Sony PCG-V505ACK 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.
Page 1
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
Page 2
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
Turning on the computer
Page 3
Connecting the AC adapter
To connect the AC adapter
1.
Plug the AC adapter cable into the DC IN port.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
2.
Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.
Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.
Page 4
Turning on the computer
To turn on the computer
1.
Lift the lid of the computer by sliding the front switch to the right and lifting the lid. You may need to hold the
bottom of the computer firmly to lift the lid.
Opening the Computer
2.
Slide the power switch to the right until the power indicator turns on.
Turning on the Computer
If you slide and hold the power switch to the right, the computer turns off.
3.
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
key.
To decrease brightness, press the Fn and F5 keys, and then press the Down Arrow or the Left
Arrow key.
Page 5
Using the Battery
Your computer comes equipped with one battery bay. For information on how to extend the life of the battery, see
Conserving Battery Power.
Inserting a battery
Removing a battery
Locating battery information
Charging a battery
Notes on batteries
Frequently asked questions
When operating your computer on battery power, your computer's CPU speed is reduced.
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.
Page 6
Inserting a battery
To insert a battery
1.
Turn the computer over, and slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK
position.
2.
Align the grooves and tabs on the battery with those on the back of the computer.
Inserting a Battery
3.
Slide the battery into the computer until it clicks into place.
4.
Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch into the LOCK position.
Inserting a Battery
If a port replicator is attached to your computer, do not insert or remove the battery. Lifting and turning the
computer with a port replicator attached could cause a temporary loss of power.
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.
Page 7
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.
Turn the computer over, and slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK
position.
2.
Push and hold the UNLOCK switch.
3.
While holding the UNLOCK switch, slide the battery away from the computer.
Remov ing a Battery
Page 8
Locating battery information
You can view the remaining battery charge and other battery information on the Battery Information toolbar, PowerPanel
window, and Power Meter window.
The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar, PowerPanel window, and Power Meter window indicate
the current status of the installed battery.
Power icon Power status
Computer is using AC power.
Computer is using AC power and charging the battery.
Battery is charging.
Battery is fully charged.
Battery is discharging.
No battery is inserted in the computer.
To view the Battery Information toolbar
1.
Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar.
2.
Point to Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information. The Battery Information toolbar
appears on the taskbar.
If the Battery Information toolbar is hidden behind the taskbar icons, click and drag the edge of the Battery
Information toolbar to the left until it is in clear view.
The total charge remaining in the battery is listed in percent and real-time values. The following toolbar indicates there is
100 percent or approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes of battery charge remaining.
Battery Information Toolbar
Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge.
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. The Battery Information
toolbar disappears from the toolbar.
To view the PowerPanel window
Double-click the CPU icon on the Taskbar Notification area. The PowerPanel window appears.
PowerPanel Window
Page 9
To view the Power Meter window if you are using battery power
Double-click the battery icon in the Taskbar Notification area. The Power Meter window appears.
Power Meter Window
Page 10
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 printed VAIO® Computer Specifications for the approximate time
needed to charge your battery.
Charge the battery at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower temperatures require more time
to charge.
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 Indicators
Battery indicator status Description
On The computer is using battery power.
Single blink The battery is running out of power.
Double blink The battery is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.
Page 11
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.
Page 12
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when the battery is charged?
To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information.
When is the computer using AC power?
When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed.
When should I recharge the battery?
When the battery level falls below 10 percent.
When both the battery and power indicators blink.
When you have not used the battery for a long time.
When should I replace the battery?
If, after charging the battery, the battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life and should be
replaced.
Should I be concerned that the installed battery is warm?
No, it is normal for the battery to be warm when it is powering the computer.
Page 13
Conserving Battery Power
You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel utility or power schemes 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
Page 14
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 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 software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your
data frequently to avoid data loss.
To activate Standby mode
1.
Press the Fn and Esc keys. The power indicator blinks in this mode.
2.
Press any key to return to normal mode.
To activate Hibernate mode
1.
Press the Fn and F12 keys, or move the power switch to the right and release it immediately. Do not move the
computer until the power indicator turns off.
2.
Move the power switch to the right to return to normal mode.
If the computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see Frequently asked questions for more information.
Page 15
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 of 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 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 stopping power to the optical drive.
Power Management Off
Disables all power management settings, such as Standby and Hibernate modes. You cannot change the settings of this
profile.
AC Power
Indicates when AC power is in use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting. Power Management automatically loads
the AC profile unless you disable this feature.
Games
Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.
Presentation
Keeps the display on at all times while conserving power. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can
establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your
system.
Camera
Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.
DVD
Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD usage.
Word Processing
Optimizes power management with longer time-outs on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings
for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Spreadsheet
Optimizes performance and power requirements for spreadsheet programs.
Communications
Extends battery life by initiating a quick display time-out. The Internal modem remains powered on. You can also establish
settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Automatic Profile Selection
Automatically selects a profile suitable for active software programs.
Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.
Page 16
To select a profile
1.
Right-click the CPU icon on the Taskbar Notification area. See To view the PowerPanel 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 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 Taskbar Notification area. See To view the PowerPanel window for Battery
icon descriptions.
2.
Select Edit/Create Profiles from the shortcut menu.
3.
In the left panel, click the profile you want to change.
4.
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 profile.
5.
Make your changes from the drop-down menu.
6.
Click File, and click Save.
Power profile Description
CPU Control1 Controls the processor speed. You can select either Battery Life, or More 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 consumes.
Hibernate
Timer Controls the time it takes the system to activate the Hibernate mode when it is idle. The longer you allow
the computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer consumes. Hibernate
mode conserves more power than Standby mode.
Thermal
Control Strategy1 (On selected models) Controls the speed of the processor fan. You can set the fan speed to
Quiet, which conserves the most power, or Performance.
Lid Close Action Controls the state of your system when you close the computer's lid. You can select either Standby
or Hibernate mode, or you can select LCD Off. Hibernate or LCD Off conserves the most power.
Hibernate on Low Battery Controls the state of your system when the battery power is low. You can turn this
setting On or Off. Selecting On conserves the most power when the battery is low.
Page 17
LCD
Brightness Controls the brightness of the computer screen (LCD). You can select a brightness level of one to
nine, with one being the darkest setting. The darker you set the computer screen the more power you conserve.
LCD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to turn off power to the computer screen (LCD) when
the system is idle. The system itself still functions on full power.
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.
1
Slows the process or s peed. O n selected models only.
Page 18
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 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. See To activate Hibernate mode for information on how you can manually activate
Hibernate mode.
Why can't my computer enter Hibernate mode?
You may first need to enable Hibernate mode. Follow these steps:
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and select Settings, Control Panel, and then click Power Options. The
Power Options Properties window appears.
2.
Select the Hibernate tab.
3.
Click to check the box next to Enable hibernate support.
Page 19
Internet and Network Connections
Internet Connections
Network Connections
Page 20
Internet Connections
This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The Internet
Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet service provider
(ISP) or setting up an existing account. When you connect to the Internet, you can register your VAIO® computer, use online
services, and gain access to Sony Computing Support.
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection
Customizing your Internet connection
Frequently asked questions
Page 21
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
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.
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
1.
Connect your computer to a telephone line. See To connect a telephone cable for more information.
2.
Click Start, point to Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click Internet Connection Wizard. The
Internet Connection Wizard appears.
Internet Connection Wizard
3.
Click Next. If the Location Information dialog box appears, follow the on-screen instructions and close the
window.
4.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Page 22
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
1.
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
2.
Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet port and the other end into the network
connection.
To set up an Ethernet connection to the Internet
1.
Connect your computer to a network connection. See To connect an Ethernet cable for more information.
2.
Click Start, point to Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click Internet Connection Wizard. The
Internet Connection Wizard appears.
Internet Connection Wizard
3.
Click I want to set up my Internet connection manually, or I want to connect through a local area network
(LAN).
4.
Click Next, and select I connect through a local area network (LAN).
5.
Click Next, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Page 23
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
1.
Click Start, point to Settings, Control Panel, and click Internet Options. The Internet Properties dialog box
appears.
2.
Click the tabs to view options.
3.
Make changes, and click Apply to activate your changes.
4.
Click OK.
Page 24
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't my modem work?
Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem jack on the computer and the wall jack. See To
connect a telephone cable for more information.
Make sure the telephone cable is working. Plug the cable into an ordinary telephone and listen for a dial tone.
Make sure the telephone number the program is dialing is correct.
Make sure the program you are using is compatible with the computer's modem. (All preinstalled Sony programs are
compatible.)
If you are still experiencing problems, use the supplied Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the modem driver
software. See Using the Application Recovery CDs for more information.
Why is my modem connection slow?
Your computer is equipped with a V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem connection speed, including
telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment, such as fax machines or other modems. If you think your
modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP), follow
these steps:
Ask your telephone company to verify your telephone line is free of any line noise.
If your problem is fax-related, make sure there are no problems with the fax machine you are calling and that it is
compatible with fax modems.
If you are having a problem connecting with your ISP, make sure the ISP is not experiencing technical problems.
If you have a second telephone line, try connecting the modem to that line.
Page 25
Network Connections
With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks. The Network Connection Wizard makes it
easy to gain access to remote and local area networks (LANs) using wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up connections.
For more information about networking, click Start, Help, and then Networking.
Using Ethernet connections
Using wireless network connections (selected models only)
Checking your network connection status
Frequently asked questions
Types of Networks*
* T he c omputers repres ented in this graphic may not be identic al to the model you purc has ed.
Page 26
Using Ethernet connections
For setting up local area networks (LANs), Ethernet is a widely installed technology. Your computer accommodates both
10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps.
To connect to a local area network using a telephone or Ethernet cable
1.
Connect your computer to a network connection. See To connect an Ethernet cable for more information.
Connecting an Ethernet Cable
2.
Click Start, point to Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click Internet Connection Wizard. The
Internet Connection Wizard appears.
Internet Connection Wizard
3.
Click I want to set up my Internet connection manually, or I want to connect through a local area network
(LAN).
4.
Click Next, and select I connect through a local area network (LAN).
5.
Click Next, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port . Do not connect any other type of
network cable or any telephone cable. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an electric
current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port. To connect the unit to the network,
see Using Ethernet connections or contact your network administrator.
You can connect to your company network from a remote location and use data, programs, and network resources. See
Microsoft® Windows® Help by clicking Help from the Start menu, and then clicking Networking in the left panel.
To connect to a remote network using a telephone or Ethernet cable
1.
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.
Page 27
2.
From the Start menu, point to Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click Networking and Dial-up
Connections. The Networking and Dial-up Connections window appears.
3.
Click Make New Connection. The Networking Connection Wizard appears.
4.
Click Next. If you are prompted to the Local Information dialog box, follow the on-screen instructions, and then
close the window.
5.
Click Connect to the network at my workplace, and then click Next.
6.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
7.
Ask your network administrator for the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to an existing network.
Page 28
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 printed VAIO® Computer Specifications, which accompanied your computer.
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
1.
Make sure an access point is set up. See the instructions that accompanied the access point for more
information.
2.
Move the Wireless LAN switch to ON.
Connecting to a Wireless LAN
3.
Click Start, point to Programs, and click Wireless LAN Configuration Utility. The Wireless LAN Utility icon
appears on the right side of the taskbar.
4.
Click the Wireless LAN Utility icon to open the Wireless LAN Card Utility for Windows dialog box.
5.
Click the Profile tab.
Wireless LAN Card Utility for Windows
Page 29
6.
Type a name in the Profile Name box.
7.
In the Tranmission Rate box, make sure Fully Auto is selected. By selecting Fully Auto, your computer
automatically searches for the strongest (radio) signal.
8.
In the ESSID box, type the name of the access point or click Scan to select an access point.
9.
Select a Power Save option.
10.
In the Network Type box, select Infrastructure to connect to or set up a network to access point (host)
connection or click Ad Hoc to connect to or set up a computer-to-computer connection.
11.
If the network was not set up with an encryption key, click Apply.
12.
If the network was set up with an encryption key:
1.
In the WEP Key box, select 40bit/64 bit for IEEE 802.11b access points.
2.
In the Key format box, select either ASCII mode or HEX mode, depending on the encryption key.
3.
In the Default Key box, select the correct encryption key.
4.
Type the key name in the appropriate key box.
5.
Click Apply.
To disconnect from a wireless network
Move the Wireless LAN switch to OFF. The Wireless LAN indicator turns off.
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