Sony PCG-R505GCK, PCG-R505GLK User Guide

Welcome.......................................................7
Powering Yo ur Computer...... .....................9
Using AC Power........................................................10
Connecting the AC adapter................................................10
Turnin g o n the c o m p u t e r.... ........ ........................................11
Using the Battery.......................................................13
Inserting a battery ..............................................................13
Display i n g b a t t e ry i n fo rmatio n..... ........ .............. ...............15
Display i n g b a t t e ry i n fo rmatio n..... ........ .............. ...............17
Chargi n g a ba t tery.......... ................................ ....................19
Notes on batteries.... ........ .............. .............. .............. .........20
Frequently asked questions................................................21
Conservi n g Batt e ry Po w er ........ ................................22
Using power saving modes................................................22
Using PowerPanel utility...................................................23
Frequently asked questions................................................27
Internet and Network Connections..........29
Internet Connections .................................................30
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection............................30
Setting u p a n Ethernet Internet co n n e c t i o n............. ...........3 2
Customizing your Internet connection...............................34
Frequently asked questions................................................35
Network Co nnections......... ................ .......................36
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections ............................36
Using wireless LAN connections ......................................38
Checking your network connection status................ ......... 47
Frequently asked questions................................................48
1
VAI O ® Computer User Guide
Connecting Anot h er VAIO Computer................. .....50
Frequently asked questions............................................... 52
CDs, DVDs, and Optical Drives................53
Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs .......................54
Copying and Playing CDs ..... ....................................56
Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R................................. 57
Playing DVDs...........................................................58
Watching DVDs on your computer ...................... ............ 58
Frequently asked questions............................................... 59
Printer Conn e c ti ons.......... ........................63
Printing With Your Computer..................................64
Connecting a printer.............. ................ ................ ............ 64
Disconnecting a printer..................................................... 66
Frequently asked questions............................................... 67
Computer Features................................... 69
Using the Keyboard ..................................................70
Key locations and descriptions ......................................... 70
Combinations and functions with the Windows key ........ 72
Indicators........................................................................... 73
Combinations and functions with the Fn key.................... 74
Using the Touch Pad.................................................76
Describ ing the tou c h p ad... ........ .............. .............. ............ 76
Customizing the touch pad................................................77
Frequently asked questions............................................... 78
2
Using Jog Di al Con tr o l....... ................ .......................80
Locating the Jog Dial Control............................................81
Using la u n ch e r mode ...... .............. .............. .............. .........81
Using the Jog Dial Control with Sony programs...............83
Using the Jog Dial Control with other programs...............83
Setting the timer.................................................................84
Using Memory Stick Media.....................................85
Selecting Memory Stick media..........................................85
Inserting Memor y Stick medi a ................. .............. ...........86
Viewing the contents .........................................................86
Write-protecting Memory Stick media..............................87
Removing Memory Stick media ........................................88
Frequently asked questions................................................89
Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs ....91
Connecting Mice and Keyboards.............93
Using External Mice and Keyboards ........................94
Connecting a mouse or keyboard.......................................94
Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard.................................. 96
Frequently asked questions................................................96
Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards ...........99
Using Flo ppy Disk Drives..................... ..................100
Inserting and removing floppy disks ...............................100
Notes on handling floppy disks ....................................... 101
Disconnecting a floppy disk drive...................................101
Frequently asked questions..............................................102
3
VAI O ® Computer User Guide
Using PC Cards.......................................................1 04
Inserti n g PC Cards....................................... ...................104
Removing PC Cards ........................................................ 105
Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives............... 106
Frequently asked questions.............................................108
Docking Stations...... ...............................111
Connecting t he Do ck ing St at i on.............................112
Locatin g feature s an d p o rt s............................................. 112
Connecting the docking station....................................... 114
Disconnecting the docking station.................................. 115
Frequently asked questions.............................................118
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 dig i t a l v ideo came ra record er .............. .............. 124
Notes on co n n e c t i n g a n i. LINK devi c e...................... ..... 124
Frequently asked questions.............................................125
Using Computer Monitors and Projectors..............126
Connecting a computer monitor...................................... 126
Connecting a projector...................... .................. ............ 128
Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector............. 131
Using Speakers .......................................................132
Connecting speakers ....................... ............ .......... .......... 132
Disconnecting external speakers..................................... 133
Enabling the audio feature .............................................. 134
Frequently asked questions.............................................135
4
Using Microphones ................................................. 138
Connecting a microphone................................................138
Disconnecting a microphone ...........................................138
Using a microphone or other device to record.................139
Frequently asked questions..............................................140
Preinstalled Programs........... .................141
Software Programs On Your Computer..................142
Program overview............................................................142
Frequently asked questions..............................................146
DVgate Application Notes......................................148
Recordi n g ima g es to a digita l v i d e o de v ice.............. .......148
Adjusting image resolution..............................................148
Saving to your hard disk drive.........................................148
Program Support Information .................................150
Sony Service Center.........................................................151
Memory Upgrades...................................153
Upgrading Your Computer’s Memory....................154
Precautions and procedures .............................................154
Typical expansion memory configuration .......................155
Removing and installing memory modules.....................155
Confirming add e d m e m o ry ca p a city................................158
Using the Recovery CDs.........................161
Application and System Recovery CDs..................162
Using Your Recovery CDs......................................162
Using the Application Recovery CD(s)...........................162
Using th e Syst em Recov ery CD (s)... ........ .............. .........164
5
VAI O ® Computer User Guide
Troubles hooting and Support................167
Troubleshooting Your Computer............................168
Troubleshooting Batteri es...................................... .1 72
Troubleshooting the Printer ..................... ....... .... ... .173
Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad .......... .1 74
Troubleshooting the Modem............. ....... .............. .1 77
Troubleshooting Networks .....................................1 78
Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs............................181
Troubleshooting Floppy Dis k Drives . ..... .. ..... ....... .1 84
Troubleshooting PC C ards.................. ..... .... ... ...... . .185
Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections...........186
Troubleshooting the Computer Screen (LCD)........189
Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media........... ...... . .1 90
Troubleshooting Program s......................................192
Troubleshooting the Docking Station...... .... ... ....... .1 94
Computer Support Information ...............................1 96
6

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide pr ovide s detaile d informati on on all aspe cts of usin g your new V AIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled soft ware 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.
Vi ew the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information
about your com puter.
7
VAI O ® Computer User Guide
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 y ou can eff iciently utilize the battery as a power sour ce.
Using AC Power Using the Battery Conserving Battery Power
9
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Using AC Power

The supplied ba ttery is not c harg ed whe n you rec eive yo ur compu ter. To use your computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as the power source . While the computer uses AC power it automatica lly charges the battery if it is inserted. See “Using the Battery” for more information on installing and using your battery.
Connecting the AC adapter Turning on the computer

Connecting the AC adapter

To connect the AC adapter
1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your
com pu t e r or do cking stati on.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
DC IN port
AC adapter (supplied)
Power cord (supplied)
2 Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end
into an AC outle t.
.
Use only the AC ad apter supplied with your com puter.
10
Using AC Power

Turning on the computer

To turn on the computer
1 Slide the OPEN switch to the right, and lift the cover while holding the
bottom of the compute r firmly.
Opening the Computer
OPEN switch
2 Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.
Turning on the Computer
Power indicator
Power button
If you hold th e po w e r bu tt on down, th e co m p u te r tu rn s off.
3 If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the compute r screen (LCD) as
follows:
11
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt
To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or . To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .
12

Using the Battery

Using the Battery
A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your com puter is not plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer may come equipped with one or two battery bays, de pending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes with two battery ba ys, you can purchase a second rech argeable batte ry to extend your computing ti me . Regardless how many batteries you use, you can always extend the life of the battery by conserv ing power. See “Conserving Battery Power” for more information.
Inserting a battery Remo v ing a ba t tery Displaying ba ttery information Chargi ng 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 Turn the com p ut er o ve r, and sli d e th e LOCK/UNLOCK switch on the
bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.
2 Align the grooves and ta bs on the battery with those on the back of the
computer.
13
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt
Inserting a Battery
Battery
Grooves
3 Slide the battery into the computer until it clicks into place. 4 Slide th e LOCK/UNLOCK switc h in t o the LOCK position.
Some software programs and per ipheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering Hiberna te mode, save your data frequentl y. See “Using power saving modes” for in format ion on how you ca n manuall y acti vate a po wer saving mode.

Removin g a b attery

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 re move 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 Turn the computer over, and slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch on the
bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.
2 Slide the battery away from the computer.
14
Using the Battery
Removing a Battery
Battery
Battery LOCK/ UNLOCK switch
Battery LOCK switch

Display ing b attery infor mation

You can display the remaining batter y cha rge on the Battery Inform ation toolbar and/or the Battery Inform ation window.
To displa y the Battery Informat ion toolbar
1 Right-clic k the center of the Windows® taskbar. 2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Ba ttery I nformation.
The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskba r.
If the Battery I nfo rmat ion too lbar is hidden beh in d the t as kbar i con s, clic k an d drag
the edge of the Battery Information toolbar to the left un til it is in clear view.
The to tal charge remai n ing in the battery is listed in percent and real- time val u es. The following tool bar indicates there is 72 percent or approximate ly 1 hour and 11 minutes of battery charge left.
Battery Information Too lbar
Per centage in dicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge. Time in dicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining
before the battery fully discharges, also known as the time-to-empty.
15
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt
To close the Battery Information toolbar
1 Right- click th e Battery Information toolbar. 2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click to cancel Battery
Information. The Battery Information toolbar disappears from the toolbar.
To display th e Battery Informat ion win dow
The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the Battery Information window indicate the current status of the installed battery.
Battery ic on Battery status
Charging
Fully ch arged
Discharging
16
No battery
Using the Battery
1 Doubl e- click th e Battery icon on the Windows taskbar. The Battery
Information window appears.
Battery Information Window
Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery . You can
click Advanced for specific information on the battery.
Alarms tab — Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the
battery is fully 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.

Display ing b attery infor mation

You can display information for each of the batteries installed in your computer.
17
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt
To display battery information
1 Click Start on the Wind ows® taskbar, and select Settings, Control Pa ne l,
and then click Powe r Opt ion s . The Powe r Options Properties window appears.
2 Select the Power Meter tab. The total remaining battery charge is listed as a
percentage. If your comp uter comes with more than one battery, you can view informati on on both batteries or just the primary batter y.
You may also use the battery icon on the Windows® taskba r to quickly view bat tery
information. See “To display the power icon on the task bar” for instructions on how to set up this shortcut.
To display th e power icon on the taskbar
1 Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and select Setting, Control Panel,
and then click Powe r Opt ion s. The Power Options Properties window appears.
2 Select the Advanced tab, and then select Always show icon on the taskbar
in the Options box. The power icon appears on the taskbar. See the power icon descriptions below for more information.
You can rollover the power icon to view the remain ing battery charge, and you can double-click the power icon to open the Power Mete r window, which also displays the re maining battery charge.
Power icon Power status
Computer is using AC powe r.
Computer is using AC powe r and cha rging the battery.
Battery is charging.
18
Using the Battery
Power icon Power status
Battery is f u lly charged.
Battery is discharging.
No batt er y is in serted in th e computer.

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 compl etely or partially discharged. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the battery and find that ba ttery power is still low, the battery may be reaching th e end of its life, and you may need to replace it.
The battery supplied with your computer is not char ged at the time of purchase.
To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery will charge faster when the comput er is off. Charging the battery take s several hours. See your VAIO® Computer Specific ation s on the “Welcome” page for the approximat e time needed to charge your battery.
Charge the battery at temperature s between 50°F an d 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 powe r.
19
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt
The battery indicator bl ink s while the bat tery cha r ges. The batte ry in dicat or stops blinking when the ba ttery is fully charged.
Battery I ndicator
Battery indicator
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 cha rging. Off The computer is using AC power.

Notes on batteries

Never leave the bat tery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as und er
direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.
While the batter y is in use or being dischar g ed, 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 disassemb le the battery. Do not expose the batte ry to any mechanical sho ck. Battery life is shorter in a cold environm ent because of decreased battery
efficiency at low temperatures.
20
Using the Battery

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when the battery is charged?
To determine the remaining battery char ge, see “Displaying battery information. ”
When is the computer using AC power?
When th e computer is d ir e ct ly conne ct ed to th e A C adapte r, it use s A C p ower, even if a battery is installed.
When should I recharge the battery?
When the battery leve l falls below 10 percent. When both the battery and power indicators bli nk. When you have not used the batte ry for a long time.
21
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Conserving Battery Power

You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel™ utility or power schemes to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power may signific antly extend your computing time, depending on how you us e your computer.
Using power saving modes Using PowerPanel utility Frequently asked questions

Using power saving modes

In addition to the norma l operating mode, which allows you to turn off spec ific devices, your computer has two distinct power saving modes : S tandby and Hibernate . You can use the Stand by 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 t h e computer screen (LCD ) is off .
Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices on the
hard disk. Power con su mption is reduced to the lowest possible setting without being completely off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowe st 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
Hiberna te m ode. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently to avoi d data loss.
To activate Standby mode
1 Press the key combination Fn+Esc. The power indicator blinks in this mode. 2 Press any key to return to Normal mod e.
To activa te H ibernate mode
1 Press the key combi nation 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.
22
Conserving Battery Power
If the computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see “Frequ ently asked questions”
for more inf or m a tio n .

Using PowerPanel utility

The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and c ust om ize a predefined power management profil e t o conserve batte ry li fe. Th e followi ng tabl e descri bes al l the predefined powe r manage ment profiles in PowerPanel. Your computer is set to Automatic P r ofile Selection by default. You can customize the settings for all the following profi les, except the Disabl e Power Man agement 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 mana gement settings, su ch as Standby and Hibernate modes. You cannot change the settings of this profile.
AC Power
Indicates when AC power i s i n us e. Similar to the Power Managem ent Off setting. Power Management automatically loads the AC profile unless you disa ble this feature.
Games
Disables the dis play and the Hard Disk Stan dby timer.
*
23
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt
Profile Icon Description
Presentation
Keeps the dis p lay on at all times while it conserves po wer. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can establis h se ttings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby , and Standby mode to optimize power manage ment for your system.
Camera
Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.
DVD
Optimizes performanc e and power requ irements 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 requ irements for spreadsheet programs.
Communications
Extends battery life by initiat ing a quick d isplay time-out. The Internal modem remains powered on. You can also establis h 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 Automa tic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.
24
Conserving Battery Power
To select a profile
1 Right- c lick the Battery icon on the Windows taskbar. See “To display the
Battery Information window” for Battery icon descriptions.
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 profile s.
When you use the battery to power your computer, your system automatic ally selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select a different power management profile while us ing battery power, that profile is selected automatically the next time you use the battery to power your computer.
See PowerPanel Help for inf ormation on customizing th e pow er manageme nt
profiles.
To customiz e your profile settings
You can customize your profile sett ings to sustain enough powe r for a part icular computing function.
1 Right- c lick the Battery icon on the Windows® taskbar. See “To display the
Battery Information window” for Battery icon descriptions.
2 Select Edit/ C rea te Pro files from the shortcut menu. 3 In the left panel, cl ick the profile you want to cha nge. 4 Right-click the setting under System, LCD(Video), Hard Disk, or Othe r
Devices that you want to change. See the following table for a description of
each power profil e.
5 Make your changes from the drop-down menu. 6 Click File, and click Save.
25
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt
Power profile Description
*
CPU Control
Controls the processor speed. You can select either Performance, Adaptive, Battery Life, or More Bat tery Life. These selectio n s are listed in orde r 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 powe r sa ving mode the more power the computer will consume.
Hiber n at e Time rContro ls the time it take s th e sy s te m to ac ti v ate the Hibernat e
mode when it is idle. The longer you allow the computer to sit idle while it is not in a powe r sa ving mode the more power the computer consumes. Hibernate mode conserves more power than Standby mode .
Thermal Cont rol Strategy
*
Controls the speed of the proc essor 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. Hi ber n at e or LC D Off co n se rv e s th e mo st power.
Hibernate on Low Battery
Controls the state of your system whe n 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 BrightnessControls the brightness of the computer screen (LCD). You can
select a brightne ss level of one to nine, with one being the darkest sett ing. T he dar ker y ou set th e comp uter s creen the m ore power you conserve.
26
Power profil e D escrip ti o n
Conserving Battery Power
LCD Standby Timer
Controls the time it takes the system to switch the LCD to Standby mode when the system is idle. This setting only tu rns off power to the LCD. The syste m itself still functions on full power.
HDD Standby Timer
Controls the time it takes the system to switch the hard disk drive to S tandby mode when the s ystem i s idl e. This sett ing 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 powe r supply to the Memory Stick slot. You can disable power to the Memory Stick slot to conse r ve power.
saving
* Slows the processor s peed.

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 perip hera l 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 manual ly ac tivate Hibernate mode.
When should I replace the battery?
If, after fully ch arging the batt ery, the battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of it s li fe and should be replaced.
Why is th e battery wa r m?
While the battery is in use or being dischar ged, the battery he ats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.
27
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt
28

Internet and Network Connections

Internet Connections Network Connections Connecting Another VAIO Computer
29
VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Internet Connections

This section des cribes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The Internet Connection Wi zard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet service provider (ISP) or se tting up an existing ac count. When you connect to the Internet, you can reg is ter your VAIO® computer, use onli ne services, and gain access to Sony Computing Support.
Setting up a dial-u p Internet connectio n Setting up an Ethernet Internet connec tion Customizing your Internet connection Frequently asked questions

Setting up a dial-up Internet connection

Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to conne ct your computer to a telephone li ne via a telephone cable (not supplied). Once you have se t up your telephone cable, you’re ready to connect to the Internet.
To co n n e ct a te lephon e ca b le
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® Com puter Quic k Star t .
2 Plug one end of t he t eleph one ca ble int o t he Mo dem jack . Make sur e i t clic ks
into pl ace.
3 Plug the other end into the wall jack.
30
Loading...
+ 168 hidden pages