Sony PCG-GRX416G User Manual

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About the software on your Sony notebook

PCG-GRX416G

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Notice

This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product. Software specifications are subject to change without notice and may not necessarily be identical to current retail versions. Updates and additions to software may require an additional charge. Subscriptions to online service providers may require a fee and credit card information. Financial services may require prior arrangements with participating financial institutions.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

End user software license agreement

About the software on your Sony notebook

This End User Software License Agreement (the EULA) is a legal agreement between you and Sony Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Sony), a corporation organized under Japanese Law, the manufacturer of your Sony computer system (the SONY HARDWARE). Please read this EULA carefully before installing or using the software distributed together with this EULA (the SONY SOFTWARE). By installing or using the SONY SOFTWARE, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. You may use the SONY SOFTWARE only in connection with the use of the SONY HARDWARE. SONY SOFTWARE is licensed; not sold.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, software distributed together with separate End User Software License Agreement (the Third Party EULA), including but not limited to Windows

EULA.

If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, please return the SONY SOFTWARE together with the SONY HARDWARE to the place where you obtained it.

1. License. This SONY SOFTWARE and the related documentation are licensed to you by Sony. This EULA allows you to use the SONY SOFTWARE for your personal use for a single SONY HARDWARE outside a network and only to make one copy of the SONY SOFTWARE in machine-readable form for back-up purposes only.

operating system provided by Microsoft Corporation, shall be covered by the Third Party

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2. Restrictions. The SONY SOFTWARE contains copyrighted material and other proprietary material. In order to protect them, and except as permitted by applicable law, you may not decompile, reverse engineer or disassemble the SONY SOFTWARE in whole or in part. Except for the transfer of the SONY SOFTWARE together with the SONY HARDWARE and prior agreement of the recipient to be bound by the terms and conditions of this EULA, you may not sell or rent the SONY SOFTWARE and its copy to any third party.

3. Limited Warranty. Sony warrants the media on which the SONY SOFTWARE is recorded to be free from physical defects for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of the receipt. During the applicable warranty period, Sony will replace free of charge such media proved to be defective, provided they are returned properly packaged to the place where you obtained it, together with your name, address, and proof of date of purchase. Sony will have no responsibility to replace media damaged by accident, abuse, or misapplication. The above limited warranty replaces all other representations, conditions and warranties, whether express or implied, by statute or otherwise and Sony expressly disclaims all other warranties and all conditions including, but not limited to, the implied warranties and/or conditions of satisfactory quality and fitness for a particular purpose. The terms of this limited warranty do not affect or prejudice your statutory rights as an ultimate consumer, neither do they limit or exclude any liability for death or personal injury caused by the negligence of Sony.

4. Termination. This EULA is effective until terminated. You may terminate this EULA at any time by destroying the SONY SOFTWARE, related documentation, and all copies thereof. This EULA will terminate immediately without notice from Sony, if you fail to comply with any provision of this EULA. Upon termination you must destroy the SONY SOFTWARE, related documentation, and all copies thereof.

5. Governing Law. This EULA shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan.

Should you have any questions concerning this EULA or this limited warranty, please refer to the Customer Service Guide on how to contact VAIO-Link.

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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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Trademarks

Sony, DigitalPrint, DVgate, i.LINK, ISP Selector, Jog Dial Navigator, MovieShaker, Smart Capture, SonicStage, Sony Notebook Setup, UI Design Selector, Memory Stick, the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. The Windows and Windows XP Home Edition logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

WinDVD is a trademark of InterVideo, Inc.

i.LINK™ is a trademark of Sony used to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394-connection.

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

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

RealPlayer is a registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.

PowerPanel is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.

Symantec Norton AntiVirus is a trademark of Symantec Corporation.

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

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

marks are not

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Registering your VAIO

It only takes a few moments to register your Sony VAIO computer.

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

❑ Club VAIO – Online support, tutorials, tips and tricks, news, news forums, competitions, free downloads

and software updates.

❑ VAIO-Link – If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, you can check the VAIO-Link

website for a possible solution: http://www.vaio-link.com

❑ Guarantee – Protect your investment. See the Guarantee sheet for the terms and conditions and refer

to your Customer Guide for more information.

To register your Sony VAIO computer, proceed as follows:

1 Connect your phone line and set up a modem connection (see Configuring your modem (page 71)).

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2 Double-click the VAIO Online Registration icon on the desktop. 3 Select your language and click Next. 4 Select the Register Now option button and click Next.

This brings you to the website https://registration.sonystyle-europe.com/vaio/registration.asp

5 Fill in your first and last name, the serial number of your computer and the place where you live. 6 Click Submit.

Your VAIO is registered.

✍ You can only register if you have administrator rights on your computer.

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About the software on your computer

Your Sony computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section gives you an overview of what you can do with the software installed on your computer.

Sony software

DigitalPrint

Sony Electronics

DigitalPrint is easy-to-use software designed to help you get the most enjoyment out of your photographs taken with a digital camera or taken from a CD, floppy disk or Memory Stick™. With DigitalPrint, you can easily load photos into your computer, create photo albums, labels and make prints.

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DVgate (not installed)*

Sony Electronics

DVgate is a kit of 3 complementary applications: DVgate Motion, DVgate Still, and DVgate Assemble. This collection makes it easy to select and edit digital video clips, then bring them together into a professionallooking home video. Use i.LINK™ to connect your digital video camera, and the computer operates as an editing desk that can capture, preview, cut and assemble your selection and save the sequences in AVI and MPEG 1 & 2 formats. DVgate Still displays digital video images sent from a digital videocassette recorder or a digital video camera recorder (only possible if you have DV In/Out on your camera), and saves them as graphic files on your hard drive.

* Only available on the Application CD-ROM.

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About the software on your computer

ISP Selector

Sony Electronics

With the ISP Selector you can easily install the Internet Service Provider you want to use. Just choose your country and your language in the drop-down lists and the available providers appear. Click the Install button next to the ISP and the installation begins.

Jog Dial Navigator

Sony Electronics

In this application, you can select Sony applications, or others, that you want the Jog Dial™ to pilot; you can also configure the Jog Dial Navigator to start any application, establish a dial-up connection, or read an email, simply by turning and pressing the Jog Dial™.

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MovieShaker

Sony Electronics

MovieShaker text. All you do is import your clips, pick the tune you want and MovieShaker choose to take control and produce your very own movie. You choose the exact clips order, special effects, and transitions. You can also import your own music and MovieShaker of the song to the length of your movie.

creates personal movies - complete with transitions, special effects, background music, and

will automatically match the length

does the rest. You can also

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About the software on your computer

PowerPanel

Sony Electronics

The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your computer and provides key information about system activity and battery life. Automatic power management selects the most appropriate profile, depending on the application you are working with and the conditions of use.

Smart Capture (not installed)*

Sony Electronics

Connect a digital camera to your computer to shoot still images and video clips, which you can view or send by e-mail. The Smart Capture Finder displays images from the camera and allows you to adjust the settings or create effects. Smart Capture enables you to capture images via i.LINK™ compatible devices or create a panorama picture using the panorama assist function.

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* Only available on the Application CD-ROM.

SonicStage

Sony Electronics

SonicStage is software using the OpenMG technology, a copyright protection technology developed by Sony Corporation and designed to allow recording and playback of digital music data on a personal computer. Once the data is encrypted and recorded onto the hard disk, SonicStage technology allows it to be played back on the PC but prevents unauthorized distribution. The purpose of SonicStage technology is to create an environment in which larger quantities of high-quality music can be distributed without subsequent unauthorized distribution of the music files. The SonicStage software encrypts and manages music files either downloaded to a personal computer by using the EMD services or adopted (or created) from your own CD or the Internet. To use the CD-R functions, you will need to install the CD-R module from the supplied Application CD-ROM.

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Sony Notebook Setup

Sony Electronics

Use Sony Notebook Setup to consult system information, specify preferences for system behavior, and set up a power-on password for your Sony computer.

UI Design Selector

Sony Electronics

You can change the window design of the Sony software compatible with UI Design Selector.

VAIO Edit Components (not installed)*

Designed as a plug-in for Adobe® Premiere®, VAIO Edit Components includes special features to support your i.LINK™-DV devices, so you can produce superior quality home movies even after editing. Now you can

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control the DV device from your computer, import and edit the movie, and then export it back to the DV device. To be able to use the Sony software VAIO Edit Components, you must first install Adobe version 6.0** on your computer.

* Only available on the Application CD-ROM. ** available for purchase.

Premiere®

Product Recovery CD-ROMs

Sony Corporation

The Product Recovery CD-ROMs allow you to reinstall the system, the software shipped with your computer and the bundled device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, without you having to recover the entire system.

You can only use the Recovery CD-ROMs on the Sony computer you purchased, and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC.

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Operating system and other pre-installed software

Windows® XP Home Edition

Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft computer stay up and running. If anything does go wrong, you can quickly roll back to the state your system was in when all was well. The new, simpler visual design lets you use your computer the way you want. If you share a computer with other users, you can each enjoy your own personal preferences because this Windows Windows on the Internet. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://support.microsoft.com/directory

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Internet Explorer 6.0

Microsoft Corporation

Internet Explorer is the Microsoft Internet browser allowing you to surf the World Wide Web. The Setup Wizard configures your computer to connect automatically to your service provider. A full e-mail package enables you to send and receive mail - including attached files - across the Internet. NetMeeting, Outlook Express and Microsoft Chat are just some of the components bundled with Internet Explorer 6.0. Internet Explorer 6.0 also includes 128-bit encryption, the highest possible level of protection for all your Internet communications, including credit card use and financial transactions. A complete online tutorial helps new users become comfortable using the Internet. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://support.microsoft.com/directory

Windows®XP Home Edition allows you to enjoy a new level of reliability that helps your

operating system enables your computer to handle multiple activities at the same time.

XP Home Edition automatically shields your computer from unauthorized access when you are

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About the software on your computer

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 5.0

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Acrobat Document Format (PDF), an open file format that is intended to preserve the conformity of documents created on all major computer platforms. Once Acrobat from within your Web browser by clicking a PDF file embedded in an HTML file. You quickly see the first page while the rest of the document is being downloaded. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://www.adobe.com

Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents in Adobe Portable

QuickTime 5.0

Apple

About the software on your Sony notebook

QuickTime is the Apple technology that makes video, sound, music, 3D and virtual reality come alive for your Internet browser and Windows. For further information, see the website at:

http://www.apple.com/quicktime

RealPlayer (not installed)*

Reader is installed, you can open and view PDF files

RealNetworks - RealPlayer

RealPlayer is the RealNetworks video and audio player, which lets you access 2,500 radio stations featuring music, news and sports. For further information, see the website at:

http://www.real.com

* Only available on the Application CD-ROM.

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Symantec Norton AntiVirus (as setup on the hard drive)

Symantec

This software package includes a 90-day free subscription to virus definition updates.

With Norton AntiVirus, you can scan files, folders, or entire drives for viruses, and quarantine infected files for submission to the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC). Files submitted to SARC are analyzed and the results are reported automatically within seven days. When you configure Norton AntiVirus adequately, your computer is safe. Norton AntiVirus can automatically check boot records for viruses at system startup, check programs for viruses at the time you use them, scan all local hard drives for viruses once per week, and monitor your computer for any activity that might indicate the work of a virus in action. It can also scan files you download from the Internet and check floppy disks for boot viruses when you use them. You must launch the Norton AntiVirus installation, and you will then be prompted to update the virus definitions. This is normal as new viruses have come out since your VAIO left the factory. For more information, see the online help files and the website at:

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http://www.symantec.com/techsupp

VAIO Web Phone

CallServe Communications Ltd.

Once you have purchased the USB telephone, this Internet Telephone enables you to make telephone calls from your PC via the Internet to any other phone. You can make international calls at significantly lower prices and make phone calls and surf the web at the same time - on just one phone line. For more information, see the online help files and the website at:

http://www.callserve.com/EN/help/index.asp

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WinDVD

InterVideo, Inc.

InterVideo Inc.'s WinDVD is a simple-to-use DVD player. WinDVD combines all the features you would expect to find on a standard consumer DVD player, in addition to some very advanced functionalities, full precision video decoding, a choice of user interfaces, and video display options. You can play DVD movies, interactive DVD titles, MPEG video content, video and audio CDs. WinDVD automatically determines the type of disc in the DVD drive and uses the correct playback method. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://www.intervideo.com

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Using Video software

❑ Using DVgate (page 15) ❑ Using MovieShaker (page 31) ❑ Using Smart Capture (page 37)

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Using Video software

Using DVgate

DVgate is a software application that enables you to capture and then edit images taken with digital video devices (DV devices), such as digital video camera recorders, on your personal computer. It also gives you the ability to output the edited material for recording on a DV device. With DVgate, you can easily perform image editing with your computer and a DV device.

DVgate consists of 3 applications*:

❑ DVgate Motion; ❑ DVgate Still; ❑ DVgate Assemble.

✍ Depending on the computer settings, frames may be lost during video capture and frame duplication when recording edited video. Please make sure

you configure your computer according to the recommended settings to prevent this from happening. To configure your computer to use DVgate, refer to the Online help of DVgate.

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* Only available on the Application CD-ROM.

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Using Video software

Using DVgate Motion

With DVgate Motion you can capture video and record edited videos on a DV device.

❑ Capturing video:

You c an automatically or manually capture any scene or portion of the images recorded on a DV device, such as a digital video camera recorder. What is more, you can specify the exact scenes that you want to capture while watching the tape playback on the monitor. You can then choose to save the selected scenes as separate files or as one file.

❑ Recording edited video on a DV device

You can record the edited video on tape using a DV device, such as a digital video camera recorder*, connected to the computer. With DVgate, you are not limited to recording single clips, but you can record a series of clips on the DV device at one time.

To launch DVgate Motion, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the camera to the computer with the i.LINK™ cable and turn on the camera.

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2 Click Start, All Programs, DVgate, DVgate Motion.

DVgate Motion and the Monitor windows appear.

* The digital video camera recorder must have a DV-IN connector.

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Using Video software

Capturing videos

You can automatically or manually import videos onto your computer.

To automatically import videos onto your computer, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Motion. 2 Click the down arrow and select Import-Auto from the Mode drop-down list.

Use the DVgate camera controls buttons to play, rewind or fast forward the tape to the selected time code to begin capturing.

3 Press Play to start the video.

The video begins to play in the Monitor window.

4 Click Mark to mark the beginning of the first segment.

The first frame of the segment to be captured, is displayed in the In/ Out list window.

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Click Mark again to mark the end of the segment to capture. The last frame of the segment to be captured, is displayed in the In/ Out list window. Continue to mark as many segments as you want.

5 Click Capture to import the selected video segment or click Capture

All to import them all at once. The Save as a file window appears.

6 Select the location to save the file. 7 Click the Save button.

DVgate captures the segments. The Capturing complete message appears.

8 Click OK in the DVgate Motion window to finish.

Information about the capturing process is displayed in the Report window.

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9 Click OK. 10 Exit DVgate Motion.

The Dvmotion2 window appears on the screen. You can then save the In/Out list, which allows you to capture the same video sequences later on, or change the In/Out settings.

✍ Make sure that the camera is in Video Tape Recorder mode (VTR) when capturing or playing back video from or to a tape.

If you want to manually import video onto your computer, refer to the DVgate online help file.

Recording edited videos on a DV device

To record edited videos on a DV device, proceed as follows:

1 Adjust the recording correction values. 2 Add files to the Record List. 3 Record remotely or manually the video on the DV device.

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Adjusting the recording correction values

To ensure accuracy in the recording, you can specify recording correction values. Adjustment of the recording correction values is especially important when performing splice recording. You can choose to specify the values yourself or to have them automatically adjusted by using the automatic calibration feature. The values generated by the automatic calibration feature are usually correct.

To automatically adjust the recording correction values, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Motion. 2 Click the down arrow and select Export - Auto from the Mode drop-down list. 3 Select Adjust on Recording… from the Settings menu.

The Adjust on Recording dialog box appears.

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4 Click the AutoAdjust button.

DVgate Motion activates the connected DV device and automatically finds the adjustment values.

5 Click OK.

✍ To manually adjust the recording correction values, refer to the DVgate online help file.

Adding files to the Record List

To add files to the Record List, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Motion. 2 Click Add in the DVgate Motion – AVI file list.

The Add dialog box appears.

3 Select a file and click Open.

The specified file is added and the serial number, first and last images, time code, file length and file name are displayed.

★

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DVgate Motion adds all serial numbered files with the same name if you select Add all divided files saved with the same name. Serial numbered files are created when you specify to save files as multiple files in DVgate Motion

and DVgate Assemble.

✍ All newly added files are appended to the end of the list.

You can drag multiple files at one time; however, the order in which they are added is unpredictable.

You can record AVI files with different sound modes on a DV device, but about one second of no sound (depending on the DV device) may occur at the point where the sound modes change.

You can only add AVI files using DV Codec as video compression; MPEG files are not supported.

When recording a video sequence, make sure that all images are saved in the same mode. Recording in different modes might cause sound or image distortions during playback. After adding the files you want to the Record List, you can still change the order of the files, add or delete files.

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Using Video software

After adding the files to the Record List, you can still change the order of the files, add or delete files.

To change the order of the files in the Record List, proceed as follows:

1 Click the file you want to move while holding down the mouse button. 2 Drag the file to the appropriate position and then release the mouse button.

To remove a file from the Record List, proceed as follows:

1 Click the file you want to remove. 2 Click Delete.

The removed file is filled by the subsequent file and the files are renumbered. Click Delete All when to remove all files.

✍ You can select multiple AVI or still picture files from the Record List by clicking them while holding down the <Shift> or <Ctrl> key.

When you move multiple files, they are all moved together.

You can undo changes by choosing Undo from the Edit menu immediately after inserting, moving or deleting (a) file(s).

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You c a n save a Record List for future use. Record List files can only be used in DVgate Motion.

To preview a clip, proceed as follows:

1 Select the file you want to preview in the DVgate Motion – AVI file list window. 2 Click Preview.

The Monitor window and the Preview window appear. The Monitor window shows the first frame of the file. Click on the Previous File button or on the Next File button to select the file you want to preview. Click Preview All to preview all the files shown in the list.

✍ Previous File and Next File are buttons for moving the preview from one selected file to another. They are not for designed for navigation purposes

within the list. Consequently, you cannot click on them when only one file is selected. When you select only one file, Previous File and Next File do not function.

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Using Video software

Recording on the DV device

You can automatically or manually export videos from your computer to a DV device.

To automatically export videos from your computer to a DV device, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the camera to the computer with the i.LINK™ cable and turn on the camera. 2 Launch DVgate Motion. 3 Click the down arrow and select Export-Auto from the Mode drop-down list. 4 Click the Add button in the DVgate Motion - AVI file list window and select the video file you want

to export.

5 Click Record or Record All.

The Output dialog box appears.

6 Select the Add blank image option button.

❑ You can add blank frame(s) during recording if you select the Append option button in the Output

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❑ You can specify the length of a blank image by entering the number of frames in the Length box in

7 Click OK.

The Output dialog box closes and recording starts. Video sequences are recorded on the DV device in the order in which they are arranged in the Record List.

★

Clicking Record All will send all the video files shown in the Record List to the connected device. Clicking Record will send only the video files selected from the Record List to the connected device.

dialog box. Blank frame(s) can be placed in the following locations:

Head: A blank image is placed before the start of the video sequence during recording. Tai l : A blank image is placed after the end of the video sequence during recording. Both: Blank images are placed before the start and after the end of the video sequence during

recording.

the Output dialog box.

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Using Video software

✍ Even if you specify not to add blank frames, several blank frames are always placed at the end of the recorded segment regardless of the settings.

This is to prevent image noise from being recorded when recording stops.

Do not quit or log off from Windows

Disable the screen saver in Windows

Do not start other applications or move any active window while recording.

Recording from the very beginning of the tape may not be successful if you record by controlling the video device through DVgate Motion.

Do not turn the power switch on the digital video camera recorder to Camera or turn it off while DVgate Motion is recording. Never switch the input sources when recording on a digital videocassette recorder as this might prevent recording.

If you want to export manually videos from your computer to a DV device, refer to the DVgate online help file.

Using DVgate Still

DVgate Still is an application that displays digital video images sent from DV devices such as a digital videocassette recorder or a digital video camera recorder and that captures them as still pictures.

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The following functions are featured:

❑ Control the connected DV device and display a video image on the screen of your VAIO. ❑ Capture 30 frames of still pictures in total with respectively 15 frames in the forward and backward

directions.

❑ Capture only one frame of a still picture. ❑ Save a captured still picture in BMP, JPEG, GIF or DVF format.

✍ The sound recorded with the image, is not played.

while recording. Otherwise, recording will fail.

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Using Video software

Capturing pictures

There are two capture modes in DVgate Still: the Continuous Capture mode and the Single Frame Capture mode.

❑ Continuous Capture mode:

If you capture pictures during Play mode, you can capture 30 frames of still pictures in total with respectively 15 frames in the forward and backward directions. All still pictures already captured, are lost. If you capture during Pause mode, you can capture only one frame of a still picture.

✍ Immediately after you capture during Play mode in Continuous Capture mode, the DV device pauses.

❑ Single Frame Capture mode:

You can capture one frame of a still picture. The captured result is the same even if you capture during Play or Pause mode.

✍ Capturing 30 frames in Continuous Capture mode replaces all 30 frames. Capturing only one frame overwrites the first frame of the still picture,

capturing the next frame overwrites the second frame, and so on.

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To toggle between Continuous Capture mode and Single Frame Capture mode, proceed as follows:

1 Click Settings in the DVgate Still window. 2 Choose Capture…

The Capture Settings window appears.

3 Select the Capture frames continuously option button to capture in Continuous Capture mode.

Clear the Capture frames continuously option button to capture in Single Frame Capture mode.

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Using Video software

To capture pictures, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the DV device to your computer. 2 Launch DVgate Still (Start/All Programs/DVgate/DVgate Still).

The DVgate Still window appears.

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3 Set the DV device to the Play or Pause mode.

The video image appears in the Monitor window.

4 Click the Capture button.

The video image in the Monitor window is being captured.

✍ Dragging the slider in the Capture window to the left or right lets you display the still picture before or after the current one.

! If you exit DVgate Still without saving the captured still picture, it is cleared. ! Even if you attempt to capture continuous pictures, you may not be able to capture some frames. In this case, exit all applications other than DVgate

Still and then retry to capture them.

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Using Video software

Saving the captured pictures

You can save the still pictures displayed in the DVgate Still - Still window in either one of the following formats: BMP, JPG, GIF or DVF.

To save the captured pictures, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Still and capture images. 2 In the DVgate Still - Still window, select a still picture you want to save.

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3 Click the Save button.

The Save As dialog box appears. Use the Location to Save drop-down list to select a folder. Select a file format from the File Format drop-down list.

4 Click Save.

The captured picture is saved.

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Using Video software

Using DVgate Assemble

DVgate Assemble enables you to edit video files and still image files captured with DVgate Motion and DVgate Still. Afterwards you can splice them together to form one single file. You can save the resulting spliced video sequences as AVI, MPEG1, or MPEG2* format files.

To launch DVgate Assemble, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start. 2 Point to All Programs, DVgate and then to DVgate Assemble.

The DVgate Assemble main window appears.

* Depending on your model.

Creating an Assemble List

You can create an Assemble List with files you want to splice together. Afterwards you can always edit the

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Assemble List by changing the order of the files and adding or deleting files.

To add files to an Assemble List, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Assemble. 2 Click the Add button.

The Add dialog box appears.

3 Choose AVI file in the Files of type drop-down box.

If you select Add all divided files saved with the same name, DVgate Assemble will add all serial numbered files with the same name to the list. Serial numbered files are files that are created when DVgate Motion saves files that are split and applies consecutive numbers to them. The numbers of the split files have 4 digits and increase one unit at a time starting with 0001.

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Using Video software

4 Select a file and click Open.

The AVI file is added to the list.

✍ Imported files are added at the end of the Assemble List.

You can only add video files in AVI (DV CODEC) format, and still image files in BMP, JPEG, and GIF formats. Please see the help files for information on converting non-compatible AVI files.

When you add a still image file (BMP, JPEG, or GIF), the number of frames, converted size, and size conversion mode are shown.

You can save an Assemble List for future use. Assemble List files can only be used in DVgate Assemble.

Editing AVI files

You can edit the AVI files in the Assemble List for the exact scenes you want to use. For example, there is no need to recapture files even if you only want to use one particular scene from a longer video sequence originally captured with DVgate Motion. Note that the process of removing the exact scene is only enabled when one AVI file is selected from the Assemble List. However, this command is disabled when more than

About the software on your Sony notebook

one file are selected.

To edit the AVI files in the Assemble List for the exact scenes you want to use, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Assemble. 2 Select the AVI file you want to edit from the Assemble List. 3 Choose Edit a clip... from the Edit menu.

The DVgate Assemble - Clip dialog box appears.

4 Click the Preview button.

The video sequence of the selected file is played back. You can move the playback position to the Begin point or the End point by clicking the Begin or End point of the image. Click the Begin button when you see the scene to be used as the Begin point.

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Using Video software

The Begin point image and the time code appear in the lower part of the dialog box. Click the End button when you see the scene to be used as the End point. The End point image and the time code appear in the lower part of the dialog box.

5 Click OK.

The AVI file is edited.

Combining still images with video images

To combine still images with video images, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Assemble. 2 Click the Add button.

The Add dialog box appears.

3 Select the image file type from the Files of type drop-down list. 4 Select your image file and click Open.

About the software on your Sony notebook

The image is added to the Assemble List.

5 Choose Edit a clip... from the Edit menu in the main window.

The DVgate Assemble - Clip dialog box appears.

6 Enter the insertion time in seconds or frames. 7 Turn the Wide TV mode on or off. 8 Select the screen size. 9 Adjust the height and width of still images when they are output:

❑ Full size: Enlarges the screen size to the full monitor size. The aspect ratio may change with this

❑ Original Size: Retains the original size of the image, without reduction or enlargement. ❑ Full size using aspect ratio as saved: Enlarges the screen size to the maximum without changing

selection.

the aspect ratio.

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Using Video software

10 Click the Settings button.

The Settings window appears.

11 Select the final format of the combined file, choosing from AVI, MPEG1 or MPEG2 (if available)*. 12 Click OK.

The Assemble List appears.

13 Click OK.

The still and video images are combined.

* Choosing MPEG1 as the format will reduce the size of the file considerably.

About the software on your Sony notebook

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Using Video software

Saving the edited video

To save an edited video sequence, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Output or the Output All button.

The Save As dialog box appears. Information on the output file and the amount of free disk space is shown in the lower part of the Save As dialog box.

2 Select the location where you want to save the file and type the name of the file in the File name text

box.

3 Click Save. 4 The Outputting as an AVI file dialog box appears and splicing begins. 5 The DVassemble window appears and displays the Exporting/Save to an AVI file complete message.

The set time and the size that the file is split into are displayed when outputting an AVI file.

About the software on your Sony notebook

6 Click OK.

The edited video is saved.

✍ When you click the Output button, only the files on the Assemble List that have been selected, are connected and output as a file. Clicking Output

All means that all the files on the Assemble List are connected and output.

The file name is the name that was entered in the Save As dialog box. A 4-digit serial number is attached to the file name, e.g., test001-0001.avi, then test001-0002.avi, test001-0003.avi.

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Using Video software

Using MovieShaker

MovieShaker can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any knowledge of film editing. In a few steps, motion pictures can be combined with special effects, still images (pictures), and music files and then saved in a format most computers can play.

To open MovieShaker, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows 2 Point to All Programs and then MovieShaker. 3 Click MovieShaker.

About the software on your Sony notebook

taskbar.

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Using Video software

1. Menu bar Shows MovieShaker menus.

2. Monitor panel Contains the Shake, Capture, and Edit tray. Select a tray by clicking the Shake, Capture, or

3. Tool panel In the Tool panel, you will find the Effect, Text, Transition, Narration and Index tray.

About the software on your Sony notebook

4. Clip tray The Clip tray is provided for placing clips to be processed with MovieShaker.

5. Product tray The Product tray is where you arrange clips to make a movie. In the Product tray, you will

Edit tab. The Shake tray is for creating a scene of approximately 30 seconds long including background

music, using clips on the Clip tray at random. The Capture tray is provided for capturing images directly from the DV device or MICROMV

device connected to your computer, and importing them into the Clip tray. The monitor displays the images recorded on the videotapes of the DV device or MICROMV device.

The Edit tray is for processing scenes. Click a scene on the Product tray, then it is displayed on the Edit tray. You can add an effect to the scene by dragging the effect from the Effect tray and/or the Text tray and dropping it on the Edit tray.

Select a tray by clicking the Effect, Tex t, Tr a nsit ion , or Narration button. Only when a MICROMV device has been connected to your computer and MICROMV Device has been selected from the Device menu, the Index tray appears while the Capture tray is displayed on the monitor panel.

The Effect tray contains various effects to be applied to a scene. The Text tray provides a tool for creating a text effect to be applied to a scene. The Tra nsit ion tray contains various transition effects to be inserted between scenes. The Narration tray provides a tool for recording narration to be inserted into a movie. The Index tray provides a tool for capturing images from a MICROMV device and imports

them into the Clip tray.

It can contain a movie file, still image and/or sound files.

find the Storyboard Display and the Timeline Display. On the Storyboard, you can easily arrange scenes and transitions. On the Timeline, you can arrange scenes, transitions, background music, and narration, and

make fine adjustments to the starting/ending points and duration of scenes, transitions, background music, and narration.

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Using Video software

Importing images and sound clips

Before you can create a movie, you need to import the images and sound clips you want to use in your movie.

To import images and sound clips, proceed as follows:

1 Click the File import button .

The Import dialog box appears.

2 Select the file you want to add. 3 Click Open.

The file is added to the Clip tray.

✍ Importing files over 75 seconds in length may cause MovieShaker to stop responding.

To remove a clip from the Clip tray, drag it from the Clip tray and drop it on the trash icon . This only removes the clip from the tray, the original file is not deleted.

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Creating a movie

After adding clip(s) to the Clip tray, you can create a short movie using the Shaker feature. Shaker randomly selects clips from the Clip tray to create a 30-second scene.

To create a movie, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Shake tab . 2 Select a mood by clicking a face in the Shaker tray . 3 Click the Shake button .

A thirty-second scene is automatically generated.

To preview the created movie, proceed as follows:

Press Play .

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Using Video software

✍ Scenes created with Shaker begin with a black frame. After processing, they are placed in the first available slot on the Product tray.

Limit the number of scenes in the Product tray to 5 or less.

MovieShaker may stop responding if there are too many scenes in the Product tray.

About the software on your Sony notebook

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Using Video software

Editing clips and scenes

You can edit your movie by adding effects and text, adjusting the color and contrast, and modifying the length of the clip.

About the software on your Sony notebook

1. Shake tab

2. Capture tab

3. Edit tab

4. Speed control slider

5. Volume control slider

6. Effect palette

7. Fade-in, fade-out

8. Trash

9. Full-screen preview button

10. Play trimming range

11. Repeat-play

12. Play control buttons

13. Trimming range

14. Save as still image button

15. Time adjustment

16. Monitor

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Using Video software

To edit clips and scenes, proceed as follows:

1 Double-click the clip in the Clip tray to move it to the Monitor Panel. 2 Select the Effect tab from the Tool Panel. 3 Drag and drop the effect you want to add from the Effect tray to the Edit tray monitor.

✍ To preview an effect, click the effect in the Effect tray in the Working Panel monitor.

For instructions on adjusting effect duration and replaying clips or scenes, consult the online Help-files.

Saving a movie

You can save or export your final movie products. You can preview and check them before saving them. Your final movie products can be saved as files, exported to a DV device/MICROMV device*.

To save your movie, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Export button .

About the software on your Sony notebook

The Export dialog box appears.

2 Select the format in which you want the document to be saved. 3 Click Next. 4 Select the folder in which you want to save the file. 5 Name the file. 6 Click Save.

Your movie is saved.

✍ Exporting movies may take a long time to complete. Saving movies with DV (Digital Video) will provide better quality than Quick-Save, but will take

longer.

MovieShaker can play AVI files up to 65 MB in size.

For DV playback and smooth video playback, the following resolution/refresh rates are recommended: 1024x768/75 Hz or lower.

* Depending on your model.

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Using Video software

Using Smart Capture

You can use Smart Capture* to shoot still images and record video clips from a digital camera connected to your computer.

* Only available on the Application CD-ROM.

Capturing still images

You can capture still images from i.LINK™ compatible devices.

To capture still images, proceed as follows:

1 Connect an i.LINK™ compatible device to your computer. 2 Launch Smart Capture from the Start menu, in All Programs / Smart

Capture / Smart Capture. The Finder window appears, displaying the image of the subject.

About the software on your Sony notebook

3 Adjust the focus on the subject. 4 Click the Capture button in the Smart Capture window.

The Still Viewer window appears. The image you have captured, is displayed in the Still Image Display area.

5 To end Smart Capture click the button in the top right corner of the

window.

✍ Make sure a camera is plugged to the i.LINK™ connector.

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Using Video software

Displaying captured images in Still Viewer

To display captured images in Still Viewer, proceed as follows:

From the Start menu, select All Programs / Smart Capture and click Still Viewer. You can display, save or delete your images or send them by e-mail. To end Still Viewer, click the button.

✍ You can capture still images in the following sizes: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120 and 80 x 60 pixels.

When capturing a small resolution image (i.e., 80 x 60 pixels), the displayed image on the Finder window may appear blurred.

A gap may appear when a rapid-moving object is displayed. This is not a malfunction.

If you start Smart Capture while no camera is plugged, the Smart Capture Finder screen will appear blue.

You can capture still images and video clips from a digital video camera using Smart Capture.

Sending still images via e-mail

About the software on your Sony notebook

To send still images via e-mail, proceed as follows:

1 Launch Still Viewer. 2 Select the still image you want to send via e-mail, using or . 3 Click Mail.

Your e-mail window appears with the selected file attached to your message.

4 Send the e-mail.

✍ You need to set up MAPI (Messaging Application Program Interface) when using the e-mail software. MAPI is a Microsoft

interface that enables you to send e-mails from within a Windows application and to attach the document you are working on to the e-mail note.

Windows program

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Using Video software

Shooting video clips

With a video camera connected to your computer you can use Smart Capture to capture video clips, as well as play them or send them via e-mail.

To capture video clips, proceed as follows:

1 Launch Smart Capture. 2 Select Net Movie using the Switch Capture Mode button.

The image appears in the Finder.

3 Turn the camera towards the subject. 4 Adjust the image. 5 Click the Capture button to shoot a video clip (you can shoot up to 120 seconds, according to the settings

you chose in the Recording options section).

6 Click the Capture button when finished.

About the software on your Sony notebook

The Movie Player window appears, it contains the captured video clip.

7 Click to playback the images. Click to pause, to stop playback. 8 To end Smart Capture, click .

✍ Make sure a camera is plugged to the i.LINK™ connector and turned on.

You can shoot video clips in the following formats:

Non-compressed:

- Video 160 x 120, 24 bits, max. 10 frames/sec.

- Audio PCM, 11.025 kHz, 16 bits, monophonic

Compressed:

- Video MPEG1 160 x 112, maximum of 30 frames/sec.).

- Audio MPEG1, 44.1 kHz (effective maximum equivalent to 11.025 kHz), monophonic.

A gap may appear when a rapid-moving object is displayed. However, this is not a malfunction.

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Using Video software

Sending video clips via e-mail

If you shoot a video clip in a low resolution format, its size will be small allowing you to send the video clip by e-mail.

To send video clips via e-mail, proceed as follows:

1 Launch Smart Capture. 2 Click Movie Player. 3 Click Mail.

The Compression Settings window appears.

4 Choose the compression rate by moving the slider. 5 Click Start Compression.

When compression is completed, you will be asked to attach the file to your e-mail.

6 Accept and send the e-mail.

About the software on your Sony notebook

Page 42

Managing audio files with SonicStage

SonicStage lets you play and record audio CDs and import digital audio files while maintaining the copyright information of the contents. When you record an audio CD with SonicStage, it is encoded in ATRAC3 format onto you computer’s hard drive. The imported data can be played on your computer or transferred to external devices or media. SonicStage converts your existing MP3, WMA and WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.

To open SonicStage, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows 2 Point to All Programs, SonicStage and then click SonicStage. 3 The Please confirm setup dialog box appears.

You can set SonicStage as the default application for playing audio CDs by selecting the appropriate check box.

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4 Click Yes.

The SonicStage main window appears.

taskbar.

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Managing audio files with SonicStage

About the software on your Sony notebook

1 Feature tabs Changes the screen view according to the selected feature.

2 Player control buttons Controls playback functions, such as play, pause, stop, fast-forward and reverse.

3 Playlist drop-down list Displays available playlists and audio files of the current feature tab.

4 File tree view Displays the folders available on your computer.

5 Internet address drop-

down list

6 File list view Displays the contents of the folder selected in the file tree view.

7 Tutorial tab Opens and closes the Tutorial feature.

Displays Internet addresses, if available. You can click the Go to URL link button to immediately connect to web sites.

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Managing audio files with SonicStage

About the software on your Sony notebook

✍ The CDDB

your computer to register and use this service. For more information regarding CDDB registration, click the Help button.

(Compact Disc Database) Music Recognition Service registration wizard enables you to register with CDDB. You need Internet access on

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Managing audio files with SonicStage

Recording a CD

You can record songs from audio CDs and import them to playlists in SonicStage.

To record a CD, proceed as follows:

1 Insert an audio CD into your system’s optical disc drive. 2 Click the CD tab. 3 Use the drop-down lists to select the file format. 4 You can select specific tracks on your CD by deselecting the check boxes from the tracks you do not want

to record. You can clear all selected tracks by selecting the empty Select All check box, and then selecting the tracks you want to record.

5 Click the Rec to Jukebox button to begin recording. When the recording is finished, the new

playlist appears in the File tree view of the Playlist window. You can move to this feature view by clicking the Playlist tab.

About the software on your Sony notebook

✍ When you record from an audio CD on your optical disc drive for the first time, the CD Drive Optimization dialog box appears.

Click Start to verify your optical disc drive. Once the verification is performed, recording begins.

You can display the name of the CD and its songs by clicking the CD Info button and after registering with CDDB.

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Managing audio files with SonicStage

Transferring songs (check in/out)

You can transfer songs between the playlists on your SonicStage software and external devices or media (for example, Memory Stick™ Walkman, Network Walkman, CD-RW). For more information on using your external devices or media, see the documentation that came with the product. These instructions are for using the check in/out 1-step method. For information on using the 2-step method, read the SonicStage online Help-files.

Checking out songs

Checking out songs means transferring audio files from a computer to an external device (for example, a portable player).

To check out songs, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the external device or insert the media (for example, a MagicGate Memory Stick™) into your

computer.

About the software on your Sony notebook

2 Click the Transfer tab to display the Transfer window.

Your computer automatically recognizes the connected external device or media and lists the content information in a new panel on the right side of the Transfer window.

3 Select the playlist containing the song to check out.

The songs in the playlist are shown in the Playlist view panel located in the center of the Transfer window.

4 From the Playlist view panel, select the song to be checked out. To check out more than one song at a

time, hold down the <Ctrl> key and select additional songs.

5 Click Check Out or drag the song to the appropriate position in the song list of the external device or

media. The checking out begins.

✍ SonicStage does not work with the blue Memory Sticks™. For more information, read the OpenMG manual.

To cancel Check Out, click Stop, or click Cancel in the processing dialog box that is displayed during the Check Out process.

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Managing audio files with SonicStage

Checking in songs

After checking out audio files, you can transfer those files back to an external device or to the hard drive. This is what we call checking in. The songs that you transfer like this can only be checked in to the hard drive of the same computer from which the songs were checked out.

To check in songs, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the external device or insert the MagicGate Memory Stick™ into your computer. 2 Click the Transfer tab to display the Transfer window.

Your computer automatically recognizes the connected external device or media and lists the content information in a new panel on the right side of the Transfer window.

3 Select the song to be checked in from the song list of the external device or media. To check in more than

one song at a time, hold down the <Ctrl> key and click the additional songs.

About the software on your Sony notebook

4 Click Check In, or drag the song(s) to the Playlist view panel. If you want to check in all the songs in

the external device or media, click In All. Check In begins.

✍ To cancel Check In, click Stop, or click Cancel in the Processing dialog box that is displayed during the Check In process.

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Managing audio files with SonicStage

Additional features

❑ SonicStage Tutorial – The features of SonicStage are described in the Tutorial. The user-friendly

interface guides you directly through the SonicStage features.

❑ SonicStage Backup Tool – You can back up and restore all the music, graphics and information data

managed by SonicStage. You must be connected to the Internet to use the SonicStage Backup Tool.

❑ Import audio files in various formats – You can import audio files with various formats, such as MP3

or WAV standards. You can also import audio files that comply with the Microsoft Technologies (WMT) standard, identified by ASF or WMA extensions. Manage your audio files through the Playlist feature of SonicStage.

❑ Manage imported songs on the Playlist – Additional features are available when you register your

imported songs through the Playlist feature of SonicStage. You can manage your music by creating your own list of songs categorized by genre or artist, displaying your song list in the Playlist feature, and arranging your songs in a customized order using the Playlist folders. Edit your music by combining

About the software on your Sony notebook

multiples songs into a single one, or divide one song into two, by using the Combine and Divide features.

❑ Simple mode – The main SonicStage window in Simple mode is a smaller, compact version of the

Full mode view. This can be useful when you want to listen to songs with SonicStage while using other software, or whenever you feel that Full mode view is intrusive. The design of the main SonicStage window in simple mode can be changed by selecting a new “skin”, which enhances the appearance of the window. The Simple mode feature enables you to perform playback operations only.

Windows Media™

Page 49

Using DigitalPrint

DigitalPrint is designed to help you get the most enjoyment out of your photographs taken with a digital camera. With DigitalPrint, you can easily load photos onto your computer, create photo albums, decorate your photos, print them and even make labels for your favourite storage media. DigitalPrint includes the following five tools. All these tools can be launched from the DigitalPrint Launcher.

❑ PhotoCapture: Load photos from a digital camera or a Memory Stick™ onto your computer. ❑ PhotoCollection: View and print photos that you have loaded onto your computer. ❑ PhotoDecor: Draw on and add pictures and stamps to photos that you have loaded into your computer. ❑ PhotoAlbum: Create photo albums using the photos that you have loaded into your computer. ❑ LabelMaker: Create labels for CDs, MDs, videotapes, etc.

About the software on your Sony notebook

Page 50

Using DigitalPrint

To launch DigitalPrint, proceed as follows:

1 In the Start menu, select All Programs, DigitalPrint, and then DigitalPrint.

About the software on your Sony notebook

DigitalPrint Launcher appears.

2 Click Import to launch PhotoCapture

or click Photo to launch PhotoCollection or click Edit to launch PhotoDecor or click Album to launch PhotoAlbum or click Label to launch LabelMaker.

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Using DigitalPrint

Importing photos

Use PhotoCapture to load images that are stored on a digital camera or a Memory Stick™ onto your computer. PhotoCapture can automatically recognize the digital camera or Memory Stick™ that is connected to the computer. Once photos are loaded into your computer, they can be used to create original works (photo albums and labels) with PhotoAlbum and LabelMaker. You can also print photos with PhotoCollection. PhotoCapture can load photos from the following digital cameras and storage devices:

❑ USB storage class-compatible digital cameras ❑ TWAIN-compatible digital cameras ❑ Memory Stick™.

To import photos, proceed as follows:

About the software on your Sony notebook

1 Connect a digital camera or a Memory Stick™ that contains the images you want to transfer to your

2 Open DigitalPrint Launcher and simply click the Import icon.

computer.

You can also launch PhotoCapture from the Start menu by clicking All Programs, DigitalPrint, Tool , PhotoCapture. The PhotoCapture window appears.

Page 52

Using DigitalPrint

About the software on your Sony notebook

3 Depending on the device connected to your computer, you can click a Photo folder icon or a camera icon. 4 In either case, click the icon to load all the photos of the devices.

Enter a name for your photo folder in the Enter Photo Name dialog box and click OK. The images are loaded into your computer and appear in the Imported Photos window. You can now use the pictures for editing, printing, creating CD labels, etc.

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Using DigitalPrint

Printing photos

With PhotoCollection, printing photos at home is just as easy as asking your local photo shop to develop your photos or make reprints. Photos stored in a folder can be printed as a group. Since you can also specify the number of prints to be made of each photo, you only need to run one printing job (instead of printing each photo separately, one at a time), even if you want to give copies to a lot of people.

To print photos, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Photo icon in the DigitalPrint Launcher.

About the software on your Sony notebook

PhotoCollection can also be launched directly from the Start menu by selecting All Programs, DigitalPrint, Tool, PhotoCollection. The PhotoCollection window appears.

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Using DigitalPrint

2 Click Register Folder to register a photo folder (load the photos into the computer) and follow the

3 To print photos from the folder, simply click the PhotoPrint button.

✍ For more information about the functionalities of PhotoCollection, refer to the online help files.

About the software on your Sony notebook

onscreen instructions or select a folder in which photos are stored and click the OK button.

You can specify the number of prints and select the paper.

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Using DigitalPrint

Decorating photos

PhotoDecor allows you to decorate digital photos by adding lines, graphics, text, and stamps to digital photos. You can use stamps and a variety of pen patterns to decorate digital photos and create colourful and original works of art through simple operations.

To decorate photos, proceed as follows:

1 Open PhotoDecor from the DigitalPrint Launcher by clicking the Edit icon.

About the software on your Sony notebook

You can also launch PhotoDecor directly from the Start menu by selecting All Programs, DigitalPrint, Too l, PhotoDecor. The PhotoDecor window appears.

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Using DigitalPrint

2 Select a photo folder that contains the images you wish to decorate and select one photo. 3 Use the Pen, Auto Shape, Text, Clip Art or Stamp Tool Palette to edit your image. 4 Print or save your edited picture by clicking the Print or Save icon.

✍ For more information on the use of PhotoDecor, refer to the online help.

About the software on your Sony notebook

Page 57

Using DigitalPrint

Creating a photo album

With PhotoAlbum, you can create and print albums of photos taken with a digital camera or photos you have loaded on your computer. PhotoAlbum is very simple to use. It includes many useful design templates. Use these templates to easily create an attractive album even if you have little design experience. You can also print your album to create wonderful photo collections, adding a whole new dimension of enjoyment to digital camera photography.

To create an album, proceed as follows:

1 Open PhotoAlbum from the DigitalPrint Launcher by clicking the Album icon.

About the software on your Sony notebook

You can also launch PhotoAlbum directly from the Start menu by selecting All Programs, DigitalPrint, Too l, and PhotoAlbum. The PhotoAlbum Initial window appears.

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Using DigitalPrint

2 Click the Create New Album button and register a photo folder or select an existing one.

3 To select your images, click the List button in the photo folder and select the images in the Photo List

4 Select a design from the Select Design window by clicking it.

5 Select a photo layout by clicking it.

6 Use the album menu to decorate the existing albums or to print them.

✍ For more information on the use of PhotoAlbum, refer to the online help.

About the software on your Sony notebook

You can select all or only some of the photos in the album.

dialog box. Then click the Create the album with the selected photo(s) button. The Select Design window appears.

The Select Layout window appears.

The album is created and the album menu appears.

You can either preview the album or change the layout, or design.

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Using DigitalPrint

Creating labels

LabelMaker is an easy-to-use label-making software. Use the design templates to make beautifully designed labels.

To create labels, proceed as follows:

1 Open LabelMaker from the DigitalPrint Launcher by clicking the Label icon.

About the software on your Sony notebook

It is also possible to launch LabelMaker directly from the Start menu by selecting All Programs, DigitalPrint, Tool, LabelMaker. The LabelMaker window appears.

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Using DigitalPrint

2 In the list on the side of the screen, click the medium for which you want to create a label or edit an

3 Click the paper you wish to use.

4 Click the design you wish to use.

5 In the Edit window, edit the label by using the Pen, Auto Shape, Tex t, Clip Art or Image Tool Palette. 6 Save or print your label by clicking the Save or Print button.

✍ For more information on the use of LabelMaker, refer to the online help.

About the software on your Sony notebook

existing label (CDs, MDs, VHS cassettes, etc.). The Select Paper window appears.

The Select Design window appears.

The Song List (if you selected a music medium like CD or MD) or the Edit window appears. Edit the album and track names in the Song List window. Create a track name list when you are creating a label for a music medium, such as a CD. Then click the Input to the label button.

LabelMaker can be launched and used in conjunction with other Sony applications such as SonicStage.

Page 61

Customizing your computer

The following sections briefly describe how to change the main settings of your computer. Among other things, you will learn how to prepare your modem for use, how to use and customize the look of your Sony software and utilities, etc.

❑ Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup (page 61) ❑ Managing power with PowerPanel (page 63) ❑ Selecting display modes (page 70) ❑ Configuring your modem (page 71) ❑ Changing your windows design with the UI Design Selector program (page 73) ❑ Setting a Sony wallpaper (page 74) ❑ Selecting a screen saver (page 75)

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Page 62

Customizing your computer

Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup

The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system behavior, 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.

The Sony Notebook Setup window appears.

About the software on your Sony notebook

taskbar.

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Customizing your computer

Tab De scriptio n

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

Printer Selects printer port mode settings.

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

Touchpad When you connect an optional mouse to your computer, you can disable your touchpad. You can

Power On Password Sets the password to secure your computer.

Enable Ports Disables port to release resources to the system. To change the port settings, click Advanced on

About the software on your Sony notebook

Basic/Advanced Toggles between Advanced mode (additional screens with advanced settings) and Basic mode of

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

The item has been changed.

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

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

also customize your mouse settings by means of the mouse utility in this tab.

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.

the Basic/Advanced tab.

display. Advanced mode includes Serial and View Resources tab.

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Customizing your computer

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 customize 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; ❑ Ability to select specific Power Profiles manually from the menu; ❑ Ability to edit and create new profiles; ❑ Ability to display detailed battery information; ❑ CPU performance monitoring tool; ❑ It works in harmony with your Windows settings.

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Activating PowerPanel

When you start the computer, the PowerPanel icon appears in the system tray by default. If the computer is running on AC power, you see PowerPanel’s Performance icon: .

If the computer is running on battery power, the Battery Life icon is displayed: . To see the CPU state and the current power profile, simply point to the icon. The CPU state and 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. 2 In the Profiles menu, select a profile.

The appropriate power settings are activated.

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

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.

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Customizing your computer

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.

Main preset profiles

Icon Description

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 – Provides power saving

About the software on your Sony notebook

features to give you maximum battery life and good performance.

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

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 – Turns off all power management features such as Standby and Hibernate modes.

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Customizing your computer

Other preset profiles

Icon Description

Word Processing – Optimizes 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 optimize 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 optimize 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,

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Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimize power management

for your system.

Games – Disables the display and the Hard Disk timer.

DVD – Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD

usage.

Camera – Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.

Automatic Profile Selection - Analyses the performance of each application you choose and matches the profiles to its needs.

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Customizing your computer

Selecting automatic profiles

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. 2 Select Profiles. 3 Select Automatic Profile Selection.

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Customizing your computer

Displaying detailed battery information

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

To display battery information, proceed as follows:

1 Double-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar.

The Battery Information window appears.

2 Select the Battery tab.

This tab contains information such as the estimated battery life remaining and charging time.

Battery icon Battery status

discharging: the icon is blue

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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

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Customizing your computer

Displaying CPU information

You can also view the level of performance of your notebook with the CPU Controls. To do so, you just have to move your cursor over the CPU icon in your taskbar.

Icon Description

Performance:

Battery Life:

This control helps to maximize the CPU clock speed. The computer can then be used at its maximum performance. This will be the default icon when the computer is connected to the mains supply.

This control helps to reduce the notebook’s power consumption by decreasing the CPU clock speed and the power voltage. This will be the default icon when the computer is disconnected from the mains supply, using the battery.

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✍ For more detailed information on what you can do with PowerPanel, refer to the Help files of PowerPanel.

Editing a power profile

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

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

The Profile Editor window appears.

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

right of the screen. An option list or a dialog box will appear. Add or define the setting you want to select.

4 Click the File menu and then click Save.

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Customizing your computer

Creating a power profile

To create a power profile, proceed as follows:

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

The Profile Editor window appears.

2 Select New from the File menu. 3 Double-click the power management setting you want to select to display the Power Management

Setting menu on the right of the window.

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

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Page 71

Customizing your computer

Selecting display modes

This notebook uses the Mobility Radeon 7500 video controller. You can select which display is used when the notebook is connected to an external display. When you connect an external display, you can switch the display between your notebook's LCD and the external monitor. Before you can select a display, you need to shut down your notebook, connect the external display (TV, panel or monitor) to your notebook, and restart.

To select a display, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.

The Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click Appearance and Themes, and then select Display.

The Display Properties dialog box appears.

3 Click the Settings tab.

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4 Click the Advanced button.

The Sony Notebook LCD and Mobility Radeon 7500 Properties dialog box appears.

5 Click the Displays tab.

Select the Monitor, Panel or TV icon.

6 Click Apply and then OK.

✍ You cannot have a display on TV and on another display at the same time.

You may not be able to display the notebook LCD screen and an external display or a projector at the same time, depending on the types of computer displays and projectors you are using.

If the display resolution of your notebook is more than 800 x 600 dots, a part of the image cannot be displayed on your TV display. You can see the hidden area on your TV display by moving the cursor on your computer. If you want to display the full image, you need to change the display resolution of your notebook to 640 x 480 dots.

Before turning on the computer, turn off the peripheral devices.

If you want more information on the ATI video controller, click the ATI icon in the taskbar and click Help.

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Customizing your computer

Configuring your modem

Before you can start using your internal modem, or each time you use your modem while traveling, make sure that the country of the active location defined in the Phone and Modem Options dialog box matches the country you are dialing from. You may notice a Country Selector tab under your current modem driver options. As the Country Selector tab is not a constant feature, do not use this tab to change the country settings. Only the following procedure is reliable.

To change your modem country settings, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start and then Control Panel. 2 Double-click Phone and Modem Options.

The Phone and Modem Options dialog box appears. If you do not see the Phone and Modem Options dialog box, click Switch to Classic View on the left side.

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3 Select your location on the Dialing Rules tab. 4 Click the Edit button to change the current configuration.

The Edit Location dialog box appears. Or Click the New button to configure your modem. The New Location dialog box appears.

5 Check the country/region settings, and make sure it matches the place you are dialing from. 6 If you modified your location settings, click Apply, and then OK.

The Phone and Modem Options dialog box appears.

7 Check that your modem is listed in the Modems tab.

If your modem is not listed, click Add and follow the wizard.

8 Click Apply/OK. Your modem is configured.

✍ Before applying new country settings, please make sure your phone line is disconnected from your VAIO computer.

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Customizing your computer

Updating the modem driver

If you need to update the modem driver for any reason, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button and open Control Panel.

The Control Panel window appears.

2 Click the Printers and Other Hardware icon.

The Printers and Other Hardware window appears.

3 Click the Phone and Modem Options icon.

The Phone and Modem Options dialog box appears.

4 Click the Modems tab and then click Properties to view the properties of your modem.

The Modem Properties dialog box appears.

5 On the Driver tab, click Update driver.

The Hardware Update Wizard window appears.

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Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. You can perform a Windows search for the driver, or point to the driver's location yourself.

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Customizing your computer

Changing your windows design with the UI Design Selector program

You can change the window design of Sony software compatible with the UI Design Selector program.

To change the window design using UI Design Selector, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start, and then Control Panel.

If you do not see UI Design Selector, click Switch to Classic View on the left side. OR If you do not see UI Design Selector, click Other Control Panel Options on the right side.

2 Double-click UI Design Selector.

The UI Design Selector dialog box appears.

3 Click << or >> and select the design you like. 4 Click Apply.

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The UI Design Selector window design changes, to give you a preview of the design you chose for the Sony software.

5 To try another design, click << or >>. 6 Click OK once you are satisfied with your choice.

The UI Design Selector dialog box disappears and changes the window design of Sony software as you selected.

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Customizing your computer

Setting a Sony wallpaper

Your Sony VAIO computer offers you, among many other features, a choice of wallpapers. You can change the wallpaper, the background of your desktop, as many times as you like. There are several VAIO-specific wallpapers to choose from.

To set another VAIO wallpaper, proceed as follows:

1 Go to Control Panel and select the Switch to Classic View option.

Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box appears.

2 Click the Desktop tab.

A list of Windows and VAIO wallpapers is displayed.

3 Select a wallpaper in the Background list.

You can see a preview of this wallpaper in the monitor above the Background list.

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4 Adjust the position of the wallpaper with the Position drop-down list. 5 Click Apply when you have found the appropriate wallpaper. 6 Click OK to close the Display Properties dialog box.

The wallpaper is applied to your computer.

✍ A higher screen resolution reduces the size of items on your screen and increases the relative space on your desktop.

You may not be able to increase the screen resolution above a certain level. Your monitor and video adapters, for example, determine to which extend you can change the resolution.

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Customizing your computer

Selecting a screen saver

A screen saver is an animated image that is activated on a computer display when no user activity has been sensed for a certain time. The original purpose of a screen saver was to prevent burn-in (the burning of an image into the phosphor inside the cathode ray tube after hours of the same image being rescanned). In fact, today's CRT display technology makes burn-in unlikely except under extreme conditions. Your computer comes with built-in screen savers that you can select.

To change the built-in screen saver, proceed as follows:

1 Right-click on the desktop. 2 Select Properties.

The Display Properties dialog box appears.

3 Select the Screen Saver tab. 4 In the Screen saver drop-down menu, select a screen saver.

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When you want to see how the screen saver looks like, click Preview.

5 Click Apply and OK.

Page 77

Installing and updating applications

This section explains how to install, run or uninstall a software. Furthermore, you will learn how to download the latest updates from our website.

❑ Installing software (page 77) ❑ Changing or removing software (page 78) ❑ Uninstalling software (page 79) ❑ Downloading software (page 81)

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Page 78

Installing and updating applications

Installing software

Before installing the applications:

❑ Install and connect a hardware device, if necessary (see the Managing drivers (page 82) section); ❑ Close all open applications.

To install an application, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start and then Control Panel. 2 Open Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel.

The Add or Remove Programs dialog box appears.

3 Click Add New Programs, and then click CD or Floppy.

The Install Program From Floppy Disk or CD-ROM window appears.

4 Insert the first installation floppy disk or CD-ROM and click Next.

The Run Installation Program appears.

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5 Click Browse… to find the installation program.

The Browse window appears.

6 Select the installation program and click Open.

The path of the installation program appears in Open: text box.

7 Click Finish.

A License Agreement dialog box might appear.

8 Read the agreement and click Yes to accept.

You are asked to define the location where you want to install the software.

9 Click Browse to select the folder and click Next.

If necessary, select the type of installation you wish and click Next. The software installation begins. Make sure to select Yes, I want to restart my computer now if you are asked to.

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Installing and updating applications

10 Click Finish.

Installation is complete and your computer restarts.

✍ When using Add or Remove Programs, you can only install programs that were written for Windows

Changing or removing software

You can at all times remove or change a software application.

To change or remove a software, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs. 2 Select the software you want to change or remove.

❑ To change a program, click Change/Remove or Change. ❑ To remove a program, click Change/Remove or Remove.

When you click Change or Remove, some programs may be removed without any further warning.

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✍ You can sort programs by selecting different options in Sort by.

Add or Remove Programs will only remove programs that were written for Windows

documentation to see if other files (such as .ini files) should be removed.

operating systems.

operating systems. For other programs, check the

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Installing and updating applications

Uninstalling software

Before proceeding, close the application you want to uninstall.

To uninstall software, proceed as follows:

1 From the Start menu, click Control Panel.

The Control Panel window appears.

2 Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.

The Add/Remove Programs dialog box appears.

3 Select the software you wish to uninstall from the list of currently installed programs, then click Change/

Remove.

4 Select Remove, and then click Next.

The Confirm File Deletion dialog box appears.

5 Click OK.

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If the Locked file detected dialog box appears, click Reboot. The computer restarts once uninstallation is completed and all previously used files are deleted. If the Shared file detected dialog box appears, it is recommended that you click No to keep shared files.

6 Click Close.

The software is uninstalled.

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Installing and updating applications

Caution

Windows® File protection

Installing a program might overwrite shared system files such as dynamic-link libraries (DLL files)* and executable files (EXE files). When system files are overwritten, system performance becomes unpredictable, programs behave erratically, and the operating system can fail.

Never delete files with the following extensions: SYS, DLL, OCX, TTF, or FON.

XP, Windows File Protection prevents the replacement of protected system files such as SYS,

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In Windows DLL, OCX, TTF, FON, and EXE files. Windows File Protection runs in the background and protects all files installed by the Windows Setup program.

Windows File Protection detects attempts by other programs to replace or move a protected system file. It also checks the file's digital signature.

* This is an operating system feature that allows executable routines (generally serving a specific function or set of functions) to be stored separately as files with DLL extensions. These routines are loaded only when needed by the program that calls them.

File Signature verification

When you install a new application on your computer, you might overwrite system files and device driver files with unsigned or incompatible versions, which provokes system instability.

The system files and device driver files provided with Windows indicates that the files are original, unaltered system files or that they have been approved by Microsoft for use with Windows

XP have a Microsoft digital signature, which

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Installing and updating applications

Downloading software

Please note it is possible to download the latest upgrades of software for your computer on our website. Just click the following link to access it: www.vaio-link.com

To download the latest upgrades, proceed as follows:

1 Go to www.vaio-link.com 2 Click the VAIO User button. 3 Fill in the two codes and enter the site. 4 Select Downloads and follow the procedure.

A list of available downloads appears.

5 Choose the appropriate upgrade and follow the online instructions to download it.

✍ To install your application, see the Installing software (page 77) section.

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and choose your language.

Page 83

Managing drivers

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Managing drivers

A driver is a software enabling you to use hardware devices. For example, in order for you to be able to use a printer, you must first install its driver. Many drivers, such as the mouse driver, come with the operating system.

This section explains how to install, check, update or uninstall a driver. The Windows Finally, you will learn how to download the latest drivers from our site.

❑ Installing a driver (page 83) ❑ Checking the driver's installation (page 84) ❑ Updating a driver (page 85) ❑ Uninstalling a driver (page 86) ❑ Restoring a driver (page 87) ❑ Downloading drivers (page 89)

XP Rollback feature is also explained.

Page 84

Managing drivers

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Installing a driver

Please proceed as follows to install the driver, if it does not come with a specific installation procedure:

1 Insert the application CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (or the disk or the CD-ROM accompanying the

device you want to configure).

2 Connect the device that needs a driver, to your computer.

The Found New Hardware Wizard screen appears.

3 Select Specify a location, then click Next. 4 When installing a driver from the provided CD-ROM (or disk) by using a CD-ROM (or disk) drive

connected to the computer, select the Drivers folder on the CD-ROM (or disk) drive.

5 When installing a driver after having copied the contents of the provided CD-ROM (or disk) to your hard

disk, browse to the appropriate subdirectory containing the driver. The subdirectory should be found in the folder you copied from the CD-ROM (or disk).

6 Click OK to begin the search procedure. 7 Click Next to install the driver.

A new window appears when the driver has been installed.

8 Click Finish.

You may be asked to restart your machine.

9 Click Yes.

The driver is installed.

✍ To install your device driver, you must be logged on to your computer with an administrator account.

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Managing drivers

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Checking the driver's installation

When the computer restarts, verify that the device is working properly.

To verify the driver’s installation, proceed as follows:

1 From the Start menu, click Control Panel.

The Control Panel window appears.

2 Double-click the System icon.

The System dialog box appears. If you do not see the System icon, click Switch to Classic View on the left side.

3 Click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager. 4 Double-click the option corresponding to the device you installed, then double-click your device.

The Properties dialog box appears.

5 Make sure that the This device is working properly message is displayed under Device status. 6 Click OK.

Close all the opened windows, your device is ready for use.

The device is not working properly in the following cases:

❑ Your device is shown in Device Manager with a yellow question or exclamation mark.

Right-click your device and click Uninstall. Then repeat from step 2 in Installing a driver (page 83).

❑ Double-clicking the category of your device in the device manager list does not display your device.

You have to remove your device. Please refer to Uninstalling a driver (page 86) to remove it. Then repeat from step 2 in Installing a driver (page 83).

❑ Double-clicking Other devices displays your device.

You have to right-click your device, then click Uninstall. Repeat from step 2 in Installing a driver

(page 83).

❑ If the This device is working properly message is not displayed, the device is not working properly.

Click OK to close the Properties dialog box, then reinstall the driver as follows:

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Managing drivers

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❑ Right-click Uninstall. ❑ When the Confirm Device Removal dialog box appears, click OK. ❑ Click Yes and restart the computer. ❑ When the computer restarts, repeat from step 2 in Installing a driver (page 83).

❑ If your device is not displayed in the Properties dialog box, the device is not working properly.

Repeat steps 1 through 4 in the previous sections to verify the driver’s installation. Click your device, then click Uninstall to remove the driver. Click Yes to restart the computer. When the computer restarts, repeat from step 2 in Installing a driver (page 83).

Updating a driver

To update the driver, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click the Printers and Other Hardware icon.

And then click the device you want to revert.

4 On the Hardware tab, click Properties. 5 On the Driver tab, click Update driver. 6 Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. You can have Windows search for the driver, or point

to the driver's location yourself.

Or:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click My computer from the menu. 3 Click View system information on the left of the window. 4 Click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager.

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Managing drivers

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5 Double-click the option corresponding to the device you installed, then double-click your device.

The Properties dialog box appears.

6 Click the Driver tab. 7 Click Update driver.

The driver is updated.

✍ To update your device driver, you must be logged on to your computer with an administrator account.

Uninstalling a driver

Leave the device connected to your computer while uninstalling the driver.

To uninstall the driver, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click the Printers and Other Hardware icon.

And then click the device you want to revert.

4 On the Hardware tab, click Properties. 5 On the Driver tab, click Uninstall. 6 If you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.

The Uninstall button is unavailable if removing the driver would make your device unusable.

Or:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click My computer from the menu. 3 Click View system information on the left of the window. 4 Click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager.

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Managing drivers

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5 Double-click the option corresponding to the device you installed, then double-click your device.

The Properties dialog box appears.

6 Click the Driver tab. 7 Click Uninstall.

The driver is uninstalled.

✍ To uninstall your device driver, you must be logged on to your computer with an owner account.

Restoring a driver

System Restore is a feature of Microsoft® Windows® XP that restores your computer to a previous state, if a problem occurs, without losing your personal data files. System Restore monitors changes to the system, and it automatically creates easily identified restore points. These restore points allow you to revert the system to a previous time. They are created daily and at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed).

To revert to your previous driver, proceed as follows:

1 Open the device that is not working correctly in Control Panel.

To open the device:

❑ Click Start on the taskbar. ❑ Click Control Panel.

The Control Panel window appears

❑ Click the Printers and Other Hardware icon. ❑ And then click the device you want to revert.

2 On the Hardware tab, click Properties. 3 Click the Driver tab. 4 On the Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver.

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Managing drivers

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Or:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click My computer from the menu. 3 Click View system information on the left of the window. 4 Click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager. 5 Double-click the option corresponding to the device you installed, then double-click your device.

The Properties dialog box appears.

6 Click the Driver tab. 7 On the Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver.

You have your previous driver back.

✍ You must be logged on to your computer with an owner account in order to complete this procedure.

Restoring your computer does not affect or change your personal data files.

For more information about System Restore, see Windows

Help.

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Managing drivers

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Downloading drivers

Please note it is possible to download the latest versions of drivers for your computer on our website. Just click the following link to access it: www.vaio-link.com

To download the latest drivers, proceed as follows:

1 Go to www.vaio-link.com 2 Click the VAIO User button. 3 Fill in the two codes and enter the site. 4 Select Downloads and follow the procedure.

A list of available downloads appears.

5 Choose the appropriate driver and follow the online instructions to download it.

To install your driver, follow the instructions you downloaded with the driver.

and choose your language.

Page 91

Using the product recovery CD-ROMs

The Product Recovery CD-ROMs supplied with your computer allow you to perform a full system recovery, and help you reinstall individual applications and device drivers manually.

❑ Perform an Application Recovery to:

❑ Reinstall an individual driver if a device is not functioning properly. ❑ Reinstall an individual application if you have problems running it.

❑ Perform a System Recovery in the following cases:

❑ In the event of a serious system crash. ❑ If you want to modify the size of the hard drive partitions.

You can only use these product recovery CD-ROMs on the Sony computer they came with and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC.

❑ Performing an application recovery (page 91)

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❑ Performing a system recovery (page 93) ❑ Aborting the system recovery process (page 99)

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Using the product recovery CD-ROMs

Performing an application recovery

The final CD in the set of product recovery CD-ROMs contains most of the applications that were preinstalled on your computer and some that are not yet installed. Reinstalling a program from this application CD can fix the problems encountered if it does not run correctly anymore, or if Windows running a device.

To perform an application recovery, proceed as follows:

1 Turn on your computer (using AC power only) and wait until Windows 2 Insert the final product recovery CD-ROM into the disc drive. 3 Open the drive through My Computer and open the Apps folder. 4 Open the folder of the application you want to reinstall. 5 Double-click the Setup file. 6 Follow the instructions in the Installer.

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✍ You must run the final product recovery CD-ROM from Windows

The application recovery does not run from DOS.

When performing an application recovery, you do not lose any data on your hard disk.

In most cases, you are advised to uninstall an application before reinstalling it.

is having a problem

has booted up.

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Using the product recovery CD-ROMs

Reinstalling a device driver from the application CD

Some applications or peripherals require specific drivers which are not found on the Windows® operating system.

The final CD in the set of product recovery CD-ROMs contains the drivers you need for the preinstalled hardware devices. Reinstalling a driver from this CD can fix the problems encountered if Windows a problem running a device. For more details on managing drivers, please see the online Software Guide.

To reinstall/update a device driver, proceed as follows:

1 Turn on your computer (using AC power only) and wait until Windows 2 Insert the final product recovery CD-ROM into the disc drive. 3 Open the drive through My Computer and open the Drivers folder. 4 Check that the driver you require appears in the folder. 5 Click Start on the taskbar.

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6 Click Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, then System. 7 On the Hardware tab, select Device Manager and double-click the device you want to update. 8 On the Driver tab click Update Driver.

❑ Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. You can have Windows

point to the driver's location yourself.

has booted up.

search for the driver, or

is having

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Using the product recovery CD-ROMs

Performing a system recovery

The system recovery process allows you to:

1 Reinstall an image of the hard disk as it was before you started using your computer.

In the event that your system is seriously damaged, for example, if Windows or your PC behaves abnormally, the system recovery will completely reinstall the originally configured system on your C: drive.

2 Change the sizes of the two available hard drive partitions, or delete the partitions altogether.

If you decide to modify the size of your partitions, the existing data on both C: drive and D: drive will be deleted (see Using partitioned drives (page 94)).

Notes on performing a system recovery

❑ The recovery process can last up to sixty minutes, and in this time you will be prompted to change CDs.

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❑ You can recover only the software bundled to your computer. It does not work for the software you have

installed subsequently or the data you have created.

❑ This procedure recovers the entire system, which means you cannot choose to only recover Windows ❑ Make sure that your computer is connected to the AC power supply (not to the battery) before you

attempt a system recovery.

❑ When the recovery is performed, you are recommended to remove the recovery CD-ROM from the drive

before restarting the computer.

does not work as it should,

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Using the product recovery CD-ROMs

Using partitioned drives

In My Computer you may have noticed the availability of two drive partitions (C: and D:). Your hard disk drive comes from the factory with 2 logical partitions. This does not mean that your computer contains two physical hard disks.

When you start using your computer, your C: partition (also referred to as C: drive) contains all the files required by Windows storage space for all your documents and files, especially larger ones like digital motion pictures captured by DVgate.

✍ Although you can perform a system recovery and change the partition settings in order to have one C: drive only, this option is not recommended for

using video editing applications like DVgate.

To optimise data storage, use the C: drive to install new applications, and save all your documents and files to the D: drive. Moreover, doing so will prevent the loss of your data in case you need to perform a system recovery.

Do not try to add, delete, or resize partitions unless you really need to. Changing partition settings might delete all your files on the hard disk.

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If you need to perform a system recovery, but do not want to lose all the data stored on your hard disk, copy all the files you want to keep on the D: drive. During the system recovery process, choose to keep the current partition information. Doing so will keep your D: drive unchanged after the recovery process.

If you do need to change the size of your partitions, you can do so by choosing Option Recovery in the system recovery set-up process. In this case, it is important to be aware that all data on your hard disk will be deleted. If you need to keep existing files, make sure you back them up before performing the system recovery.

and other pre-installed software, while the D: drive is empty. The D: drive is the ideal

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Starting the system recovery procedure

To start the system recovery, proceed as follows:

1 Turn on your computer (using AC power only) and insert the first system recovery CD-ROM into the disc

drive.

2 If you are still able to access Windows

off)*.

3 Wait 10 seconds then turn the computer back on. 4 The system starts to read the CD automatically and you are asked to wait. 5 Click Next in the window that appears. 6 Read the introduction and click Next.

You can now choose the nature of the recovery.

* If your system is severely damaged and you can no longer access Windows®, you will have to turn off the computer by pressing the

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power button for longer than four seconds. Wait for ten seconds before pressing the button again to turn the power on.

Recovering the system without changing partition sizes

To completely restore the original software, drivers and settings on your computer without changing the partition sizes, choose the first option and apply a Default System Drive Recovery. Performing this recovery means that you will lose all the data stored on your C: drive, but data on your D: drive will remain.

You should allow one hour for the recovery process.

To perform the Default System Drive Recovery, proceed as follows:

1 Select the button next to Default System Drive Recovery (Recommended). 2 Click Next.

You are asked if you are sure you want to recover the system.

3 To start the procedure, click Next.

, shut down your computer (Start/Tur n Off Computer/Tu r n

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4 Click Yes to confirm.

The recovery process starts.

5 When asked to do so, remove the CD and insert the next one. 6 When the process is finished, click OK. 7 Click Next in the window that appears. 8 Remove the CD from the drive and click Finish.

Your system is restored to its initial settings and reboots automatically.

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Recovering the system with modified partition sizes

To have the option of changing the partition sizes before completely restoring the original software, drivers and settings on your computer, choose Option Recovery.

Changing the partition sizes of the two hard drives means that you will lose all the data stored on both your C: drive and your D: drive.

You should allow one hour for the recovery process.

To perform an Option Recovery, proceed as follows:

1 Select the button next to Option Recovery. 2 Click Next.

You now have three options:

❑ Default System Drive Recovery, (see Using partitioned drives (page 94)). ❑ Change Partition Size and Recover.

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❑ Recovery To Originally Shipped State.

Manually changing partition sizes

Choosing Change Partition Size and Recover allows you to manually select the size of your C: drive, leaving the remaining gigabytes to the D: drive. Meanwhile, all current partition sizes are deleted, the hard disk is reformatted, and all the original software is restored as with a standard system recovery.

You should allow one hour for this process.

To manually change the partition sizes and perform a system recovery, proceed as follows:

1 Select the button next to Change Partition Size and Recover. 2 Click Next. 3 In the following screen, set the size of your C: drive in gigabytes, or choose to restore the default size by

pressing Default.

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4 Click Next. 5 Read the summary of the recovery process about to be performed and click Next to start the process. 6 Click Yes to confirm. 7 When asked to do so, remove the CD and insert the next one. 8 When the process is finished, click OK. 9 Click Next in the window that appears. 10 Remove the CD from the drive and click Finish.

Your system's settings are changed and your computer reboots automatically.

Resetting the default partition sizes

If you changed the partition sizes since you bought your Sony computer, choosing Recovery To Originally Shipped State allows you to reset the hard drive to its original size. Meanwhile, the current partitions are

deleted, the hard disk is reformatted, and all the original software is restored as with a standard system

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recovery.

You should allow one hour for the recovery process.

To restore the default size of the hard drive, proceed as follows:

1 Select the button next to Recovery To Originally Shipped State. 2 Click Next. 3 Read the summary of the recovery process about to be performed and click Next to start the process. 4 Click Yes to confirm. 5 When asked to do so, remove the CD and insert the next one. 6 When the process is finished, click OK. 7 Click Next in the window that appears. 8 Remove the CD from the drive and click Finish.

Your system is restored to its initial settings and reboots automatically.

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Aborting the system recovery process

Before the actual recovery process begins, the VAIO System Recovery Utility makes it easy to cancel any settings you may have made. Most screens remind you about the loss of data that will incur and you can either to go back to the previous screen (press Back), or abort the recovery setup altogether. To abort, remove the recovery CD, press Cancel, and click Yes to confirm.

However, once the recovery process has started, canceling the job will delete all the current data on your C: drive. If you have made changes to the partition settings, you will lose all data on both hard drive partitions.

✍ If you do not remove the CD before pressing Cancel, the system recovery will start again.

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