Sony PCV-RS321 User Manual

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing your Sony VAIO® computer! Your new computer is a superb blend of high technology and easy-to-use functionality. The information provided here is designed to help you to become familiar with the hardware and software applications included with your system.

View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.

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View the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's hardware specifications and preinstalled

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software information.

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Getting Started

Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio, video and information technology features.

Unpacking Your Computer

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Planning An Ergonomic Work Space

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Unpacking Your Computer

Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the system configuration you purchased. For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, see the online Specifications sheet.

Computer and supplied accessories (See the online specifications sheet for details about supplied accessories.)

Manuals

VAIO® Computer Quick Start — Provides basic information on setting up and registering your computer. The Quick

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Start also provides resources for technical support, safety guidelines and owner's information.

Microsoft® Windows® XP Guide — Explains how to use the basic features of the latest Windows operating system.

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Online Documentation

VAIO® Computer User Guide — Contains information on the hardware and preinstalled software applications

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included with your system.

To access the online manual:

Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.

From the VAIO Help And Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide.

Specifications — This online specification sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO

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computer.

To access this online information:

Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.

From the VAIO Help And Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide.

Click the Welcome link.

Locate the link in the text, "View the VAIO® Computer Specifications..."

Hard Disk Drive Recovery

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Your computer is equipped with a utility program that enables you to recover your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.

For more information about hard disk drive recovery:

Your VAIO® computer is not supplied with System or Application Recovery CDs. Use the VAIO Recovery utility to recover your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.

Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, then click Help and Support.

From the VAIO Help And Support Center menu, click VAIO Recovery Options.

Other

Software Library containing the Microsoft software license agreement and Sony end-user license agreement.

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Planning An Ergonomic Work Space

Before you set up your new computer, find the best location for your new computer and plan your work space. There are several ergonomic factors to consider when you arrange your work space:

Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral

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equipment.

Ventilation — Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides of your computer to enable proper

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ventilation.

Placement of the keyboard, mouse, and other input devices — Place your keyboard, mouse, and other input

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devices so that your arms and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The keyboard should be directly in front of you. Adjust the level of the keyboard so that your lower arms are parallel to the floor. Keep your wrists in a relaxed position when you are using the keyboard—not angled up or down. Use the palmrest only briefly, for resting. While typing, never use the palmrest or rest your hands on the table. Position the mouse at the same level as the keyboard. Hold the mouse with a relaxed hand, and use your whole arm to move it. Take breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the mouse or a joystick may strain muscles or tendons.

Furniture and posture — Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your

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feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit with relaxed, upright posture—avoid slouching forward or leaning far backward.

Viewing angle of the display — Position the display 18 to 26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the

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screen at or a little below eye level. Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by placing the display in the proper position.

Lighting — Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use

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indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

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Locating Controls And Ports

This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports and jacks on your computer. Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features and the location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section. To view the specific connection capabilities for your system, see the online specifications sheet.

About the Front Panel

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About the Back Panel

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About the Keyboard

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About the Front Panel

The front panel of your VAIO® Computer enables access to the optical and floppy disk drives. It also includes access to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and i.LINK® ports that enable you to connect compatible peripheral devices.

Front panel

1 Optical drive 1

See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.

2 Optical drive 2

See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.

3 Floppy disk drive

Reads and writes data from and to a 3.5-inch floppy disk.

4 Floppy disk drive access indicator

Light is green while reading and writing data from and to a floppy disk.

5 Power button

The power button turns the computer on/off.

6 Standby indicator

Light is amber when the computer is in Stand by mode.

7 i.LINK 4-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394)

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Connection for a compatible digital device.

8 Optical drive 1 eject button

Ejects a disc from Optical drive 1.

9 Optical drive 2 eject button

Ejects a disc from Optical drive 2.

10 Floppy disk eject button

Ejects a floppy disk.

11 Power indicator (VAIO)

Light is blue when the computer is on. The light turns off when the computer is in Standby mode or turned off.

12 Hard disk drive and optical disc drive access indicator

Light is amber while reading and writing data.

13 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (2)

Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.

For your convenience, your computer includes USB and i.LINK ports on both the front and back panels. The 4-pin i.LINK port is located on the front panel and the 6-pin i.LINK port is located on the back.

Additional information

Your computer is equipped with two optical disc drives that have a drive eject button on the drive door.

After pushing the eject button, wait for the drive to stop reading the CD. It may take a few moments for the drive

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tray to eject.

Gently push the drive tray in, when closing the optical drive door. Do not force the door or handle roughly.

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After closing the drive door, wait a few moments for the drive to begin reading the CD.

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About the Back Panel

The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports and jacks on your computer.

Your system may vary based on the configuration you purchased.

Back panel (PCV-RS320 series model)

1 AC Input port

Connection for the supplied power cord.

2 Mouse port

Connection for a PS/2® mouse.

3 Keyboard port

Connection for a PS/2® keyboard.

4 Printer port

Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.

5 Monitor port1

Connection for a standard display.

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6 i.LINK 6-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394)

Connection for a compatible digital device.

7 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (4)

Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.

8 Microphone jack

Connection for a microphone (optional).

Headphones jack

Connection for the supplied speakers or optional headphones.

Line In jack

Connection for an audio device.

9 Monitor (DVI) port2

Connection for a DVI monitor.

10 Telephone jack

Connection for a telephone cable (optional) to the computer.

11 Modem line jack

Connection for the modem cable to the wall jack.

12 Speaker DC Out jack3

Connection for the speaker power cable.

13 S/P DIF Optical Out port

Connection for a digital audio or optical device.

14 Ethernet port

Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet interface. (The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)

15 Monitor port4

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Connection for a standard display.

O n s ome models , this monitor port may have a cover and is not available for us e.

A DV I monitor port is available on selected models only.

T he speaker DC out jack is us ed to provide power to audio stereo speakers. A udio stereo speakers whic h require a s peaker power cable may be purchased

separately.

O n s ome models , the monitor port may be in a different location.

Back Panel (PCV-RS310 series model)

1 AC Input port

Connection for the supplied power cord.

2 Mouse port

Connection for a PS/2® mouse.

3 Keyboard port

Connection for a PS/2® keyboard.

4 Ethernet port

Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet interface. (The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)

5 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (2)

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Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.

6 Monitor port

Connection for a display.

7 Printer port

Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.

8 i.LINK 6-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394)

Connection for a compatible digital device.

9 Serial port

Connection for a compatible serial device, such as a digital still camera.

10 Headphones jack

Connection for the supplied speakers or optional headphones.

Line In jack

Connection for an audio device.

Microphone jack

Connection for a microphone (optional).

11 Telephone jack

Connection for a telephone cable (optional) to the computer.

12 Modem line jack

Connection for the modem cable to the wall jack.

i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.

Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting compatible i.LINK devices to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive, confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.

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About the Keyboard

Your VAIO® keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.

VAIO Keyboard

KEY DESCRIPTION

Function The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform certain tasks. The task

associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next.

Volume Control Press a button to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume of the speakers.

Mute Press the button to turn off the volume of the speaker. Press the Mute button again to restore

sound.

Standby Press the button to place the computer in Standby mode. Press the Power button or any key briefly, to resume normal operation.

Numeric keypad Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations. Press the Num Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (The Num Lock indicator lights.) Press the Num Lock key again to deactivate the numeric keypad.

Directional Arrows The Up, Down, Left, and Right arrow keys move the pointer on the screen.

Applications

The Applications key displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications. Pressing this key

is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button.

Windows

The key with the Microsoft® Windows® logo, displays the Start menu. Pressing this key is

equivalent to clicking Start on the taskbar.

INDICATORS FUNCTION

Num Lock The Num Lock indicator lights when the numeric keypad is activated. When the indicator is off, the directional

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arrow and correction keys on the numeric keypad area are active. Caps Lock The Caps Lock indicator lights up to advise you that the keyboard is set to type letters in uppercase. When the indicator is off, the letters appear in lower case as you type. Scroll Lock The Scroll Lock indicator lights up to advise you that your screen's scrolling pattern has changed. When the indicator is off, the screen scrolls normally. This function is not available with all software applications.

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Setting Up Your Computer

Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described in the section. The location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown. See the online specifications sheet for your system's specific hardware configuration.

Connecting a Display (Monitor)

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Connecting the Speakers

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Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse

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Connecting the Telephone and Modem Cables

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Connecting the Power Cords

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Turning On Your Computer

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Registering your Computer

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Connecting a Display (Monitor)

Plug the display's cable into the monitor port. If necessary, plug the display's cable into the back of the display.

To connect a display (PCV-RS310 series model)

Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency.

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Connecting the Speakers

The right and left speakers are attached. The right speaker has a speaker wire that ends in a jack connector and an AC power cord that supplies power to both speakers.

From the right speaker, plug the jack connector into the Headphones jack located on the back panel of your computer.

From the right speaker, insert the AC adapter plug into a grounded AC wall outlet or surge supressor.

To connect the speakers (PCV-RS310 series model)

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Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse

Plug the keyboard cable into the keyboard port on the back of the computer.

Plug the mouse cable into the mouse port on the back of the computer.

To connect the keyboard and mouse (PCV-RS310 series model)

To use an optical mouse

An optical mouse requires an ideal surface texture in order to provide precision pointing and tracking.

Use surfaces such as plain paper, card stock, or fabric that have minimal repetitive patterning.

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Avoid surfaces such as mirrors, smooth glass, or magazines that have half- tone printing.

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Connecting the Telephone and Modem Cables

Unplug your telephone from the wall jack and plug its cable into the telephone jack located on the back panel of your computer.

Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the modem line jack located on the back panel of your computer

Plug the other end of the modem cable into the wall jack.

To connect the telephone and modem cables (PCV-RS310 series model)

Your computer has a protective sticker covering the Ethernet port located on the rear panel. Connect only 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port. Using other cables or a telephone cable may result in an electric current overload that can cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the Ethernet port. For help on connecting to a network, see your network administrator.

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Connecting the Power Cords

Plug the power cord connector into the AC Input port, located on the back panel of the computer.

Plug both the display and computer power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip.

To connect the power cords (PCV-RS310 series model)

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Turning On Your Computer

When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect new equipment and display a dialog box that prompts you to restart your computer. Respond to this prompt immediately.

Press the power button on the computer to turn on the power.

Press the power button on the display to turn on the power.

Press the power button, located on the side of the right speaker, to turn on the power.

To turn on your computer

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Registering your Computer

Take advantage of Sony's commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering your computer:

Sony Customer Support — Communicate with a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be

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having with your computer.

Limited warranty — Protect your investment. See the Limited Warranty Card for more details.

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You are prompted to register your computer the first time you turn on the unit. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process. If you are not able to register your computer during the first session, you are provided with additional registration opportunities later.

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VAIO Software Tutorials

Your new VAIO® computer has audio and video software that makes it easy for you to create and edit videos, still images, and music files. This section describes your VAIO multimedia software.

Depending on the system configuration purchased, your computer may not include all of the software described in this section.

Your computer's visual presentation of the VAIO AV applications may vary from those shown in this manual.

Multimedia Overview

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About Recordable CD and DVD Media and Playback Equipment

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Copying Data to Recordable CD and DVD media

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Using Drag'n Drop CD+DVD Software

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Using RecordNow Software

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Using Click to DVD Software

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About Recording and Playing Music

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Using SonicStage Software

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Using SonicStage Mastering Studio Software

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About Still Images (Photos)

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Using PictureGear Studio Software

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About Preinstalled Image-editing Software

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About Video Editing

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Using DVgate Plus Software

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Using DVgate Software

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About Networks

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Using VAIO Media Software

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Using Network Smart Capture Software

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Multimedia Overview

The preinstalled multimedia software give you a wide range of creative capability, such as:

Listening to music

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Creating music CDs

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Copying music from CDs and put them on your computer

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Transferring music from your computer to different external devices

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Viewing and editing your still images

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Creating calendars, labels, and different art with your still images

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Saving your pictures into binders, albums, or onto the Web

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Saving your pictures onto CDs or DVDs

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Creating interactive DVDs

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Backing up data on CDs or DVDs

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Editing your video content

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Saving your video content onto DVDs

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Sharing your multimedia between computers and across networks

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Unauthorized duplication of audio or video files is a violation of applicable laws.

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About Recordable CD and DVD Media and Playback Equipment

Selecting the appropriate CD or DVD media

The following section is intended as general information for using your DVD-RW or DVD±RW drive with appropriate CD or DVD media. You can find suggestions for selecting blank recording media, understanding different disc formats, and identifying compatible playback equipment.

If your VAIO computer does not have a recordable optical drive, you cannot create CDs or DVDs.

This table can help you identify the appropriate media to use with your recordable optical drive.

Drive Type Video and Data DVD Music and Data CDs

DVD-R

for General DVD-RW DVD+R DVD+RW CD-R CD-RW

DVD-RW Yes Yes No No Yes Yes

DVD±RW Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Recordable CD and DVD media types

DVD-R for General — DVD Recordable media for general use, also known as DVD-R(G), can be written to one time

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only and cannot be erased. You can use your DVD-RW or DVD±RW drives to write data to a DVD-R disc until the disc is full, but you cannot erase or overwrite any existing data. Certain software applications and disc formatting might permit the addition of information to a DVD-R disc that already contains data. DVD-R for General media is appropriate for both video and data DVD burning.

DVD-R for general media is not the same as DVD-R for Authoring media. DVD-R for Authoring discs are a special media made for commercial DVD production and equipment.

DVD-RW — DVD Rewritable media can be written to, erased, and written to again. Using this media with your

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DVD-RW or DVD±RW drives, you can record information to the same disc repeatedly, however, you must erase existing data on the disc before each recording session. Certain software applications and disc formatting might permit the addition of information to a DVD-RW disc that already contains data. DVD-RW media is appropriate for both video and data DVD burning.

DVD+R — DVD+R Recordable media can be written to once and cannot be erased. You can use your DVD-RW or

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DVD±RW drives to write data to a DVD+R disc until the disc is full, but cannot erase or overwrite any existing data. DVD+R media is appropriate for both video and data DVD burning.

DVD+RW — DVD+RW Rewritable media can be written to, erased, and written to again. Using this media with your



DVD-RW or DVD±RW drive, you can record information to the same disc repeatedly, however, you must erase existing data on the disc before each recording session. Certain software applications and disc formatting might permit the addition of information to a DVD+RW disc that already has data on it. DVD+RW media is appropriate for both video and data DVD burning.

CD-R — CD Recordable media can be written to once and cannot be erased. Certain software applications and disc



formatting might permit the addition of information to a CD-R disc that already has data on it. CD-R media is appropriate for both music and data CD burning.

CD-RW — CD Rewritable media can be written to, erased, and written to again. Certain software applications and



disc formatting might permit the addition of information to a CD-RW disc that already has data on it. CD-RW media is appropriate for music and data CD burning.

Incompatible DVDs and CDs

You cannot use these CD or DVD media for recording data or music:

CD-ROM (compact disc read-only media)

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DVD-R for Authoring

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DVD-RAM

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DVD-ROM

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Media compatibility with different equipment varies between manufacturers. If you experience difficulty with recording data or playing a disc, try a different disc or a different brand of media.

Additional Information

CD and DVD format is Universal Disk Format (UDF) with Joliet. UDF is a file system standard. Joliet is an extension to



the ISO 9660 standard, which enables CDs and DVDs to use long filenames and Unicode characters in a Windows operating system environment.

A DVD-ROM drive cannot record data to a CD or DVD. A DVD-ROM drive cannot read multi-border and multi-session



discs.

DVD+R and DVD-R drives cannot read appended data.

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About Recordable CD and DVD Media and Playback Equipment

Selecting the appropriate CD or DVD media

If your VAIO computer does not have a recordable optical drive, you cannot create CDs or DVDs.

This table can help you identify the appropriate media to use with your recordable optical drive.

Drive Type Video and Data DVD Music and Data CDs

DVD-R

for General DVD-RW DVD+R DVD+RW CD-R CD-RW

DVD-RW Yes Yes No No Yes Yes

DVD±RW Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Recordable CD and DVD media types

DVD-R for General — DVD Recordable media for general use, also known as DVD-R(G), can be written to one time



DVD-R for general media is not the same as DVD-R for Authoring media. DVD-R for Authoring discs are a special media made for commercial DVD production and equipment.

DVD-RW — DVD Rewritable media can be written to, erased, and written to again. Using this media with your



DVD+R — DVD+R Recordable media can be written to once and cannot be erased. You can use your DVD-RW or



DVD±RW drives to write data to a DVD+R disc until the disc is full, but cannot erase or overwrite any existing data. DVD+R media is appropriate for both video and data DVD burning.

DVD+RW — DVD+RW Rewritable media can be written to, erased, and written to again. Using this media with your



CD-R — CD Recordable media can be written to once and cannot be erased. Certain software applications and disc



formatting might permit the addition of information to a CD-R disc that already has data on it. CD-R media is appropriate for both music and data CD burning.

CD-RW — CD Rewritable media can be written to, erased, and written to again. Certain software applications and



disc formatting might permit the addition of information to a CD-RW disc that already has data on it. CD-RW media is appropriate for music and data CD burning.

Incompatible DVDs and CDs

You cannot use these CD or DVD media for recording data or music:

CD-ROM (compact disc read-only media)

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DVD-R for Authoring

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DVD-RAM

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DVD-ROM

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Media compatibility with different equipment varies between manufacturers. If you experience difficulty with recording data or playing a disc, try a different disc or a different brand of media.

Additional Information

CD and DVD format is Universal Disk Format (UDF) with Joliet. UDF is a file system standard. Joliet is an extension to



the ISO 9660 standard, which enables CDs and DVDs to use long filenames and Unicode characters in a Windows operating system environment.

A DVD-ROM drive cannot record data to a CD or DVD. A DVD-ROM drive cannot read multi-border and multi-session



discs.

DVD+R and DVD-R drives cannot read appended data.

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About Compatible Playback Equipment

Compatibility between CD or DVD media and playback equipment may vary.

Not all DVD players can play back video DVDs created on your computer.

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Some DVD players can play back DVD-R(G) media, but are incompatible with DVD-RW media.

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Some DVD players can only read certain brands of DVD-R or DVD-RW media.

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Some older computer CD-ROM drives cannot read data CD-R and CD-RW discs.

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Some older computer DVD-ROM drives cannot read certain DVD discs.

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Determining equipment, media, and format compatibility

This table provides general information to help you determine the appropriate media formats and equipment for playing different media. For specific information about product compatibility, see the documentation supplied with the specific media and equipment.

Playback Equipment

Media and Format Compatibility

Video DVD Music CD Data DVD Data CD

Computer DVD drive Varies Yes Varies Yes

Computer CD drive No Yes No Yes

DVD player Varies Varies No No

Audio CD player No Varies No Varies

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Copying Data to Recordable CD and DVD media

You can copy files to recordable media, using your computer's CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW drive. For detailed information on your system's hardware configuration, see the specification sheet.

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