Sony PCG-TR1A, PCG-TR1AP 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.

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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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.

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Using AC Power

The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To charge the battery and begin using the computer immediately, insert the battery into the computer and use the supplied AC adapter as a power source. The computer automatically charges the installed battery while it uses AC power.

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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 open and turn on the computer

Lift the cover while holding the bottom of the computer firmly.

Opening the Computer

Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.

Turning on the Computer

If you continue to press the power button, 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.

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

Turn the computer over, and slide the UNLOCK/LOCK latch on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.

Align the tabs on the battery with the grooves on the back of the computer, and slide the battery into the computer until it clicks into place.

Inserting a Battery

Slide the UNLOCK/LOCK latch into the LOCK position to secure the battery.

Some 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. Remove the battery when the computer is off.

To remove a battery

Make sure the computer is off.

Turn the computer over, and slide the UNLOCK/LOCK latch on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.

Push and hold the UNLOCK latch.

While holding the UNLOCK latch, slide the battery away from the computer.

Remov ing a Battery

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Locating battery information

You can view the remaining battery charge and miscellaneous battery information on the Battery Information toolbar, the PowerProfile window, and the Power Meter window.

The Battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and PowerPanel window indicate the current status of the installed battery.

Battery icon Charge status

Charging

Fully charged

Discharging

No battery

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, 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.

Battery Information Toolbar*

* T he Battery I nformation T oolbar may appear s lightly different on your c omputer, depending on the number of batteries your c omputer s upports .

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



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 taskbar.

To view the PowerPanel window

Double-click the CPU icon or Profile icon , depending on the model you purchased. The PowerPanel window appears.

PowerPanel*

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* T he P owerP anel window may appear s lightly different on your c omputer, depending on the number of batteries your c omputer s upports .

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

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settings to conserve power.

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



the battery.

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

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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. The Power Meter window appears. You can also rollover the Power icon to view the remaining battery charge.

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.

If the Power icon is not displayed on the Taskbar Notification area, see To display the Power icon on the taskbar.

Power Meter

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To display the Power icon on the taskbar

Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.

Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears.

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 above for more information.

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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 supplied with your computer is not 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 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.

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 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



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 heat sources.

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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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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.

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Using power saving modes

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



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 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 your computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see Battery 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. 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 stopping power to the optical drive and Memory Stick® media slot.

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 Power Management Off and the Standby mode after a half hour. 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.

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Do not choose the A utomatic P rofile Selection when c onnected to A C power.

To select a profile

Right-click the CPU icon or Profile icon , depending on the model you purchased. See Locating battery

information for Battery icon descriptions.

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.

Right-click the CPU icon or Profile icon , depending on the model you purchased.

Select Edit/Create Profiles from the shortcut menu.

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

In the right panel, right-click the setting under System, LCD(Video), Hard Disk, or Other Devices that you want to change. See the following table for a description of each power management setting.

Make your changes from the drop-down menu.

Click File, and click Save.

Power Management Setting Description

CPU Control1 Controls the processor speed. You can select either Performance, Adaptive, or Battery Life. These selections are listed in order from the greatest to least amount of power consumed.

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.

CPU Fan Control1 (On selected models) Controls the speed of the processor fan. You can set the fan speed to different levels. Level 1 (Quiet) conserves the most power.

Lid Close Action Controls the state of your system when the lid of the computer is closed. You can select either Standby, Hibernate, or LCD Off.

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. 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.

i.LINK Port Controls power to the i.LINK® port. Disabling power to the i.LINK port conserves power.

Memory Stick Port Power-saving Controls power to the Memory Stick media slot. Disabling power to the Memory Stick media slot conserves power.

Optical Drive Power-Saving Controls power to the optical drive. Disabling power to the optical drive conserves power.

Slows the process or s peed.

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Internet and Network Connections

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.

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Internet and Network Connections

Internet Connections

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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 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 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 All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard. The New Connection Wizard appears.

New Connection Wizard

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

If it is not already selected, click to select Connect to the Internet, and click Next.

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 into the network connection.

To set up an Ethernet connection to the Internet

Connect your computer to a network connection.

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

New Connection Wizard

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

If it is not already selected, click to select Connect to the Internet, and click Next.

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 on the Windows® taskbar, and then Control Panel.

Click Network and Internet Connections, and then 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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Network Connections

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

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

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 and dial-up 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 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.

Connecting an Ethernet Cable

Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click Network Setup Wizard. The Network Setup Wizard appears.

Network Setup Wizard

Click Next. If you are prompted to the Local Information dialog box, 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 and dial-up 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 and Support from the Start menu, and then clicking Networking and the Web in

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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.

From the Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard.

Click Next. If you are prompted to the Local Information dialog box, follow the on-screen instructions.

Click Connect to the network at my workplace, and 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 (selected models only)

A wireless local area network (LAN) is a network in which you can connect to a LAN through a wireless (radio) connection. You can opt to purchase a Sony Wireless LAN Access Point to set up a LAN.

The wireless LAN access point is designed for building a wireless LAN environment. Because a wireless LAN configuration requires no wiring, you can operate multiple computers more freely than ever before.

Your computer is equipped with a built-in mini PCI card that allows for wireless connections. For information about your computer's wireless capabilities, see the Welcome page to view your VAIO® Computer Specifications.

For more information on Sony Wireless LAN, go to http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio.

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



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.

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



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 connect to a wireless network

Make sure an access point is set up. See the instructions that accompanied the access point for more information.

Move the Wireless LAN switch to ON.

Turning on the Wireless Network Switch

Click the Wireless Network Connection icon on the taskbar. The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears.

Wireless Network Connection

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From the Available wireless networks list, select the name of the network in which you want to connect. If you do not see the network name, see If the network does not appear in the Available wireless networks list box.

If required, type the network key in the Network key box. (If necessary, ask the administrator for the key. The key should be 5 or 13 ASCII characters or 10 or 26 hexadecimal characters.)

Retype the network key in the Confirm network key box.

Click Connect.

If the network does not appear in the Available wireless networks list box

Click Advanced on the Wireless Network Connection dialog box. The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears.

Wireless Network Connection Properties

Click Add in the Preferred networks box. The Wireless network properties dialog box appears.

Wireless Network Properties

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Type the name of the network (access point) you want to connect to in the Network name (SSID) box. (The name should be no more than 32 ASCII characters.)

The following steps are for networks that require a network key. If you do not know the network key or are not sure a network key is required, see the network administrator or the guide that accompanied your access point for more information.

Make sure the Data encryption (WEP enabled) check box is selected.

Click to cancel the The key is provided for me automatically check box.

Type the network key in the Network key box. (The key should be 5 or 13 ASCII characters or 10 or 26 hexadecimal characters.)

Retype the network key in the Confirm network key box.

Click OK. The network name appears in the Preferred networks list box.

To set up a computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network

Move the Wireless LAN switch to ON.

Turning on the Wireless Network Switch

Click the Wireless Network Connection icon on the taskbar. The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears.

Wireless Network Connection

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Click Advanced. The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears.

Wireless Network Connection Properties

Click Add. The Wireless network properties dialog box appears.

Wireless Network Properties

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