Create Profile) or in the Control Panel. Please note that your Control Panel settings are valid only until the next reboot.

Using Hibernate mode

Sony Notebook User Guide

The state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off. The power indicator light is off in this mode.

To activate Hibernate mode, proceed as follows:

Press <Fn>+<F12>. The Hibernating screen appears and the notebook enters Hibernate mode.

Alternatively, Click Start, and then Turn Off Computer.

In the Turn off computer screen, hold down the <Shift>-key and press Hibernate.

To return to Normal mode, proceed as follows:

Turn on the computer by pressing the power button. The computer returns to its previous state.

✍ If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch off automatically.

When the computer is in Hibernate mode, you cannot insert a disc.

Hibernate mode requires more time than Standby mode to be activated.

It takes more time to return to normal mode from Hibernate mode than from Standby mode.

Hibernate mode uses less power than Standby mode.

Do not move the notebook until its power indicator turns off.

Using your notebook

Managing power with PowerPanel

The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your notebook and provides key information about system activity and battery life. The automatic power management selects the most advantageous profiles, or lets you customise the profiles you choose, according to your own needs, with the goal of extended battery life.

PowerPanel has the following features:

❑ Automatic Profile Selection (APS) based on the currently active application;

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Ability to select specific Power Profiles manually from the menu; ❑ Ability to edit and create new profiles; ❑ Ability to display detailed battery information; ❑ It works in harmony with your Windows ❑ Support for Windows ❑ ToolTips to signal Power Profile changes; ❑ Ability to select limited Power Profiles directly from the Power Profile page; ❑ Ability to prevent specific users from modifying profiles.

XP Theme;

settings.

Using your notebook

Activating PowerPanel

When you start the computer, the PowerPanel icon appears in the system tray by default. To see the current power profile, simply point to the icon. The current power profile will be displayed in a tooltip.

To change profiles, proceed as follows:

1 Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select Profiles.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 In the Profiles menu, select a profile.

✍ When you use the battery pack as power source, your system selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select

Activating power management profiles

PowerPanel provides several predefined power management profiles. Each profile consists of a group of power management settings that are designed to meet specific power management goals, ranging from maximum power management to no power management.

Running on AC

Icon Description

The appropriate power settings are activated.

a different power management profile while using battery power, the same profile will automatically be selected the next time you use the battery

pack to power your computer.

AC Power – The power management state when AC power is in use. PowerPanel automatically loads the AC profile unless you disable this feature.

Power Management Off (Plugged in) – Turns off all power management features such as Standby and Hibernate modes.

Using your notebook

Running on batteries

Icon Description

Sony Notebook User Guide

Automatic Profile Selection - Analyses the performance of each application you choose and matches the

profiles to its needs.

Maximum Battery Life – Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and good performance. It reduces the brightness of the display and puts the system into Standby mode after a specified time period.

Ultimate Battery Life – Extends the Maximum Battery Life by completely disabling the optical drive.

! When you select this profile, it completely shuts off the power of the optical drive to save some extra power

for longer battery life. The system can neither read or write from or to the optical drive, moreover the drive does not start spinning at all. The Memory Stick™ port is shut off also. If you want to use the optical drive or the Memory Stick™ port, return to Maximum Battery Life.

Maximum Performance – Provides the best system performance while still conserving power.

Word Processing – Optimises power management with longer timeouts on the hard disk and display screen. You

can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimise power management for your system.

Spreadsheet – Reduces the LCD brightness to 'medium', as your software does not require higher performance.

Presentation – Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves power. This option is ideal for slideshow presentations. You can establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimise power management for your system.

Communications – Extends battery life by initiating a quick display time-out. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimise power management for your system.

Using your notebook

Icon Description

Games – Disables the display and the Hard Disk timer.

DVD – Optimises performance and power requirements for DVD usage.

Camera – Optimises performance and power requirements for camera usage.

Sony Notebook User Guide

Power Management Off (Running on batteries) – Turns off all power management features such as Standby

and Hibernate modes.

Selecting automatic profiles when running on batteries

A power profile is a set of timer values for a variety of system devices. PowerPanel automatically selects the profile associated with the application you are using and changes profiles as you switch between applications. Power management lets your system enter energy saving modes by levelling some energy-consuming parameters, such as LCD brightness, or hard disk activity.

To select automatic profiles, proceed as follows:

1 Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select Profiles. 2 Select Automatic Profile Selection.

✍ The Automatic Profile Selection feature deactivates when you manually select another power profile from the menu.

Using your notebook

Displaying detailed battery information

You can display detailed information of your computer's battery.

There are 3 ways in which you can display battery information:

❑ Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select Battery Information from the menu. ❑ Double-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select the Battery tab.

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Display the Battery Information toolbar on the screen, which shows the battery status icon, the

The Battery tab in the PowerPanel window contains information such as the estimated battery life

remaining and charging time.

percentage of remaining capacity and the amount of running time left in the battery.

To display the Battery Information toolbar, right-click the taskbar and select Toolbars then Battery

Information from the menu.

Battery icon Battery status

Discharging: the icon is blue

Fully charged: the icon is completely blue with an AC power plug

Charging: the icon is blue with a red clip attached to the terminal

No battery: the icon is blue with a yellow cross over it

Using your notebook

Editing a power profile

To edit the power management settings of a power profile, proceed as follows:

1 Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select Edit/Create Profiles from the menu.

2 Click the profile you want to edit on the left of the screen. 3 Double-click the power profile property (Hibernate, Standby…) you want to modify on the right of the

Sony Notebook User Guide

4 Make your settings. 5 Click the File menu and then click Save.

✍ You must have Administrator’s rights on your notebook to be able to edit existing profiles. Users whose account type is Limited can only open the

Creating a power profile

To create a power profile, proceed as follows:

1 Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select Edit/Create Profiles from the menu.

2 Select New from the File menu. 3 In the Create New Profile dialog box, check the appropriate option button to specify the type of power

4 Select the new power management settings you would like for the device. 5 Click the File menu and then click Save.

The Profile Editor window appears.

screen.

An option list or a dialog box will appear

Power Profile tab in the Power Panel window in view mode. To check your user account information, select the User Accounts category in the

Control Panel. Your account type must be Computer administrator to be able to edit power profile.

The Profile Editor window appears.

management profile that you want to create and click OK.

Connecting peripheral devices

You can add functionality to your computer by connecting or using any of these peripherals. Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals. Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables. Turn on the computer only after turning on all peripherals.

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Connecting a port replicator (page 73) ❑ Connecting an external display (page 77) ❑ Selecting display modes (page 83) ❑ Using the Dual Display function (page 84) ❑ Connecting external speakers (page 87) ❑ Connecting an external microphone (page 88) ❑ Connecting an external mouse or keyboard (page 89) ❑ Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device (page 90) ❑ Connecting a printer (page 94) ❑ Connecting an i.LINK™ device (page 96) ❑ Connecting to a network (LAN) (page 99)

✍ Hot plug and play devices should be plugged when the computer is switched on.

USB devices are hot plug and play devices. You do not need to shutdown your computer prior to connecting these devices unless the manual supplied

with the device states differently.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a port replicator

Your notebook supports the use of an optional port replicator. Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your

Sony Notebook User Guide

computer, such as a printer or an external display.

1USB port (page 90) 8 Video out connector (page 80)

2 Serial port / 9 S-Video out connector (page 80)

3 Audio in connector (R - L) (page 80) 10 Monitor/VGA port (page 78)

4 DC In port (page 21) 11 Ethernet port (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX) (page 99)

5 Optical out / 12 PS/2 mouse/keyboard connector (page 89)

6 Printer port (page 95) 13 USB port (page 90)

7 Audio out connector (R - L) (page 80)

✍ The port replicator can be powered only with the AC adapter supplied with your notebook. Do not remove the AC adapter from the port replicator or

the AC outlet when using the port replicator; this may cause data damage or hardware malfunctions.

When connecting video cables to S-Video out and Video out simultaneously, only the S-Video out connector can be used.

Connecting peripheral devices

Attaching your computer to the port replicator

To attach your computer to the port replicator, proceed as follows:

1 Disconnect all peripherals from the computer. 2 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In port (2) on the port replicator (3). 3 Plug the power cord (4) into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.

The power indicator DC IN (5) of the port replicator turns green.

Sony Notebook User Guide

Connecting peripheral devices

4 Close the tilt stands before attaching the notebook to the port replicator. 5 Align the bottom connector of the notebook with the connector on the port replicator (6) and push

down until it clicks into place.

Sony Notebook User Guide

6 Turn on the notebook.

✍ When you use the port replicator for the first time, the installation of the network drivers starts automatically.

When attaching your computer to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or remove the battery pack. Lifting and turning the computer with the

attached port replicator may cause a temporary loss of power.

Use the AC adapter that comes with your notebook or the optional Sony adapter.

Connecting peripheral devices

Disconnecting your computer from the port replicator

To disconnect your computer from the port replicator, proceed as follows:

1 Stop the connected peripherals. 2 Close the cover and pull the levers on each side of the port replicator to disconnect the computer from

the port replicator.

Sony Notebook User Guide

3 Lift the notebook away from the port replicator.

4 Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of your computer.

✍ It is extremely important to close the port replicator connector cover after removing your computer from the port replicator. If the cover is left open,

dust may get inside and damage the computer.

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

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting an external display

You can connect an external display to your notebook. For example, you can use your notebook with the following devices:

❑ Computer display (monitor); ❑ Multimedia computer display; ❑ TV;

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Projector.

✍ Turn off your computer and the peripherals, unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the external display.

Connect the power cord after connecting all other cables.

Turn on the peripherals, then turn on your computer.

Connected external displays are used as second screens.

On Windows

systems only, you can also use an external display to set up a virtual desktop.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a computer display

You can connect a computer display (monitor) either directly to your notebook or via the (optional) port replicator.

To connect a computer display, proceed as follows:

1 Plug the display cable (1) (not supplied) into the monitor/VGA connector (2) on the notebook. 2 If necessary, plug one end of the display’s power cord (3) into the display, and the other end into an AC

Sony Notebook User Guide

outlet.

✍ You cannot use the monitor connector on your notebook when the port replicator is connected to the notebook.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a multimedia computer display

You can connect the notebook to a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and a microphone.

To connect a multimedia computer display, proceed as follows:

1 Plug the display cable (1) into the monitor/VGA connector (2) on the computer. 2 Plug the speaker cable (3) into the headphone connector (4) on the computer.

Sony Notebook User Guide

3 Plug the microphone cable (5) into the microphone connector (6) on the computer.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a TV

You can connect a TV to the notebook or to the optional port replicator.

To connect a TV to the notebook, proceed as follows:

1 Plug one end of the audio/video cable (1)

(optional) into the AV Out connector (2)

(yellow) and the other end into the TV.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Plug the power cord of the TV (3) into an

AC outlet.

3 Switch the input channel of the TV to

external input.

4 Set up the TV configuration system.

✍ See the manual supplied with your peripheral for more

information on installation and use.

If you insert a DVD in your DVD-ROM drive to watch a video

on your TV, the <Fn>+<F7> key combination might not activate the function to toggle between your LCD and TV.

Solution:

1. Eject your DVD from your computer.

2. Once the DVD is ejected, toggle between your LCD and your TV with the combination <Fn>+<F7>.

Your image displays now on both LCD and TV. Re-insert your DVD to launch your DVD software.

If the display resolution of your computer is more than 1024 x 768 pixels, a part of the image cannot be displayed on your TV. The hidden area on

your TV can be seen by moving the cursor on your computer. If you want to display the full image, change the display resolution of your computer to

800 x 600 pixels.

Connecting peripheral devices

To connect a TV to the port replicator, proceed as follows:

1 Attach the port replicator to your notebook. 2 Plug one end of the audio/video cable (1) (optional) into the Audio out (R - L) and Video out connectors

(2) on your notebook and the other end into the Audio (R - L) and Video connectors on your TV.

3 Plug one end of the S-Video cable (3) (optional) into the S-Video out connector (4) and the other end

into the S-Video connector on your TV.

4 Switch the input channel of the TV to external input.

Sony Notebook User Guide

5 Set up the TV configuration system.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a projector

You can connect a projector (such as the Sony LCD projector) directly to your notebook or via the port replicator.

To connect a projector, proceed as follows:

1 Plug the RGB signal cable (1) into the monitor/

VGA connector (2) identified by the symbol.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Plug the audio cable (3) (not supplied) into the

earphone connector (4) identified by the

symbol.

3 Plug the RGB signal cable and the audio cable

into the connectors of the projector (5).

4 Connect the power cord (6) of the projector

into an AC outlet.

✍ Under certain circumstances, you may not be able to display the

notebook LCD screen and an external display or a projector at the

same time.

You can toggle the output between the notebook LCD-screen and

the external monitor by pressing the key combination

<Fn>+<F7>.

Connecting peripheral devices

Selecting display modes

When the computer is connected to an external display (desktop monitor, TV, ...), you can select which display is used as the primary monitor. If you want to work on the notebook display and the external display at the same time, see Using the Dual Display function (page 84) for more information.

To change the primary monitor, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button, and then Control Panel.

Sony Notebook User Guide

The Control Panel appears.

2 Click Appearance and Themes. 3 Click Display.

The Display Properties dialog box appears.

4 Click the Settings tab. 5 Click the display marked 2.

By default, your notebook LCD screen is the display marked 1.

If you do not know whether your notebook screen or the external screen is 1 or 2, click the Identify

button.

6 Select the Use this device as the primary monitor check box. 7 Click Apply and then OK.

The external display is now the primary monitor.

Connecting peripheral devices

Using the Dual Display function

The dual display function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop across separate displays. For example, if you have an external monitor attached to the monitor connector, your LCD display and the monitor can function as a single desktop.

You can move the cursor from one display to the other. This allows you to drag objects, such as an open application window or a toolbar, from one display to the other.

This configuration of a single desktop distributed across separate displays, is referred to as a virtual desktop.

Sony Notebook User Guide

✍ Your monitor or TV hardware may not support the Dual Display function.

Certain software applications may not be compatible with Dual Display settings.

Make sure that your computer does not enter Standby or Hibernate mode while you are using Dual Display mode, otherwise your computer may not

return to Normal mode.

If you set different colours on each display, do not divide one single window on two displays, otherwise your software may not work properly.

Set fewer colours or a lower resolution for each display.

Connecting peripheral devices

Selecting the Dual Display mode

To select the Dual Display mode, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Appearance and Themes. 4 Click the Display icon.

Sony Notebook User Guide

5 Select the Settings tab. 6 Click the display marked 2. 7 Select the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor check box. 8 Click Apply and then OK.

✍ Your monitor or TV hardware may not support the Dual Display function.

Setting the colours and resolution for each display

You can set the display colours and resolution for each display that is part of a virtual desktop.

To set the display colours and resolution for each display, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Appearance and Themes. 4 Click the Display icon. 5 Select the Settings tab. 6 Click the display you want to change (1 or 2): display colours or resolution. 7 Select an option from the Color quality list to change colours. 8 Use the slider in the Screen resolution to adjust the resolution. 9 Click Apply and then OK.

taskbar.

Connecting peripheral devices

Customizing the virtual desktop

You can customize the Dual Display mode by changing the position of the two monitors comprising the virtual desktop.

To customize Dual Display mode, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows 2 Click Control Panel.

Sony Notebook User Guide

3 Click Appearance and Themes. 4 Click the Display icon. 5 Click the Settings tab. 6 Drag the monitor icons to match the physical arrangement of your monitors. The two monitor icons must

be connected to create a virtual desktop.

7 Click Apply and then OK.

Deactivating the Dual Display function

To deactivate the Dual Display function, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Appearance and Themes. 4 Click the Display icon. 5 Click the Settings tab. 6 Click the display 2. 7 Deselect the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor option.

This will disable the Dual Display.

✍ For switching from Primary to Secondary display, see the section Selecting display modes (page 83).

taskbar.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting external speakers

You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers.

To connect external speakers, proceed as follows:

1 Plug the speaker cable (1) into the headphone connector (2). 2 Plug the other end of the speaker cable into the external speaker (3). 3 Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on.

Sony Notebook User Guide

✍ Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use.

Do not place floppy disks on the speakers; their magnetic field may damage the data on the disks.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting an external microphone

Your VAIO notebook does not contain an internal microphone. If you need to use a sound input device, for example to chat on the Internet, you need to plug in an external microphone.

To connect an external microphone, proceed as follows:

Plug the microphone cable (1) into the microphone connector (2) identified by the symbol.

Sony Notebook User Guide

✍ Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting an external mouse or keyboard

You can connect an external mouse or keyboard to the optional port replicator using the PS/2 mouse/ keyboard connector. There is only one PS/2 connector, so you can only connect one external device at the same time. Of course, you can always connect an external USB mouse or keyboard. See Connecting a

Universal Serial Bus (USB) device (page 90).

Before you connect or disconnect the mouse or the keyboard, turn off the computer.

To connect an external mouse or keyboard, proceed as follows:

Sony Notebook User Guide

Plug the mouse cable (1) or the keyboard cable (2) with the symbol facing up into the PS/2 mouse/keyboard connector (3) identified by MOUSE/KEYBOARD.

✍ See the manual supplied with your mouse or keyboard for more information on installation and use.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device

You can connect a USB device (for example, a mouse, floppy disk drive, keyboard, printer) to your computer. Before connecting or disconnecting a USB peripheral, you do not need to shut down the computer. You may need to install software (device drivers) supplied with your USB device before using the USB device. There are 3 USB 2.0 ports at the back of your notebook and 2 USB 2.0 ports at the back of the optional port replicator.

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Connecting a USB mouse (page 91) ❑ Connecting a USB floppy disk drive (page 92)

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a USB mouse

To connect a USB mouse, proceed as follows:

1 Choose the USB connector you prefer to use (at the back of the notebook (1) or the optional port

replicator).

2 Plug the USB mouse cable (2) into the USB connector.

You can use your USB mouse (3).

Sony Notebook User Guide

✍ The VAIO USB mouse software driver is preinstalled on your notebook, therefore, you only need to plug the USB mouse into the USB connector and

you can start working.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a USB floppy disk drive

As an optional extra, you can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer.

To connect a USB floppy disk drive, proceed as follows:

1 Choose the USB connector you prefer to use. 2 Plug the USB floppy disk drive cable into the USB connector. The VAIO logo on the disk drive should be

facing up.

Your USB floppy disk drive is now ready for use.

Sony Notebook User Guide

To remove a USB floppy disk drive, proceed as follows:

❑ If your computer is on, wait until the floppy drive LED indicator turns off and then unplug the USB cable.

If the floppy disk drive is not removed properly, your system may crash and you may lose any unsaved

data.

❑ If your computer is off, you can unplug the USB cable directly from the computer.

Connecting peripheral devices

Inserting a floppy disk

To insert a floppy disk, proceed as follows:

1 Hold the disk (1) with the label side facing up. 2 Gently push the disk into the drive (2) until it clicks into place.

Sony Notebook User Guide

Removing a floppy disk

To remove a floppy disk, proceed as follows:

When you have finished using the floppy disk, wait until the LED indicator (1) turns off and then press the eject button (2) to remove the disk.

✍ Before pressing the eject button, make sure that the LED indicator is turned off.

If the disk does not come out by pressing the eject button, disconnect the floppy

disk drive from the computer.

! Do not press the eject button while the LED indicator is on. It may damage the

floppy disk.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a printer

You can connect a Windows®-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.

Connecting a printer using the USB connector

You can connect a USB printer compatible with your version of Windows® to your computer.

To connect a printer using the USB connector, proceed as follows:

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 Plug a USB printer cable (1) into one of the USB connectors (2) on your notebook.

A USB connector is identified by the symbol on your notebook and printer.

2 Plug the printer power cord into an AC outlet (3).

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a printer using the printer connector

To connect a printer using the printer connector, proceed as follows:

1 Plug the printer cable (1) supplied with the printer into the printer connector (2) identified by the

symbol.

2 Plug the printer power cord (3) into an AC outlet.

Sony Notebook User Guide

✍ Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer settings in the Sony Notebook Setup software.

Turn off your computer and the printer, unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the printer.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting an i.LINK™ device

Your computer includes an i.LINK™ (IEEE1394) connector, which you can use to connect to an i.LINK™ device such as a digital video camera recorder or to connect two VAIO notebooks in order to copy, delete or edit files. The i.LINK™ connector of your notebook does not supply power to external devices generally powered by i.LINK™ connectors. The i.LINK™ connector supports transfer rates up to 400 Mbps; however, the actual transfer rate depends

Sony Notebook User Guide

on the transfer rate of the external device. The i.LINK™ features available may vary depending on the software applications you use. Refer to the documentation that came with your software for more information. i.LINK™ cables compatible with your VAIO notebook include cables with the following part numbers: VMC-IL4415A (a 1.5 meter cable with a 4-pin connector at each end), VMC-IL4408Series (a 0.8 meter cable with a 4-pin connector at each end).

❑ Connecting a digital video camera recorder (page 97) ❑ Connecting two VAIO notebooks (page 98)

✍ An i.LINK™ connection with other compatible devices is not fully guaranteed.

The i.LINK™ connection varies depending on the software applications, operating system and i.LINK™ compatible devices you use. Refer to the

documentation that came with your software for more information.

Check the working conditions and OS compatibility of i.LINK™-compatible PC peripherals (HDD, CD-RW drive etc.) before you connect them to your

notebook.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a digital video camera recorder

To connect a digital video camera recorder, proceed as follows:

1 Plug one end of the i.LINK™ cable (1) into the i.LINK™ connector (2) of the computer and the other end

into the DV Out connector (3) on the digital video camera recorder.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Launch the DVgate application.

✍ On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labelled DV Out, DV In/Out or i.LINK™ are i.LINK™-compatible.

The Sony digital video camera recorder is an example; your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently.

If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick™ slot, you can copy images from it to your computer via a Memory Stick™. To do so,

simply copy images on the Memory Stick™, then use a special PC Card adapter to insert it into your computer.

You cannot access the pictures stored on a Memory Stick™ when using an i.LINK™ connection.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting two VAIO notebooks

You can copy, edit or delete files on another VAIO computer to your computer with an optional i.LINK™ cable.

You can also print a document on a printer connected to another VAIO computer.

Sony Notebook User Guide

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting to a network (LAN)

You can connect your computer to 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX-type networks via an Ethernet network cable. For the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to the network, consult your Network Administrator.

Sony Notebook User Guide

✍ The default settings make your computer able to connect to the network.

If the main unit is docked, you can only use the Ethernet network connector on the port replicator.

For more information about connecting your notebook to the network, please consult the Hardware troubleshooting section of the VAIO-Link website:

How to troubleshoot network problems

! Do not plug a phone cable into your computer network jack.

Sony PCG-GRT716S, PCG-GRT786M, PCG-GRT785E, PCG-GRT796HP, PCG-GRT715E User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Read this first

Notice

Safety information

Owner's record

Warnings

General

Audio/video

Connectivity

Optical disc drive

Regulatory information

Disposing of lithium ion batteries

Disposing of internal memory backup battery

Welcome

Documentation pack

Printed documentation

Documentation on disc

Online documentation

Your notebook and its accessories

Ergonomic considerations

Using your notebook

Locating controls and connectors

Right

Left

Front

Back

Bottom

Connecting a power source

Using the AC adapter

Using the battery pack

Inserting the battery pack

Charging the battery pack

Removing the battery pack

Using the second battery pack

Inserting the second battery pack

Charging the second battery pack

Removing the second battery pack

Starting your notebook

Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup

Shutting down your notebook

Using the keyboard

Combinations and functions with the Windows® key

Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key

Indicators

Using the touchpad

Using the disc drive

Using the disc recording function*

Using the DVD function

Using the weight saver

Using PC Cards

Inserting a PC Card

Removing a PC Card

Using Memory Stick™

Why Memory Stick™?

Generic Memory Stick™

MagicGate Memory Stick™

MagicGate

SonicStage

Copyright protection

Compatible devices

Memory Stick PRO™

Compatible devices

Write-protecting a Memory Stick™

Inserting a Memory Stick™

Removing a Memory Stick™

Using the modem

Using the correct phone plug

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN)

Communicating without Access Point (ad-hoc)

Communicating with an Access Point (infrastructure)

Wireless LAN channel selection

Infrastructure network

Ad-hoc network

Using power saving modes

Using Normal mode

Using Standby mode

Using Hibernate mode