Sony PCG-GRX700K User Guide

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled software programs. In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this main window.

View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.

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Powering Your Computer

Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these supplied accessories to power your computer. It also describes ways you can efficiently utilize the battery as a power source.

Using AC Power

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Using the Battery

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Conserving Battery Power

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Using AC Power

The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as the power source. While the computer uses AC power it automatically charges the battery if it is inserted. See Using the Battery for more information on installing and using your battery.

Connecting the AC adapter

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Turning on the computer

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Connecting the AC adapter

To connect the AC adapter

Plug the AC adapter cable into the DC IN port.

Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer

Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.

Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.

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Turning on the computer

To turn on the computer

Lift the lid of the computer by sliding the front switch to the right and lifting the lid. You may need to hold the bottom of the computer firmly to lift the lid.

Opening the Computer

Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.

Turning on the Computer

If you hold the power button down, the computer turns off.

If the computer screen is too dark or too bright, follow these steps to adjust the brightness:

To increase brightness, press the Fn and F5 keys, and then press the Up Arrow or the Right Arrow

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key.

To decrease brightness, press the Fn and F5 keys, and then press the Down Arrow or the Left

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Arrow key.

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Using the Battery

Your computer, depending on the model you purchased, may come equipped with one battery bay and one multipurpose bay that supports a second battery. If your computer comes with two bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable battery to extend your computing time. For information on how to extend the life of the battery, see Conserving Battery

Power.

Inserting a battery

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Removing a battery

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Using a second battery

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Locating battery information

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Charging a battery

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Notes on batteries

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Frequently asked questions

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The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.

The brightness of your computer screen automatically dims when you switch from AC power to battery power. To

increase the brightness, press the Fn and F5 keys, and then press the Up Arrow or Right Arrow key.

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Inserting a battery

To insert a battery

Lift the lid of the computer.

Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out but does not detach from the computer.

Opening the Battery Bay

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

Inserting a Battery

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

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

Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from automatically entering Hibernate mode. If you are using battery power, save your data frequently to avoid data loss and manually activate a power saving mode. See Using

power saving modes for more information.

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Removing a battery

If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damaging the battery. You can remove the battery when the computer is on or off.

If the computer is on, connect the AC adapter and exit a power saving mode before you remove the battery.

To remove a battery

Push the battery bay cover down to open it.

Pull the battery out of the battery bay.

Remov ing a Battery

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

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Using a second battery

To insert a second battery

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

Insert the battery into the multipurpose bay. When the computer uses the second battery, the Battery 2 indicator turns on.

Inserting the Second Battery

Slide the weight saver in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place. The weight saver stabilizes the battery.

Inserting the Weight Saver

Lock the weight saver RELEASE switch.

To remove the second battery

Make sure the Battery 2 indicator is off and the Battery 1 indicator is on or the computer is connected to AC power. If the Battery 2 indicator is on, right-click the battery icon on the taskbar, and click Switch discharge battery.

Turn the computer over, and unlock the weight saver and the multipurpose bay.

Unlocking the Second Battery

Pull the weight saver and battery gently from the multipurpose bay.

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Locating battery information

You can view the remaining battery charge and other miscellaneous battery information on the Battery Information toolbar, PowerPanel window, and Power Meter window. Also, the power icons located in the Taskbar Notification area illustrate the state of the power supply.

Power icon Power status

Computer is using AC power.

Computer is using AC power and charging the battery.

Battery is charging.

Battery is fully charged.

Battery is discharging.

No battery is inserted in the computer.

To view the Battery Information toolbar

Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar.

Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information. The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.

If the Battery Information toolbar is hidden behind the taskbar icons, click and drag the edge of the Battery Information toolbar to the left until it is in clear view.

The total charge remaining in the battery is listed in percent and real-time values. The following toolbar indicates there is 99 percent or approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes of battery charge left.

Battery Information Toolbar

Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge.

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Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining before the battery fully discharges, also

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known as the time-to-empty.

To close the Battery Information toolbar

Right-click the Battery Information toolbar.

Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click to cancel Battery Information. The Battery Information toolbar disappears from the toolbar.

To view the PowerPanel window

Double-click the Profile icon in the Taskbar Notification area. The PowerProfile window appears.

PowerProfile Window

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Power Profile— Displays the power management settings for various devices on your system. You can

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change the settings to conserve power.

Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can click Advanced for specific

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information on the battery.

Alarms tab — Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the battery is fully charged or too low.

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You can change your computer's alarm settings on this window.

Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information.

To view the Power Meter window

Double-click the power icon in the Taskbar Notification area. The Power Meter window appears.

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Power Meter Window

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Charging a battery

You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a long time. The lithium-ion battery supplied with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you wait until the battery is completely or partially discharged. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the battery and find that battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and you may need to replace it.

The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.

To charge a battery

You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery will charge faster when the computer is off. Charging the battery takes several hours. See your printed VAIO® Computer Specifications for the approximate time needed to charge your battery.

Charge the battery at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower temperatures require more time to charge.

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

Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically charges the battery as long as the computer is using AC power.

The battery indicator blinks while the battery charges. The battery indicator stops blinking when the battery is fully charged.

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

Battery Indicators

Battery indicator status Description

On The computer is using battery power.

Single blink The battery is running out of power.

Double blink The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

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Notes on batteries

Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the

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sun.

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

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Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.

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Keep the battery dry.

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Do not open or disassemble the battery.

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Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.

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Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery efficiency at low temperatures.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I know when the battery is charged?

To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information.

When is the computer using AC power?

When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed.

When should I recharge the battery?

When the battery level falls below 10 percent.

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When both the battery and power indicators blink.

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When you have not used the battery for a long time.

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When should I replace the battery?

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

Should I be concerned that the installed battery is warm?

No, it is normal for the battery to be warm when it is powering the computer.

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Conserving Battery Power

You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel utility to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power may significantly extend your computing time, depending on how you use your computer.

Using power saving modes

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Using PowerPanel utility

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Frequently asked questions

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Using power saving modes

In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. Use the Standby and Hibernate power saving modes to override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action.

Standby — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory (RAM). Power consumption is reduced

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to a minimum. The system remains on, and the computer screen (LCD) is off.

Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices to the hard disk. Power consumption is reduced

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to the lowest possible setting without being completely off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowest level of power. Your computer enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the setting you select.

Since some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently to avoid data loss.

To activate Standby mode

Press the Fn and Esc keys. The power indicator blinks in this mode.

Press any key to return to normal mode.

To activate Hibernate mode

Press the Fn and F12 keys, or press the power button and release it immediately. Do not move the computer until the power indicator turns off.

Press the power button to return to normal mode.

If the computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see Frequently asked questions for more information.

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Using PowerPanel utility

The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and customize a predefined power management profile to conserve battery life. The following table describes all the predefined power management profiles in PowerPanel. Your computer is set to Automatic Profile Selection by default. You can customize the settings for all the following profiles, except the Disable Power Management profile.

Profile

Icon Description

Maximum Performance

Provides the best system performance but conserves minimal power.

Maximum Battery Life Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and good performance. It slows the computer and puts it into Standby mode after a specified time.

Ultimate Battery Life1

Extends the Maximum Battery Life by disabling the i.LINK port.

Power Management Off Disables all power management settings, such as Standby and Hibernate modes. You cannot change the settings of this profile.

AC Power Indicates when AC power is in use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting. Power Management automatically loads the AC profile unless you disable this feature.

Games Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.

Presentation Keeps the display on at all times while conserving power. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.

Camera Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.

DVD

Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD usage.

Word Processing

Optimizes power management with longer time-outs on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.

Spreadsheet

Optimizes performance and power requirements for spreadsheet programs.

Communications

Extends battery life by initiating a quick display time-out. The Internal modem remains powered on. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.

Automatic Profile Selection Automatically selects a profile suitable for active software programs.

For models with an i.LINK port.

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Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.

To select a profile

Right-click the Profile icon on the Taskbar Notification area.

Select Profiles, and click the profile on the shortcut menu. The profile settings are implemented instantly. See

Using PowerPanel utility for descriptions of available profiles.

You can view the complete list of profiles only when the computer is using battery power.

When you use the battery to power your computer, your system automatically selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select a different power management profile while using battery power, that profile is selected automatically the next time you use the battery to power your computer.

See PowerPanel Help for information on customizing the power management profiles.

To customize your profile settings

You can customize your profile settings to sustain enough power for a particular computing function.

Right-click the Profile icon on the Taskbar Notification area.

Select Edit/Create Profiles from the shortcut menu.

In the left panel, click the profile you want to change.

Right-click the setting under System, LCD(Video), or Hard Disk that you want to change. See the following table for a description of each power profile.

Make your changes from the drop-down menu.

Click File, and click Save.

Power profile Description

System Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to activate the Standby mode when it is idle. The longer you allow the computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer consumes.

Hibernate Timer Controls the time it takes the system to activate the Hibernate mode when it is idle. The longer you allow the computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer consumes. Hibernate mode conserves more power than Standby mode.

Thermal Control Strategy1 (On selected models) Controls the speed of the processor fan. You can set the fan speed to Quiet, which conserves the most power, or Performance.

Lid Close Action Controls the state of your system when you close the computer's lid. You can select either Standby or Hibernate mode, or you can select LCD Off. Hibernate or LCD Off conserves the most power.

Hibernate on Low Battery Controls the state of your system when the battery power is low. You can turn this setting On or Off. Selecting On conserves the most power when the battery is low.

LCD Brightness Controls the brightness of the computer screen (LCD). You can select a brightness level of one to nine, with one being the darkest setting. The darker you set the computer screen the more power you conserve.

LCD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to turn off power to the computer screen (LCD) when the system is idle. The system itself still functions on full power.

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HDD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to turn off power to the hard disk drive when the system is idle. This setting only turns off power to the hard disk drive.

Slows the process or s peed.

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Frequently asked questions

Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power?

Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery power, but some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode at all. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently. See To activate Hibernate mode for information on how you can manually activate Hibernate mode.

Why can't my computer enter Hibernate mode?

You may first need to enable Hibernate mode. Follow these steps:

Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and select Settings, Control Panel, and then click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears.

Select the Hibernate tab.

Click to check the box next to Enable hibernate support.

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Internet and Network Connections

Internet Connections

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Network Connections

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Internet Connections

This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The Internet Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet service provider (ISP) or setting up an existing account. When you connect to the Internet, you can register your VAIO® computer, use online services, and gain access to Sony Computing Support.

Setting up a dial-up Internet connection

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Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection

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Customizing your Internet connection

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Frequently asked questions

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Setting up a dial-up Internet connection

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

To connect a telephone cable

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

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

Plug the other end into the wall jack.

Connecting a Telephone Cable

Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple telephone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX). Some of these connections may result in excess electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem.

If you connect a telephone cable coming through a splitter, the modem or connected device may not work properly.

To set up a dial-up connection to the Internet

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

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

Internet Connection Wizard

Click Next. If the Location Information dialog box appears, follow the on-screen instructions and close the window.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

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Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection

Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps.

To connect an Ethernet cable

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

Connecting an Ethernet Cable

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

To set up an Ethernet connection to the Internet

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

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

Internet Connection Wizard

Click I want to set up my Internet connection manually, or I want to connect through a local area network (LAN).

Click Next, and select I connect through a local area network (LAN).

Click Next, and follow the on-screen instructions.

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Customizing your Internet connection

The Internet Properties dialog box enables you to change the way you view the Internet. You can change your home page, fonts, language, and colors. You can also regulate content and set browsing preferences.

To open the Internet Properties dialog box

Click Start, point to Settings, Control Panel, and click Internet Options. The Internet Properties dialog box appears.

Click the tabs to view options.

Make changes, and click Apply to activate your changes.

Click OK.

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Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't my modem work?

Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem line jack on the computer and the wall jack. See

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To connect a telephone cable for more information.

Make sure the telephone cable is working. Plug the cable into an ordinary telephone and listen for a dial tone.

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Make sure the telephone number the program is dialing is correct.

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Make sure the program you are using is compatible with the computer's modem. (All preinstalled Sony programs are

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compatible.)

If you are still experiencing problems, use the supplied Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the modem driver

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software. See Using the Application Recovery CDs for more information.

Why is my modem connection slow?

Your computer is equipped with a V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment, such as fax machines or other modems. If you think your modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP), follow these steps:

Ask your telephone company to verify your telephone line is free of any line noise.

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If your problem is fax-related, make sure there are no problems with the fax machine you are calling and that it is

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compatible with fax modems.

If you are having a problem connecting with your ISP, make sure the ISP is not experiencing technical problems.

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If you have a second telephone line, try connecting the modem to that line.

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Network Connections

With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks. The Network Connection Wizard makes it easy to gain access to remote and local area networks (LANs) using wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up connections.

For more information about networking, click Start, Help, and then Networking.

Using Ethernet connections

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Using wireless network connections

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Types of Networks*

* T he c omputers repres ented in this graphic may not be identic al to the model you purc has ed.

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Using Ethernet connections

For setting up local area networks (LANs), Ethernet is a widely installed technology. Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps.

To connect to a local area network using a telephone or Ethernet cable

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

Connecting an Ethernet Cable

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

Internet Connection Wizard

Click I want to set up my Internet connection manually, or I want to connect through a local area network (LAN).

Click Next, and select I connect through a local area network (LAN).

Click Next, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port . Do not connect any other type of

network cable or any telephone cable. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an electric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port. To connect the unit to the network, see Using Ethernet connections or contact your network administrator.

You can connect to your company network from a remote location and use data, programs, and network resources. See Microsoft® Windows® Help by clicking Help from the Start menu, and then clicking Networking in the left panel.

To connect to a remote network using a telephone or Ethernet cable

Connect an Ethernet or telephone cable to your computer. See To connect an Ethernet cable and Setting up a

dial-up Internet connection for more information.

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From the Start menu, point to Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click Network and Dial-up Connections.

Click Make New Connection icon. The Network Connection Wizard appears.

Click Next, and click to select Dial-up to private network then click Next.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

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

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Using wireless network connections

A wireless local area network (LAN) is a network in which you can connect to a LAN through a wireless (radio) connection. Using a Wireless LAN PC Card enables you to connect to a wireless network. Your computer, depending on the model you purchased, may come with a Wireless LAN PC Card. See the VAIO® Computer Specifications for a listing of the accessories supplied with your computer.

There are two types of wireless connections:

An infrastructure network is one that extends an existing wired local network to wireless devices by providing an

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access point. The access point bridges the wireless and wired LAN and acts as a central controller for the wireless LAN. The access point coordinates transmission and reception from multiple wireless devices within a specific range. The Sony Wireless PC Card is compatible with or without the access point.

A computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network is one in which a local network is created only by the wireless devices

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themselves, with no other central controller or access point. Each device communicates directly with other devices in the network. You can set up an ad-hoc network easily at home.

To purchase a Sony Wireless PC Card or for information about Sony Wireless LAN, go to

http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio.

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