Sony PCV-RS724G User Guide

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing a 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 programs included with your computer.

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

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Go to the Sony online support Web site, to view the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's

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hardware specifications and preinstalled software information.

For information about the Sony software preinstalled on your computer, click Start in the Windows® taskbar, and

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then click Welcome to VAIO life.

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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 purchased. For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, go to http://www.sony.com/pcsupport, to view the online specifications sheet.

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.

Computer and supplied accessories

* This item is not supplied with all VAIO® computer models.

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder accessories (For models equipped with Giga Pocket features)

Online Documentation

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

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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.

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Specifications — The online specifications sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO

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computer.

To view the online specifications sheet:

Connect to the Internet.

Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

Click the Documentation button and follow the on-screen instructions to locate your model's specifications sheet.

VAIO® Software — Provides specific information on the preinstalled software on your computer.

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To access this online software information:

Click Start in the Windows® taskbar.

Click Welcome to VAIO life.

Hard Disk Drive Recovery

Your computer is equipped with the VAIO Recovery Wizard, a utility program that recovers your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.

For online information about hard disk recovery:

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

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

You can create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit using CD-R, single layer DVD+R, or single layer DVD-R media on VAIO computers equipped with the appropriate optical drive (a CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW drive).

DVD+RW, DVD-RW, double layer DVD+R, and double layer DVD-R media (when it becomes available) cannot be used to create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit.

Other

A software library, containing the Microsoft® software and Sony® end-user license agreements.

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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 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. See the specifications sheet for your computer on the Sony online support Web site at

http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

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 Remote Control

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About the i.LINK Port

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About the Front Panel

The front panel of your VAIO® Computer enables access to drives, memory card readers, ports and jacks that enable you to connect compatible peripheral devices.Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features or accessories. The location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section.

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.

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6 Standby indicator

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

7 xD-Picture Card memory card reader

Reads and writes data from and to xD-Picture Card media.

8 CompactFlash® and Microdrive memory card reader

Reads and writes data from and to CompactFlash and Microdrive media.

9 Media access indicator1

Light is amber when reading or writing data

10 S-video In jack2

Connection for an S-video cable (optional).

Composite video In jack2

Connection for a video cable (optional).

Composite audio L In jack2

Connection for an audio cable (optional).

Composite audio R In jack2

Connection for an audio cable (optional).

11 Optical drive 1 eject button

Ejects a disc from Optical drive 1.

12 Optical drive 2 eject button

Ejects a disc from Optical drive 2.

13 Floppy disk eject button

Ejects a floppy disk.

14 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.

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15 Hard disk drive and optical disc drive access indicator

Light is amber while reading and writing data.

16 Memory Stick® memory card reader

Reads and writes data from and to Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro , and Memory Stick Duo media.

17 Secure Digital (SD)/MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory card reader

Reads and writes data from and to a Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC).

18 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports3

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

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

Connection for a compatible digital device.

T he media ac c ess indic ator lights when reading or writing data with the Sec ure Digital (SD), M emory Stic k®, xD-Picture C ard , or C ompac tFlash

/Microdrive s lots.

Not available on all models. See your online specifications s heet for details.

T he number of U SB ports may vary depending on the model purc has ed.

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 one or more 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 or DVD. It may take a few moments for the

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drive 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 or DVD.

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About the Back Panel

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

Your hardware configuration may vary based on the computer model purchased.

Back panel

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 port

Connection for a standard display.

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

Connection for a compatible digital device.

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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).

Front/Headphones jack

Connection for the supplied speakers (2-channel), front speakers (5.1 speaker system1), or optional headphones.

Line In jack

Connection for an audio device.

Woofer/Center jack2

Connection for a Sub-woofer3, control module, or Center speaker (5.1 speaker system1).

Rear jack

Connection for a rear speakers (5.1 speaker system1).

9 Monitor port4

Connection for a standard display.

10 Composite audio R In jack4

Connection for an audio cable (optional).

Composite audio L In jack4

Connection for an audio cable (optional).

Composite video In jack4

Connection for a video cable (optional).

S-video In jack4

Connection for an S-video cable (optional).

11 Modem line jack

Connection for an RJ-11 telephone cable (optional).

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12 Speaker DC Out jack

Connection for the speaker power cable (supplied 2-channel speakers).

13 S/PDIF 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 (DVI-D) port4

Connection for a DVI monitor.

16 TV Out (S-Video/video) jack4

Connection for an S-video cable (optional).

17 VHF/UHF port4

Connection for a TV coaxial cable (supplied).

C ertain V A IO c omputers that are configured to order (C T O ) may supply 5.1 s peakers as part of the ac c es sory package. See your computer's

specific ations s heet for details on s upplied ac c essories.

Speaker system c onnec tions vary by model and manufacturer. See the information supplied with your speaker system for setup information.

A sub-woofer is available with certain V A IO computer models. See your computer's s pec ific ation sheet for details about supplied access ories.

Not available on all models. For details about your computer's hardware configuration, see the online specifications s heet.

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.

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 speaker sound. 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

arrow and correction keys on the numeric keypad area are active.

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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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About the Remote Control

The remote control is supplied with VAIO® computers that are equipped with Giga Pocket® Personal Video Recorder features . The remote control can start and stop video recording and playback, select channels, and set viewing preferences. This section describes the basic functions of your remote control.

Remote control

1 MUTE button

Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound.

2 Channel number buttons (0-9)

Press to select specific channels.

(Press the ENTER button to activate channel selection.)

JUMP button

Press to go to the previous channel. Press again to return to the current channel.

ENTER button

Press to activate channel selection. See Channel number buttons.

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3 REC STOP button

Press to stop recording.

(Note: The REC STOP function is available for Giga Pocket software only.)

4 REC button

Press to begin recording.

(Note: The REC function is available for Giga Pocket software only.)

5 TV button

Press to change from the on-screen image to the TV/Recording deck.

VIDEO button

Press to start the Giga Pocket playback deck.

(Note: You cannot change the input source while recording.)

DVD button

Press to start the DVD player software program.

MUSIC button

Press to launch the SonicStage software.

HOME NETWORK button

Press to launch the VAIO Media.

6 Direction and ENTER buttons

Press a direction arrow to navigate. Press ENTER to select.

7 BACK button

Press to return to the previous screen.

(Note: This function is not available for Giga Pocket software.)

8 APPLICATION START button

Press to open a shortcut menu of software programs to start. Use the direction arrows to navigate to a specific software program and press the APPLICATION START button to select and start the program.

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9 VOLUME button

Press to raise or lower the volume.

10 STANDBY button

Press to place the system into Stand by mode.

(Note: You cannot place the computer into Stand by mode when certain Giga Pocket functions are running.)

11 AUDIO button

Press to view available sound mode options on the monitor/display.

TV/VIDEO button

Press to change the on-screen image from the TV/Recording deck to external video equipment, such as your VCR.

(Note: You cannot change the input source while recording.)

DISPLAY button

During DVD playback in full screen mode, press to show the settings window. When using Giga Pocket software, press to display the TV/Recording deck and playback deck screens. Press again to hide these views.

SIZE button1

Press to view the current software in full-screen size. Press again to return the view to its original size.

12 FUNCTION button

When using SonicStage software, press to change from the music drive (hard disk drive) to the CD.

13 REW and FF buttons

Press to rewind or fast-forward.

PREV and NEXT buttons

Press to move back to the previous screen or forward to the next screen.

STOP button

Press to stop playback.

PLAY button

Press to begin playback.

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PAUSE button

Press to pause playback.

14 MENU button

Press to view a shortcut menu of available options for a software program. Press again to hide this menu.

(Note: For the Giga Pocket software program, the Select A Cabinet window displays. Press the button again to hide this window.)

15 TOOLS button

The function of this button may vary between DVD media. See the DVD player software instructions for details.

16 APPLICATION CLOSE button

Press to view a shortcut menu of software programs to close. If more than one software program is open, use the direction arrows to navigate to a specific program and press the Application Close button again to close the program.

17 CHANNEL button

Press to change channels automatically (no number input required).

(Note: This function is available for Giga Pocket software only.)

T his func tion is available on s elected models.

For more details about the function buttons on your remote control, see the Giga Pocket software Help.

To set up the remote control

Insert two AA batteries (supplied) into the remote control as shown.

Inserting batteries into the remote control

If your remote control does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. When your remote control is not being used for extended periods of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

See the online specific ations s heet for information about your computer's hardware c onfiguration.

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About the i.LINK Port

Your VAIO® computer is equipped with a 4-pin and a 6-pin i.LINK® port. A 4-pin i.LINK port cannot supply power to a connected i.LINK device. A 6-pin i.LINK port can supply power (10V to 12V) to a connected i.LINK device, if the device is equipped with a 6-pin connector.

The total power supplied by the 6-pin i.LINK port does not exceed 6 watts.

Connecting an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) device

Use the symbol to locate the i.LINK port on your compatible i.LINK device and on your computer. Plug the i.LINK cable connector into this port.

Plug the other end of the cable into the corresponding 4- or 6-pin i.LINK port on your computer.

See the instructions supplied with your i.LINK device for more information on installation and use.

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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 specifications sheet for your computer on the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport for details on your computer's 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

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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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Turning Off Your Computer

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Connecting a Display (Monitor)

Plug the display's cable into the appropriate monitor port.

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

To connect a display

To connect a DVI display*

* T he DV I-D monitor port is not available on all V AIO® c omputer models.

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

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Connecting the Speakers

Your VAIO® computer is supplied with 2-channel speakers. Certain models are supplied with a 5.1 speaker systems1. For information about supplied accessories, go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport to view your computer's specifications sheet.

To connect the speakers (supplied)

The right and left speakers are attached. The right speaker has a speaker wire with 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, plug the AC power cord into a grounded AC wall outlet or surge suppressor.

To connect the speakers

Connecting 5.1 (6-Channel) Speaker Systems

Certain VAIO® computers that are configured-to-order (CTO), are supplied with a 5.1 speaker system, or you may wish to use your 5.1 (6-channel) speaker system. Speaker configuration can vary, depending on the speaker components used.

To set up the speakers with your computer:

Match the color of the mini stereo plugs (speaker system) to the color of the speaker jacks on the back panel of

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your computer.

Review the connection instructions provided with your speaker system, as the connection setup may vary.

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Audio jacks (computer back panel detail)

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Jack color Description/Connection

Orange Woofer/Center2 — Connect a Sub-woofer3, control module, or Center speaker (5.1 speaker system1).

Black Rear — Connect rear speakers (5.1 speaker system).

Red Microphone — Connection an optional microphone.

Green Front/Headphones — Connect the supplied speakers (2-channel), front speakers (5.1 speaker system), or

optional headphones.

Blue Line In — Connect an audio device.

C ertain V A IO c omputers that are configured-to-order (C T O ), may be supplied with a 5.1 speaker s ys tem. For details about setting up this type of s peaker

sys tem, s ee the information provided with the s ystem.

Speaker system c onnec tions vary by model and manufacturer. See the information supplied with your speaker system for setup information.

A sub-woofer is available with certain V A IO® c omputer models. See your c omputer's s pec ific ation s heet for details about supplied accessories .

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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

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Connecting the Telephone and Modem

Your computer is equipped with a single modem line jack to connect your installed modem with your telephone wall jack. To use your wall jack for both your telephone and modem lines, purchase an additional RJ-11 telephone cable and a "1-to-2" jack adapter device (splitter).

To connect the modem

Unplug your telephone from the wall jack.

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

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

To connect the telephone and modem

Unplug your telephone cable from the wall jack.

Insert the telephone's cable into one of the jacks on an optional "1-to-2" jack adapter device (splitter).

Insert one end of a second telephone cable (optional) into the other jack on the splitter device.

Insert the plug end of the splitter device into the wall jack.

Plug the second telephone cable into the modem line jack located on the back panel of the computer.

To connect the telephone and modem

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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 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

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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

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 computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process. If you are not able to register your computer during the first session, you can register your computer online at the Sony VAIO PC Registration Web site. Go to http://www.sony.com/vaioregistration.

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Turning Off Your Computer

Follow these steps when you are ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of time.

To avoid loss of data, do not use the Power button to turn off the computer.

To turn off your computer

Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, then select Turn Off Computer.

The Turn Off Computer dialog box appears.

Select the Turn Off option.

Respond to any prompts about saving your documents.

Wait for your computer to turn off automatically—the power indicator light turns off.

Turn off any peripheral devices connected to your computer.

If you plan to stop using your computer for a short period of time, use Stand by mode.

About the power button

If your computer stops responding, press and hold the Power button for more than six seconds to force your system to shut down. You may need to repeat this procedure if your computer does not shut down on the first attempt.

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