Sony PCG-Z1RA, PCG-Z1RAP1, PCG-Z1RAP2, PCG-Z1RAP3 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.

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

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Using the Battery

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Conserving Battery Power

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Using AC Power

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

Connecting the AC adapter

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Turning on the computer

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Connecting the AC adapter

To connect the AC adapter

Plug the AC adapter cable into the DC IN port.

Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer

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

Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.

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Turning on the computer

To open and turn on the computer

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

Opening the Computer

Press the power button on the right 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 comes equipped with one battery bay. For information on how to extend the life of the battery, see

Conserving Battery Power.

Inserting a battery

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Removing a battery

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Locating battery information

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Charging a battery

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Notes on batteries

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Frequently asked questions

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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.

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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 grooves on the battery with the tabs on the back of the computer.

Inserting a Battery

Slide the battery into the computer until it clicks into place.

Slide the UNLOCK/LOCK latch into the LOCK position.

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 attached 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

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

Push and hold the RELEASE latch.

While holding the RELEASE 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 other miscellaneous battery information on the Battery Information toolbar, PowerPanel window, and Power Meter window.

The battery icons that appear on the Taskbar Notification area 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

Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar.

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, right-click the taskbar and click to cancel Lock the Taskbar. 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 4 hours and 19 minutes of battery charge remaining.

Battery Information Toolbar

Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge.

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

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known as the time-to-empty.

To close the Battery Information toolbar

Right-click the Battery Information toolbar.

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

To view the PowerPanel window

Double-click the CPU icon on the Taskbar Notification area. The PowerPanel window appears.

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PowerPanel

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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.

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Power Meter

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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 printed VAIO® Computer Specifications for the approximate time needed to charge your battery.

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

Insert the battery into the battery bay.

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

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sun.

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

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Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.

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Keep the battery dry.

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Do not open or disassemble the battery.

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Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.

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

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Frequently asked questions

How do I know when the battery is charged?

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

When is the computer using AC power?

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

When should I recharge the battery?

When the battery level falls below 10 percent.

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When both the battery and power indicators blink.

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

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When should I replace the battery?

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

Should I be concerned that the installed battery is warm?

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

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Conserving Battery Power

You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel utility 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

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Using PowerPanel utility

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Frequently asked questions

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Using power saving modes

In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices 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 profile setting or initiate an immediate action.

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

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

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

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

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Using PowerPanel utility

The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and customize a predefined power management profile to conserve battery life. The following table describes all the predefined power management profiles in PowerPanel. 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 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 stopping power to the optical drive, i.LINK® port, and MemoryStick 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 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.

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To select a profile

Right-click the CPU icon on the Taskbar Notification area. See To view the PowerPanel window 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 on the Taskbar Notification area. See To view the PowerPanel window for Battery icon descriptions.

Select Edit/Create Profiles from the shortcut menu.

In the left panel, click 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 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, which ranges from Level 1 (Quiet), which conserves the most power, or Level 5 (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 Do nothing. Hibernate 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.

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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.

Slows the process or s peed. O n s elected models only.

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Frequently asked questions

Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power?

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

Why can't my computer enter Hibernate mode?

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

Click Start on the Windows® taskbar.

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

Select the Hibernate tab.

Click to check the box next to Enable hibernation.

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Internet and Network Connections

Internet Connections

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Network Connections

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Connecting Another VAIO Computer

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Internet Connections

This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The 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

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Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection

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Customizing your Internet connection

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Frequently asked questions

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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

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.

Gently pull the rubber tab away from the computer to find the modem jack.

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

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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.

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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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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

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connect a telephone cable for more information.

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

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

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

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compatible.)

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

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

Why is my modem connection slow?

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

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

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



compatible with fax modems.

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

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

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Page 27

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 remote and local area 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.

Using Ethernet and dial-up connections

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Using wireless network connections (selected models only)

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Checking your network connection status

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Frequently asked questions

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Types of Networks*

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

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Using Ethernet 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.

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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 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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