Sony PCG-GRV550 Primary User Manual

Welcome.......................................................7
Powering Your Computer...........................9
Using AC Power........................................................10
Connecting the AC adapter................................................10
Turni n g o n the computer.... ................................................1 1
Using the Battery.......................................................13
Inserting a battery ..............................................................13
Using a second battery.... .......... .......... .......... .......... ...........15
Displ ay i n g batte ry i n fo rmati o n............... ...... ............ ....... ..17
Char g in g a battery..............................................................20
Notes o n bat t e r i e s.. ............ ...... ............ ...... ............ ...... .......21
Frequently asked questions................................................22
Conserv i n g Battery Power ........ ....................... .........23
Using power saving modes................................................23
Frequently asked questions................................................28
Internet and Network Connections..........29
Internet Connections .................................................30
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection............................30
Sett ing u p a n Ethernet In t ernet c o n n e c t i o n........... ...... .......32
Customizing your Internet connection...............................34
Frequently asked questions................................................35
Network Co nnections................................................36
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections............................36
Using wireless LAN connections ......................................39
Checking your network connection status.........................45
Frequently asked questions................................................45
1
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
Connecti ng A not he r VAIO Co mpu t er................. .....48
Connecting VAIO computers........................................ .... 48
Disconnecting VAIO computers....................................... 50
Frequently asked questions............................................... 50
CDs, DVDs, and Optical Drives................53
Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs .......................54
Copying and Playing CDs................. ....... ....... ....... ...56
Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R................................. 57
Playing DVDs................................... ........................59
Connecting your computer to a TV..................... .............. 59
Watching DVDs on a TV.. ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ 60
Disconnecting the TV from the computer......................... 62
Watching DVDs on your computer .................................. 62
Frequently asked questions............................................... 63
Printer Connections..................................69
Printing With Your Computer..................................70
Connecting a printer ........ ................ ................ .................. 70
Disconnecting a printer..................................................... 72
Frequently asked questions............................................... 72
Computer Features...................................75
Using the Keyboard ..................................................76
Key locations and descriptions ......................................... 76
Combinations and functions with the Windows key ........ 78
Indicators........................................................................... 79
Combinations and functions with the Fn key.................... 80
2
Using the Touch Pad .................................................83
Custom i z i n g t h e to u ch p a d ... ............ ...... ............ ............. ..84
Frequently asked questions................................................85
Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs ....87
Connecting Mice and Keyboards.............91
Using External Mice and Keyboards ........................92
Connecting a mouse or keyboard.......................................92
Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard......... .......... ...............93
Frequently asked questions................................................93
Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards ...........95
Using Fl o ppy Disk Drives...... ........................ ...........96
Connecting a floppy disk drive..........................................96
Inserting and removing floppy disks .................................97
Notes on handling floppy disks .........................................98
Disconnecting a floppy disk drive .....................................99
Carrying the floppy disk drive...........................................99
Frequently asked questions..............................................100
Using PC Cards.......................................................101
Inserting PC Cards...........................................................101
Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives................103
Frequently asked questions..............................................105
3
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
Audio and Vi de o Connections...............107
Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders..................108
Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder ................. 108
Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder............ 109
Using a dig ital video camera reco rder ........ ...... ............ .. 110
Note s on connec ti n g an i.LINK d e v i ce........................... 110
Frequently asked questions............................................. 111
Using Computer Monitors and Projectors ..............1 12
Connecting a computer monitor...................................... 112
Connecting a multimedia computer monitor .................. 113
Connecting a projector.................................................... 114
Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector............. 118
Using Speakers .......................................................119
Connecting speakers ......... .......... ............ .......... ............ .. 119
Disconnecting external speakers..................................... 120
Enabling the audio feature .............................................. 121
Frequently asked questions............................................. 122
Using Microphones.................................................124
Connecting a microphone ............................................... 124
Disconnecting a microphone........................................... 124
Using a microphone or other device to record................ 125
Frequently asked questions............................................. 126
Preinst a lled Progra m s.................... ........127
Software Programs On Your Computer..................128
Program overview ........................................................... 128
Frequently asked questions............................................. 132
4
DVgate Program Notes ...........................................134
Record i n g im ag es to a digital vid e o de v ice.......... ........... 1 3 4
Adjusting image resolution..............................................134
Saving to your hard disk drive.........................................134
Program Support Information .................................136
Sony Service Center.........................................................137
Memory Upgrades...................................139
Changin g Yo ur Comp u t er’s Memory .....................140
Precautions and procedures .............................................140
Typical expansion memory configuration.......................141
Removing and installing memory modules ..................... 141
Confirming amount of memory.......................................143
Using the Recovery CDs.........................145
Application and System Recovery CDs..................146
Using Your Recovery CDs ......................................146
Using the Application Recovery CD(s)...........................146
Using the System Recov ery CD (s). ...... .. ...... ...... .............148
Troubleshooting and Support................151
Troubleshooting Your Computer ............................1 52
Troubleshooting Batteries . ............ .............. ............156
Troubleshooting the Printer. ..... ..... ....... ....... ....... .....157
Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad............159
Troubleshooting the Modem ....................... ............ 161
Troubleshooting Networ ks......................................162
Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs ............................163
Troubleshooting Flo ppy Dis k Drives......................167
5
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
Troubleshoo ting PC C a rds................ ....... .... ... ...... . .168
Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections...........169
Troubleshooting the Computer Screen (LCD)........1 72
Troubleshooting Pr ograms........... ..... ....... ...... . ....... .174
Computer Support Information...............................1 76
6
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide provides detaile d inf ormation on all aspe cts of usin g your new VAIO computer, fr om keyboard functions to preins talled software programs. In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this main window.
View the Electronic Flyer, which pro vides updates and supplem ental in formatio n
about your computer.
View the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer’s hardware
specifications and preinstalled software information, such as descriptions and contact inform ation.
7
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
8
Powering Your Computer
Your VAIO® c omputer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these supplied accessories to power your computer. It also de scribes ways y ou can effic iently utilize the battery as a power source.
Using AC Power Using the Battery Conserving Battery Power
9
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
Using AC Power
The suppli ed batt ery is not cha rg ed when you recei ve your co mputer. To us e your computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as the power sourc e. While the computer uses AC power, it automatically charges the battery if it is inserted. See “Using the Battery” for more information on installing and using your battery.
Connecting the AC adapter Turning on the computer
Connecting the AC adapter
To connect the AC adapter
1 Plug the cabl e attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your
comput er or dock in g sta ti on.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
DC IN port
AC adapter (supplied)
Power cord (supplied)
2 Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end
into an AC outlet.
.
Use only the AC adapter supplied with your computer.
10
Using AC Power
Turning on the computer
To turn on the computer
1 Slide the re lease lever to the right, and lift the cover while hol ding the
bottom of the computer firmly.
Opening the Computer
Release lever
2 Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.
Turning on the Computer
Power button
Power indicator
If you ho ld th e po w e r bu tt on down , th e co mputer tu rns off.
3 If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the compute r screen (LCD) as
follows:
11
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or . To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .
12
Using the Battery
Using the Battery
A battery is an aux iliary power source you can use when your computer is not plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer may come equipped with one or two battery bays, depending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes with two batte ry bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable battery to extend your computing time. Regardle ss how many batteries you use, you can always extend the life of the battery by conserving power. See “Conserving Battery Power” for more information.
Inserting a battery Removi ng a ba ttery Usi ng a s econd batte ry Displaying battery information Charging a battery Notes on batteries Frequently asked questions
When operating your computer on battery power, your computer’s CPU spe ed is
reduced.
Inserting a battery
The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
13
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
To insert a battery
1 Push the b atter y bay co ver down to ope n it . The bat tery ba y c over s wings ou t
but does not detach from the computer.
Opening the Battery Bay
2 Slide the bat tery into the battery bay. If the computer is on, it automatically
dete cts the bat t ery.
Inserting a Battery
Battery (supplied) VAIO logo facing up
3 Push the bat tery bay cover up until it clicks into place. Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from
activating Hibernate mod e whe n the battery is low or the computer is running on AC power. To avoid loss of data when using bat tery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, s uch as Standby or Hibernate. See “Using power saving modes” for more information.
14
Using the Battery
Removi ng a batter y
If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damaging the battery. You can remove the battery when the computer is on or off.
If the computer is on, connect the AC ad apter and exit a power saving mode before you remove the battery.
To remove a battery
1 Push the battery bay cover down to open it. 2 Pull the battery out of the battery bay.
Removing a Battery
3 Push in and lift up the battery bay cover until it clicks into place.
Using a second battery
To insert a second bat tery
1 If another dev ice is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device. 2 Insert th e bat tery into the multipurpose bay. When the computer uses the
second battery, the Battery 2 indicator turns on.
15
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
Inserting the Second Battery
Battery
Multipurpose bay
3 Slide the weight saver in the directio n of the arrow until it clicks into place.
The weight saver stab ilizes the battery.
Inserting the Weight Saver
Battery
Weight saver
4 Make sure the Re lease lever is in the LOCK posi tion.
To remo ve the s ec o n d batt ery
1 Make sure the Battery 2 indicator is off and the Battery 1 indi cator is on or
the computer is connected to AC power. If the Batter y 2 indicator is on:
1 Dou bl e- click th e CPU icon . The PowerPanel dialog box appears.
16
Using the Battery
2 On the Battery tab, click Primary Battery in the Battery Switch box. 3 Click OK.
2 Turn the computer over, and unlock the mul tipurpose bay release lever .
Unl oc k in g th e Rele ase Lev ers
Release lever on bottom of computer
3 Pull the weight saver and battery gently from the multipurpose bay. 4 Insert th e wei ght saver into the multipurpose bay to protect the bay. See
“Using the Weight Saver” for more informat ion.
Displaying bat ter y inform ati o n
You can display the remaining battery charge on the Battery Information toolbar and/or the Battery Information window.
To display the Battery Info rmation toolbar
1 Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar. 2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information.
The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.
If the Batter y I nfo rmat ion toolb ar is hi dde n be hind t he taskba r i con s, r ig ht-cl ick t he
taskbar and click t o cancel Lock the Taskbar. Clic k an d drag th e ed ge of the Battery Information toolbar to the left until it is in clear view.
17
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
The total charge remaining in the battery is listed in percent and real-time values. The foll owing t oolba r indi cate s the re is 1 00 p ercent or app roxi mately 2 hou rs an d 40 minutes of battery charge left.
Battery Information Toolbar
Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining capacity. Time indicator — Displays estimate d tim e (hours : minutes) remaining
before the battery fully discharges, also known as the time-to-e mpt y.
To close the Battery Information toolbar
1 Righ t- c lick the Battery Information toolbar. 2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click to can ce l Battery
Information. The Battery Information toolbar disappears from the toolbar.
To display the Battery Info rmation window
Dou bl e- click th e CPU icon on the Windows taskbar. The PowerPanel
window appear s.
18
Battery Information Window
Using the Battery
Power Profile — Displays power managemen t settings for various devices
on your system. You can change the settings to conserve power
Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can
click Advanced for specific information on the battery.
Alarms tab — Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the
battery is fully charge d and is too low . You can change your computer’s alarm settings from this window.
Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information.
The ba ttery icons that app ear on the Battery Information toolbar and the Battery Information window indicate the current status of the installed ba ttery.
19
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
Battery icon Battery status
Charging
Fully ch arged
Discharging
No battery
Charging a battery
You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the ba ttery for a considerable amount of time. The lithium-ion battery supplied with your compute r may be rec harged at any time, whe ther you wait until the battery is completely or partially discharged. Charging a pa rtially discharged battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the battery and find that battery power is still l ow, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and you may need to replace it.
The batte ry supplied wit h your computer is not char ged at the time of purchase.
To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. Howeve r, the batt ery will charge faster when the computer is off. Charging the battery ta kes several hours. S ee your VAIO® Computer Specifications on the “Welcome” page for the approximate time needed to charge your battery.
Charge the battery at temperatures betwee n 50°F and 80°F (10° C to 30°C). Lower
temperatures require more time to charge.
20
Using the Battery
1 Insert th e bat tery into the battery bay. If you want to charge more than one
battery, insert the second battery into the computer. See “To insert a second battery” for more information.
2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically
charges the battery as long as the computer is using AC power.
The batter y indi cator b lin ks while the bat tery ch ar ges. Th e batte ry indic ator s top s blinking when the battery is 100 perce nt full.
When us in g tw o ba tt eries, the ba tt er y yo u ins ert firs t ch arg e s fir st. The sec o nd
battery you inser t begins char ging when the first battery is 85 percent full.
Battery Indicator
Battery indicators
Battery indicator status Description
On The computer is using battery power. Single blink The battery is running out of power. Double blink The battery is charging. Off The computer is using AC power.
Notes on batteries
Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under
direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.
21
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the ba ttery heats up. This is
normal and is not cause for concern.
Keep the battery away from all sources of heat. Keep the battery dry. Do not open or disassemble the battery. Do not expose the ba ttery to any mechanical shock. Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery
efficiency at low temperatures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when the battery is charged?
To determi ne the remaini ng battery charge, see “Displaying battery information.”
When is th e computer using AC power?
When th e comput er is direct ly co n necte d to th e A C ada p ter, it uses A C p ower, even if a batte ry is in stall ed.
When should I recharge the battery?
When the battery level falls below 10 percent. When both the battery and power indicators blink. When you have not used th e bat tery for a considerable amount of tim e.
22
Conserving Battery Power
Conser vin g Bat ter y Power
You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel or power schemes to conserve bat tery power. Conserving battery power may signifi cantl y extend your computing time, depending on how you use your computer.
Using power saving mod es Using PowerPanel Frequently asked questions
Using power saving modes
In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your comput er has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hiberna te. You can use the Standby and Hibernate power saving modes to override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action.
Standby — Sav es the state of the system and p eriph er al devices in memory
(RAM). Power consumption is reduced to a minimum. The system remains on, and the computer scr een (LCD) is off.
Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in the
Save to Disk Part iti on on the ha rd disk. Power consum ption is reduce d to the lowest possible setting with out being completely off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowest level of power. Your computer enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the setti ng you select.
Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering
Hibernate mode. If you are using a program that prevents the sys tem from entering Hibernat e m o de , sa v e your da ta f re q uentl y to avoi d da ta loss .
To activate Standby mode
1 Press the key combinat ion Fn+Esc. The power indicator blinks in this mode. 2 Press any key to return to Normal mode.
23
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
To activate Hibernate mode
1 Press the key combination Fn+F12 or the power button and release it
immediately. Do not move the computer until the power indicator turns off.
2 Press the power button to return to normal mode.
If the com puter does not activate Hibernate mode, see “Frequ ently asked questions”
for more information.
Using PowerPanel
The Pow erPanel u tility enables you to select and customize a predefined pow er management pr ofil e to con serve batte ry li fe. Th e followi ng table desc ribes al l th e predefine d power management profile s in Po werPanel. Your computer is set to Automatic Profile Selection by default. You can customize the settings for all the following profiles, except the Disable Power Management profile.
Profile Icon Description
Maximum Performanc e
Provides the best system performance but cons erves minimal power.
Maximum Battery Life
Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and good performance. It slows the computer and puts it into Standby mode afte r a specified time.
Power Management Off
Disables all power management settings, such as Standby and Hibernate mod es. You cannot change the settings of this profile.
AC Power
Indicates when AC po wer is in use. Similar to t he Power Management Off setting. Power Management automatically lo ads the AC profile unless you dis able this featu re.
Games
Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.
24
Profile Icon Description
Presentation
Keeps the display on at all times while it conser ves power. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and S tandby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Camera
Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.
DVD
Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD usage.
Conserving Battery Power
Word Processing
Optimizes power management with longer time-outs on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for you r system.
Spreadsheet
Optimizes perform anc e and power req uire ments for spreadsheet programs.
Communications
Extends bat tery life by initiat ing a quick displ ay time -out . The Internal modem remains powered. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your sys tem.
Automatic Profile Selection
Swi tc he s au to matic al ly to a pr o f il e s u it ab l e f or ac ti ve sof tware programs.
Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.
25
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
To sele ct a profile
1 Righ t- c lick the CPU icon on the Windows® taskbar. 2 Select Profiles, and click the profile on the shortcut menu. The profile
settings are implemented instantly. See “Using PowerPanel” for descriptions of availa ble profiles.
When you use the battery to power your computer, your system automatically selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select a different power manage ment profile while using battery power, that profil e is se lected automatically the next time you use the battery to power your computer.
See PowerPanel Help for information on customizing the power management
profiles.
To customize your profile settings
You can customize your profile settings to sustain enough power for a particular computi ng function.
1 Righ t- c lick the CPU icon on the Windows® taskbar. 2 Select Edi t/C rea t e Pro f il es from the shortc ut menu. 3 In the left pan el, select the profile you want to change. 4 Right-cl ick the setting under System, LCD(Video), Hard Disk, or Other
Devices t hat you want to change. S ee the following table for a descrip tion of
each po wer profi l e.
5 Make your changes from the drop-down menu. 6 Click File, and click Save.
26
Pow er p r o f il e Des cription
Conserving Battery Power
System Standby Timer
Controls the time it takes the sys tem to activate the Standby mode when it is idle. The longer you allow the computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer will consume.
Hibernate TimerControls the time i t takes the sys tem to activate the Hi b er nate
mode when it is idle. The longer you allow the computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer consumes. Hibernate mode conserves more powe r than Standby mode.
Thermal Control Strategy
Controls the speed of the processor fan. You can set the fan speed to Quiet, whic h conserves the most power, or Performance.
Lid Close Action
Controls the s tate of your s yste m when you c lose the c ompute r’ s lid. You can select eit h er Standby or Hibernate mode, or you can select LCD Off. Hibernate or LCD Off conserves the most power.
Hibernate on Low Batt ery
Controls th e state of your syst em when the batter y power is low. You can turn this setting On or Off. Selecti ng On cons erves the most power when the battery is low.
LCD Brightness Controls the brig htness of the computer screen (LCD). You can
select a brightness level of one to nine , with one being the darkest s ettin g. The dar ker you s et th e com puter s cr een the m ore power you conserve.
LCD Standb y Timer
Controls the time it takes the system to switch the computer screen (LCD) to S tandby mode when the system is idle. This setting only turns off power to the computer screen. The system itself still functions on full power.
27
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
Power profi le Description
HDD Standby Timer
Controls the time it takes the system to switch the hard disk drive to S tan dby mode when the sys tem is i dle. This sett ing only turns off powe r to the hard disk drive.
i.LINK Port Controls th e power supply to the i.LINK port. You can disable
power to the i.LINK port to c onserve power.
Memory Stick Port Power-
Controls th e power supply to the Memory St ick slot. You can disable power to the Memory Stick slot to conserve power.
saving
To activate Hibernate mode, you must first enable the Hibernate mode. See “To
acti vate Hibernate mode” for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Can my compute r enter Hibernate m ode wh ile using battery power?
Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery power, but some software progra ms and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode at all. If you are using a program that pr eve nts the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently. See “Using power saving modes” for information on how you can manually activate Hibernate mode.
When should I replace the battery?
If, after ful ly cha rging the batt ery, the battery power is st ill low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced.
Why is the battery warm?
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the ba ttery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.
28
Internet and Network Connections
Internet Connections Network Connections Connecti ng Another VAIO Computer
29
VAIO Com pu ter Quick Sta rt
Internet Connections
This section describes the basi c steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The New Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet service provider (ISP) or setting up an existing account. When you c onnect to the Internet, you can registe r your VAIO® computer, us e online services , and gain access to Sony Computing Support.
Setting up a dial-up Internet connect ion Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection Customizing your Internet connection Frequently asked questions
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection
Before you can conne ct to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone line via a telephone cable (not supplied) . Once you have set up your telephone cable, you’re ready to connect to the Internet.
To conne ct a tele ph one cable
1 Locate the Modem jack on your computer. For location information, see
Locating Ports and Controls in the Setting Up chapter of your printed VA IO ® Co mput er Q u ick Start.
2 Plug one en d of t he tel ephone cable int o th e Modem ja ck. Ma ke sur e it c lic ks
into place.
3 Plug the other end into the wall jack.
30
Loading...
+ 153 hidden pages