How it Works
Sony
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pcg nv290
User Manual
206 pgs2.91 Mb0
schematic
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User Guide
187 pgs3.72 Mb0
Table of contents
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Sony PCG-NV290 User Manual

Welcome.......................................................7
Powering Your Computer...........................9
Using AC Power........................................................10
Connecting the AC adapter................................................10
Turning on the computer....................................................11
Using the Battery.......................................................13
Inserting a battery ..............................................................13
Displaying battery information ..........................................15
Charging a battery..............................................................17
Notes on batteries...............................................................19
Frequently asked questions................................................19
Conserving Battery Power ........................................20
Using power saving modes ................................................20
Using PowerPanel utility ...................................................21
Frequently asked questions................................................25
Internet and Network Connections..........27
Internet Connections .................................................28
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection ............................28
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection ........................30
Customizing your Internet connection...............................32
Frequently asked questions................................................33
Network Connections................................................34
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections ............................34
Using wireless LAN connections ......................................37
Checking your network connection status .........................43
Frequently asked questions................................................43
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Connecting Another VAIO Computer......................46
Connecting VAIO computers............................................ 46
Disconnecting VAIO computers....................................... 48
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 48
CDs and DVDs...........................................51
Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs ....................... 52
Copying and Playing CDs......................................... 54
Playing CDs ...................................................................... 54
Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R................................. 55
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 56
Copying and Playing DVDs ..................................... 61
Playing DVDs ................................................................... 61
Disconnecting the TV from the computer......................... 64
Copying files to a DVD-R or DVD-RW........................... 65
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 65
Printer Connections..................................71
Printing With Your Computer ..................................72
Connecting a printer.......................................................... 72
Disconnecting a printer ..................................................... 74
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 74
Computer Features ...................................77
Using the Keyboard ..................................................78
Combinations and functions with the Windows key ........ 80
Indicators........................................................................... 81
Combinations and functions with the Fn key.................... 82
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Using the Touch Pad .................................................84
Describing the touch pad ...................................................84
Customizing the touch pad ................................................85
Frequently asked questions................................................86
Using the Jog Dial Control........................................88
Locating the Jog Dial control.............................................88
Using the Jog Dial Navigator icon.....................................89
Using the Jog Dial Bar.......................................................89
Using Jog Dial Launcher ...................................................90
Changing Jog Dial Navigator settings ...............................94
Using Memory Stick Media.....................................96
Selecting Memory Stick media..........................................96
Inserting Memory Stick media ..........................................97
Viewing the contents .........................................................98
Formatting Memory Stick media .......................................99
Removing Memory Stick media........................................99
Frequently asked questions..............................................100
Using the Multipurpose Bay ...................................102
Installing a device ............................................................102
Notes on using a device in the multipurpose bay ............104
Using the Multilingual User Interface Language
Option......................................................................105
Changing Numbers, Currency, Time, and Date Formats 106
Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs ..107
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Connecting Mice and Keyboards ..........109
Using External Mice and Keyboards ...................... 110
Connecting a mouse or keyboard.................................... 110
Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard ............................... 111
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 111
Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards .........113
Using Floppy Disk Drives ......................................114
Inserting and removing floppy disks............................... 114
Notes on handling floppy disks....................................... 115
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 115
Using PC Cards.......................................................116
Inserting PC Cards .......................................................... 116
Removing PC Cards........................................................ 117
Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives............... 118
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 120
Audio and Video Connections...............121
Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders..................122
Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder ................. 122
Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder............ 123
Using a digital video camera recorder ............................ 123
Notes on connecting an i.LINK device ........................... 124
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 124
Using Computer Monitors and Projectors .............. 125
Connecting a computer monitor...................................... 125
Connecting a multimedia computer monitor .................. 126
Connecting a projector .................................................... 127
Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector ............. 131
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Using Speakers........................................................132
Connecting speakers ........................................................132
Disconnecting external speakers......................................133
Notes on using the speakers.............................................133
To adjust the volume using the volume dial control........135
Enabling the audio feature ...............................................135
Frequently asked questions..............................................135
Using Microphones .................................................139
Connecting a microphone ................................................139
Disconnecting a microphone ...........................................139
Using a microphone or other device to record.................140
Frequently asked questions..............................................141
Preinstalled Programs ............................143
Software Programs On Your Computer..................144
Program overview ............................................................144
Frequently asked questions..............................................150
DVgate Program Notes ...........................................152
Recording images to a digital video device .....................152
Adjusting image resolution ..............................................152
Saving to your hard disk drive.........................................152
Program Support Information .................................154
Sony Service Center.........................................................156
Memory Upgrades ...................................157
Upgrading Your Computer’s Memory....................158
Precautions and procedures .............................................158
Removing and installing memory modules .....................159
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Using the Recovery CDs ........................163
Application and System Recovery CDs.................. 164
Using Your Recovery CDs ..................................... 164
Using the Application Recovery CD(s) .......................... 164
Using the System Recovery CD(s) ................................. 166
Troubleshooting and Support................169
Troubleshooting Your Computer............................ 170
Troubleshooting Batteries....................................... 174
Troubleshooting the Printer .................................... 175
Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad ...........177
Troubleshooting the Modem................................... 179
Troubleshooting Networks ..................................... 180
Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs ............................ 183
Troubleshooting i.LINK Drives.............................. 187
Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives ..................... 188
Troubleshooting PC Cards...................................... 189
Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections ........... 190
Troubleshooting the computer screen (LCD) ......... 193
Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media................... 195
Troubleshooting Programs......................................197
Computer Support Information...............................198
6

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled software programs. In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this main window.
✍ View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about
your computer.
✍ View the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer’s hardware
specifications and preinstalled software information, such as descriptions and contact information.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
8

Powering Your Computer

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

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
❑ Turningonthecomputer
Connecting the AC adapter
To connect the AC adapter
1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your
computer.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
AC adapter (supplied)
DC IN port
Power cord (supplied)
2 Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end
into an AC outlet.
✍ Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.
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Using AC Power
Turning on the computer
To turn on the computer
1 Slide the release lever to the right, and lift the cover while holding the
bottom of the computer firmly.
Opening the Computer
Rel e as e l ev e r
2 Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.
Turning on the Computer
Power buttonPower indicator
✍ If you hold the power button down, the computer turns off.
3 If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the computer screen (LCD) as
follows:
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
❑ To increase light intensity, press the Fn+F5 keys. Press the Up Arrow
key or the Right Arrow key .
❑ To decrease light intensity, press the Fn+F5 keys. Press the Down
Arrow key or the Left Arrow key .
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Using the Battery

Using the Battery
A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your computer is not plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer may come equipped with one or two battery bays, depending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes with two battery bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable battery to extend your computing time. Regardless how many batteries you use, you can always extend the life of the battery by conserving power. See “Conserving Battery Power” for more information.
❑ Inserting a battery
❑ Removing a battery
❑ Displaying battery information
❑ Charging a battery
❑ Notes on batteries
❑ Frequently asked questions
✍ The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of
purchase.
Inserting a battery
To insert a battery
1 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
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
2 Slide the battery into the battery bay. If the computer is on, it automatically
detects the battery.
Inserting a Battery
Battery (supplied)
VAIO logo facing up
3 Push the battery bay cover up until it clicks into place.
Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from activating Hibernate mode when the battery is low or the computer is running on AC power. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate. See “Using power saving modes” for more information.
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
1 Pushthebatterybaycoverdowntoopenit.
2 Pull the battery out of the battery bay.
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Using the Battery
Removing a Battery
3 Push in and lift up the battery bay cover until it clicks into place.
Displaying battery information
You can display the remaining battery charge on the Battery Information toolbar and/or the Battery Information window.
To display the Battery Information toolbar
1 Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar.
2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information.
The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.
✍ If the Battery Information toolbar is hidden behind the taskbar icons, right-click the
taskbar and click to cancel Lock the Taskbar. 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 100 percent or approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes of battery charge left.
Battery Information Toolbar
❑ Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
❑ Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining
before the battery fully discharges, also known as the time-to-empty.
To close the Battery Information toolbar
1 Right-click the Battery Information toolbar.
2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click to cancel Battery
Information.TheBattery Information toolbar disappears from the toolbar.
To display the Battery Information window
Double-click the CPU icon on the Windows taskbar. The PowerPanel window appears.
PowerPanel Window
❑ Power Profile — Displays the power management settings for various
devices on your system. You can change the settings to conserve power.
❑ Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can
click Advanced for specific information on the battery.
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Using the Battery
❑ Alarms tab — Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the
battery is fully charged or too low. You can change your computer’s alarm settings on this window.
✍ Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information.
The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the Battery Information window indicate the current status of the installed battery.
Battery icon Battery status
Charging
Fully charged
Discharging
No battery
Charging a battery
You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the 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 supplied with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery will charge faster when the computer is off. Charging the battery takes several hours. See your VAIO® Computer Specifications on the “Welcome” page 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.
1 Insert the battery into the battery bay.
2 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.
Battery Indicator
Battery indicator
Battery indicator status Description
On The computer is using battery power.
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Using the Battery
Battery indicator status Description
Single blink The battery is running out of power.
Double blink The battery is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.
Notes on batteries
❑ Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under
direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.
❑ While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is
normal and is not cause for concern.
❑ Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.
❑ Keep the battery dry.
❑ Do not open or disassemble the battery.
❑ Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.
❑ Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery
efficiency at low temperatures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when the battery is charged?
To determine the remaining battery charge, see “Displaying 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.
❑ When both the battery and power indicators blink.
❑ When you have not used the battery for a long time.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start

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
❑ Using PowerPanel utility
❑ Frequently asked questions
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 to a minimum. The system remains on, and the computer screen (LCD) is off.
❑ Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices on the
hard disk. Power consumption is reduced 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.
✍ Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering
Hibernate mode. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently to avoid data loss.
To activate Standby mode
1 Press the key combination Fn+Esc. The power indicator blinks in this mode.
2 PressanykeytoreturntoNormalmode.
To activate Hibernate mode
1 Press the key combination Fn+F12 or the power button and release it
immediately. Do not move the computer until the power indicator turns off.
2 Press the power button to return to normal mode.
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Conserving Battery Power
✍ If the computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see “Frequently asked questions”
for more information.
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 Life
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.
*
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Profile Icon Description
Presentation
Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves 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
Switches automatically to a profile suitable for active software programs.
* For models with an i.LINK port.
✍ Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.
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Conserving Battery Power
To select a profile
1 Right-click the CPU icon on the Windows taskbar.
2 Select Profiles, and click the profile on the shortcut menu. The profile
settings are implemented instantly. See “Using PowerPanel utility” for descriptions of available profiles.
When you use the battery to power your computer, your system automatically selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select a different power 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.
1 Right-click the CPU icon on the Windows® taskbar.
2 Select Edit/Create Profiles from the shortcut menu.
3 In the left panel, select the profile you want to change.
4 Right-click the setting under System, LCD(Video), Hard Disk,orOther
Devices that you want to change. See the following table for a description of
each power profile.
5 Make your changes from the drop-down menu.
6 Click File, and click Save.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Power profile Description
CPU Control
*
Controls the processor speed. You can select either Performance, Adaptive, Battery Life,orMore Battery Life. These selections are listed in order from the greatest to least amount of power consumed.
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 will consume.
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.
ThermalControl Strategy
1
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.
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Power profile Description
Conserving Battery Power
LCD Standby Timer
Controlsthetimeittakesthesystemtoswitchthecomputer screen (LCD) to Standby mode when the system is idle. This setting only turns off power to the computer screen. The system itself still functions on full power.
HDD Standby Timer
Controls the time it takes the system to switch the hard disk drive to Standby mode when the system is idle. This setting only turns off power to the hard disk drive.
i.LINK Port Controls the power supply to the i.LINK® port. You can disable
power to the i.LINK port to conserve power.
Memory Stick Port Power-
Controls the power supply to the Memory Stick® slot. You can disable power to the Memory Stick slot to conserve power.
saving
* Slows the processor speed.
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 “Using power saving modes” for information on how you can manually activate Hibernate mode.
When should I replace the battery?
If, after fully charging the battery, the battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced.
Why is the battery warm?
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
26

Internet and Network Connections

❑ Internet Connections
❑ Network Connections
❑ Connecting Another VAIO Computer
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VAIO Computer Quick Start

Internet Connections

This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The New Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet service provider (ISP) or setting up an existing account. When you connect to the Internet, you can register your VAIO® computer, use online services, and gain access to Sony Computing Support.
❑ Setting up a dial-up Internet connection
❑ Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection
❑ Customizing your Internet connection
❑ Frequently asked questions
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 have set up your telephone cable, you’re ready to connect to the Internet.
To connect a telephone cable
1 Locate the Modem jack on your computer. For location information, see
Locating Ports and Controls in the Setting Up chapter of your printed VAIO® Computer Quick Start.
2 Plug one end of the telephone cable into the Modem jack. Make sure it clicks
into place.
3 Plug the other end into the wall jack.
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Connecting a Telephone Cable
Internet Connections
Modem jack
Telephone cable (not supplied)
Port panel cover
✍ 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
1 Connect your computer to a telephone line. See “To connect a telephone
cable” for more information.
2 Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications,and
click New Connection Wizard.TheNew Connection Wizard appears.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
New Connection Wizard
3 Click Next.IftheLocation Information dialog box appears, follow the on-
screen instructions.
4 If it is not already selected, click to select Connect to the Internet,andclick
Next.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions.
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection
Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps, depending on the line conditions and Ethernet cable.
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