Sony PCV-RX581, PCV-RX570, PCV-RX554 Quick Start Guide

VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer QuickStart

Contents

Welcome.................................................................5

Features......................................................................................... 5

Unpacking Your Computer ............................................................ 8

To Choose an Ergonomic Location for your Computer................ 10

Setting Up Your

VAIO Digital Studio Computer............................11

To Set Up Your Computer ........................................................... 11

To Turn On Your Computer ......................................................... 16

To Register your Computer ......................................................... 17

To Set up your dial-up connection............................................... 17

To Use the Stand by Mode .......................................................... 19

To Use the System Hibernate Mode ............................................ 20

To Shut Down Your Computer .................................................... 21

About the Software on Your Computer .............23

Troubleshooting ..................................................29

Topics........................................................................................... 29

Notes on Use............................................................................... 40

For Answers to Your Software Questions.................................... 45

Resources ................................................................................... 48

Index .....................................................................49

VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart

Welcome

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

Features

VAIO® AV Applications

This suite of Sony original applications includes PictureGear™, Smart Capture, DVgate™, DigitalPrint, SonicStage, MovieShaker™, VisualFlow™, and Media Bar™ DVD Player. These software applications make it easy to use advanced multimedia techniques to develop your personal audio and video creations. Using the i.LINK ports, you can capture, view, and share both still and video images, then catalog everything for fast, easy storage and retrieval.

DVD-RW drive (Not available on all models)

This new optical storage technology provides increased storage capacity and a dynamic multimedia computing experience. Your state-of-the-art DVD-RW drive writes to DVD-R/DVD-RW and CD-R/CD-RW media, and plays your favorite DVDs and CDs. This drive also functions as the ideal solution for making backups and archiving data, with the ability to store up to 4.7 GB of data on a single DVD-R/DVD-RW media (You can store up to 650 MB of data on a single CD-R/CD-RW media). Save movies, videos and still images to share with family and friends.

DVD-ROM drive (Not available on all models)

This optical storage technology provides increased storage capacity and a rich multimedia computing experience. Your DVD-ROM drive plays both DVDs and CDs.

VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart

CD-RW drive (Not available on all models)

This drive is the ideal solution for making backups and archiving data, with the ability to store up to 650 MB of removable, rewritable storage on a single rewritable CD. Save your movies to CD-R or CD-RW media and share videos and images with family and friends.

CD-ROM drive (Not available on all models)

You can play your favorite audio and video CDs using this high-quality CDROM drive.

i.LINK® (IEEE1394) interface

Two built-in i.LINK ports, located on the front and rear panels, provide you with digital connection capability. The i.LINK name and logo identify a high-speed communication interface, which allows you to easily connect compatible digital camcorders.

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i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 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 PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive, confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.

VAIO S m art™ keyboard

This PS/2® keyboard has programmable shortcut buttons for launching your favorite programs or accessing the Internet.

Sony audio and video quality

Take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software with the Sony high-fidelity audio system, high-powered 3-D graphics, and “Sony-Tuned” MPEG digital video playback.

Features

Microsoft® Windows XP™ Home Edition operating system

Your system includes this latest consumer operating system from Microsoft.

Preinstalled software

All the software on your computer is preinstalled, configured, and ready for you to use right out of the box.

Communications

You have the choice of a variety of popular online services to browse the Internet, access e-mail, send faxes, and much more.

Exceptional performance

Your computer includes an Intel® processor, a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet interface, and a V.90 data/fax modem.

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Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features listed in this section. To view the specific hardware configuration for your system, see the Specifications sheet.

* Actual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions, ISP support, and gov-

ernment regulations.

VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart

Unpacking Your Computer

Computer and Supplied Accessories

Computer and accessories

Display (Sold separately)

System Unit

Speakers

Power Cord

Modem Cable

AC Adapter (Speaker)

Mouse

Keyboard

Manuals

VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer QuickStart — Contains information on

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unpacking and setting up your computer, supplementary updates, support information, and software information.

❑ The VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer User Guide is available

electronically on your computer’s hard drive. To access the online manual:

1 Click Start in the Windows Taskbar, then click VAIO Help and Support.

2 From the VAIO Help and Support menu, click VAIO User Guide.

Safety Information — Provides safety and legal information about your

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VAIO computer.

Unpacking Your Computer

Specifications — Describes the hardware and physical configurations of

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your VAIO computer.

Microsoft® Windows XP™ Home Edition Quick Start Guide — Explains

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how to use the basic features of the Windows® operating system.

Recovery CDs

System Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to restore the software that shipped

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with your computer if it becomes corrupted or is erased. System Recovery CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you purchased.

Application Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to reinstall individual

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applications if they become corrupted or are erased.

Driver Recovery CD — Enables you to restore device drivers if they

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become corrupted or are erased.

Software Library

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

VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart

To Choose an Ergonomic Location for your Computer

Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer.

Planning your workspace

Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support

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the computer and other peripheral equipment.

Ve n t il a t i o n — Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides

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of your computer to enable proper ventilation.

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

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your keyboard, mouse, and other input 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

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armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your 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

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directly in front of you, with the top of the 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

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and reflection on the display. Use 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.

Setting Up Your VAIO

Setting Up Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer

Digital Studio Computer

Your computer has many new and exciting features. This section contains

Your computer has many new and exciting features. This section contains information on setting up your computer and peripheral devices.

information on setting up your computer and peripheral devices.

To Set Up Your Computer

This section illustrates how to set up your computer and install peripheral

This section illustrates how to set up your computer and install peripheral devices.

devices.

Connecting a CRT display (monitor)

1 Plug the display cable into the Monitor port.

2 If necessary, plug the display cable into the rear of the display.

Connecting a CRT display

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

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

emergency.

VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart

HEADPHONES

Connecting the speakers

1 Plug the cable attached to the left speaker into the L Out jack on the back of

the right speaker.

2 Plug the cable attached to the right speaker into the Headphones jack.

3 Plug the jack end of the AC adapter cord into the DC In jack on the back of

the right speaker and plug the other end into a grounded AC wall outlet or power strip.

Connecting the speakers

ERIA

To Set Up Your Computer

PRINTER

i.LINK S400

KEYBOARD

MOUSE

USB NETWORK

ACT

LINK

Connecting the keyboard and mouse

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

2 Plug the mouse cable into the Mouse port.

Connecting the keyboard and mouse

VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart

LINE

TELEPHONE

MONITOR

Connecting the modem cable and power cords

1 Unplug your phone’s cable from the wall jack, and plug it into the Telephone

jack on the computer.

2 Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Line jack on the computer, and

then plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack.

Connecting the phone and modem cables

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 and can cause a malfunction, excessive heat or fire in the port. For help on connecting to a network, see your network administrator.

To Set Up Your Computer

KEYBOARD

MOUSE

PRINTER

HEADPHONES

LINE IN

USB NETWORK

ACT

LINK

i.LINK S400

3 Plug the power cord into the back of the computer.

4 Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a

power strip.

Connecting the power cords

SERIAL

VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart

To Turn On Your Computer

Turning on your computer

1 Press the power switch on the computer to turn on the power.

2 Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power.

3 Press the power switch on the right speaker to turn on the power.

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When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect new equipment and display a dialog box that asks you to restart your computer. Please respond to this request immediately.

To turn on your computer

To Register 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

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to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.

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

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more details.

You are prompted to register your computer the first time you turn on the unit. Follow

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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.

To Set Up Your Dial-up Connection

The first time you turn your computer on, follow these steps to set up your dial-up connection:

1 Click Start from the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.

2 Point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click New

Connection Wizard. The Location Information window appears.

Location Information window

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