Sony PCV-W20 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.
View the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's hardware specifications and preinstalled
software information, such as descriptions and contact 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
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
Handling the system unit
Manuals
VAIO® Computer Quick Start — Provides basic information on setting up and registering your computer. The Quick
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.
Online Documentation
VAIO® Computer User Guide — Contains information on the hardware and preinstalled software applications
included with your system.
To access the online User Guide:
1.
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2.
From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide.
Specifications — This online specifications sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO
computer. To view this online information:
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1.
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2.
From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide.
3.
Click the Welcome link. The Welcome page displays in the right-side frame.
4.
Locate the link in the text, "View the VAIO® Computer Specifications..."
Recovery CDs
System Recovery CD(s) — Restore the software applications that shipped with your computer if they become
corrupted or are erased. The supplied System Recovery CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of this Sony
computer.
Application Recovery CD(s) — Reinstalls individual software applications or drivers if they become corrupted or are
erased.
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
equipment.
Ventilation—Leave at least eight inches of space on both sides of your computer and at least 5 inches of clearance
for the back.
Placement of the mouse and other input devices—Place your computer, mouse, or other input devices so that your
arms and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The computer's keyboard should be directly in front of you.
Keep your wrists in a relaxed position when you are using the keyboard—not angled up or down. 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 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 unit so that the display is 18 to 26 inches 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 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.
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Locating Controls And Ports
This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports and jacks that are available on your computer. To view
the specific hardware configuration for your system, see the online specifications sheet.
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.
About the Front Panel
About the Side Panels
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About the Front Panel
The front panel of your VAIO® computer is equipped with built-in stereo speakers and indicator lights.
Opening the computer
Front panel
1 Stereo speakers (built-in)
The stereo speakers provide sound for software, audio and video CDs.
2 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen
The attached LCD screen provides on-screen visual output to your computer's functional capabilities.
3 Memory Stick® media access indicator
Light is amber when the Memory Stick media slot is in use.
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4 CD-RW/DVD combo drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the combo drive.
5 Power button
Turns the computer on and off.
6 Hard disk drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk..
7 Power indicator
Light is green while the power is on and amber when the computer is in Stand by mode.
8 Shortcut Keys (S Keys)
Programmable function keys that launch specific applications.
9 Keyboard
The attached keyboard has programmable buttons for launching your favorite software applications or accessing the
Internet.
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About the Side Panels
The side panels of your computer contain the connections for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the side
panels help to locate and identify the connections on your computer.
Right panel
1 Headphones jack
Connection for optional speakers or headphones.
2 Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
3 Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone (optional).
4 Modem line jack
Connection for the modem (supplied) cable to the wall jack.
5 Telephone jack
Connection for a telephone cable (optional) to the computer.
6 i.LINK 4-pin S400 ports (2)
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Connections for i.LINK compatible digital devices (IEEE 1394).
7 CD-RW/DVD combo drive eject button
Ejects a disc from the combo drive.
8 Ethernet port
Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
9 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (3)
Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
10 CD-RW/DVD combo drive
Reads data from compatible CD or DVD media. Writes data to a CD-R or CD-RW media.
11 PC Card slots (2)
A PC Card, also called a PCMCIA Card, can be inserted into these slots to increase your computer's functional capabilities.
Left panel
1 Brightness control dial
Adjusts the contrast and brightness of the built-in LCD monitor.
2 Volume control dial
Increases or decreases the speaker volume.
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3 Memory Stick® media slot
Reads and writes data from a Memory Stick media.
4 AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
Page 11
Setting Up Your Computer
You can set up your system quickly and easily with the instructions provided in this section. For details on your system's
hardware configuration, see the online specifications sheet.
Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency.
Connecting a USB Optical Mouse
Connecting the Telephone and Modem Cables
Connecting the Power Cord
Turning on Your Computer
Registering your Computer
Setting Up your Dial-up Connection
Turning Off your Computer
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Connecting a USB Optical Mouse
1.
Plug the USB optical mouse connector into the USB mouse port, located on the right panel of your computer.
2.
Place the optical mouse on an appropriate surface to enable precision tracking.
To connect a USB mouse
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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.
Avoid surfaces such as mirrors, smooth glass, or magazines that have half- tone printing.
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Connecting the Telephone and Modem Cables
1.
Unplug your telephone cable from the wall jack.
2.
Plug the telephone cable into the telephone jack on the right panel of your computer.
3.
Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the modem line jack on the computer.
4.
Plug the other end of the modem cable into the wall jack.
To connect the telephone 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 that can cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port. For
help on connecting to a network, see your network administrator.
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Connecting the Power Cord
1.
Plug the power cord into the AC input port on the left panel of the computer.
2.
Plug the power cord into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip.
To connect the power cord
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Turning on Your Computer
Initially when you start your system, the computer may detect new hardware and prompt you to restart your computer.
Respond to this prompt immediately.
Press the power button on the computer to turn on the system.
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
having with your computer.
Limited warranty — Protect your investment. See the Warranty Card for more details.
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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Setting 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
3.
Enter in your information as requested. Click OK. The Phone and Modem Options window appears.
Phone and Modem Options window
4.
Click to select your dialing location and then click OK. The New Connection Wizard appears.
New Connection Wizard window
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5.
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your dial-up connection.
Page 20
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.
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To turn off your computer
1.
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Turn Off Computer.
The Turn Off Computer dialog box appears.
2.
Select the Turn Off option.
Respond to any prompts about saving your documents.
3.
Wait for your computer to turn off automatically—the power indicator light turns off.
4.
Turn off any peripheral devices connected to your computer.
If you plan to turn off your computer for a short period of time, you may want to use Stand by mode instead.
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About the power button
If your system 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 system does not shut down on the first attempt.
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Configuring Your VAIO Computer
This section provides basic information about managing your computer's hard disk drive performance, using i.LINK devices,
Memory Stick media, PC Cards, and changing default settings.
About Your Hard Disk Drive
About i.LINK Compatibility
About the Memory Stick Media Slot
About the PC Card Slot
VAIO Action Setup
Page 24
About Your Hard Disk Drive
To improve the performance of Sony audio and video software applications, the hard disk drive on your computer has been
formatted with two partitions, C and D. Some Sony software applications save files to the drive D partition. This prevents
large video captures from consuming the available space on your drive C partition.
To maintain optimum system performance, you should defragment your computer's D partition regularly.
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Defragmenting your hard disk drive
If you encounter frame dropping while recording digital video onto your hard disk drive, defragmentation may be
necessary.
1.
Deactivate your screen saver and close other open applications, if applicable.
2.
Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.
3.
Point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then select Disk Defragmenter.
The Disk Defragment dialog box appears.
4.
Verify that drive D is selected.
5.
Select Action from the menu bar and click Analyze.
It may take a long time to complete the defragmentation process, depending on the data capacity and current
utilization of your computer's hard disk drive(s).
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About i.LINK Compatibility
Your VAIO computer has two 4-pin i.LINK ports available to connect your digital devices. A 4-pin i.LINK port does not supply
power to a connected device.
The following i.LINK 400 Mbps cables are available and recommended for use with your computer: VMC-IL4415,
VMC-IL4435, VMC-IL4615, and VMC-IL6615.
Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from Sony VAIO Direct through the Web site at
http://vaio.sonystyle.com or the
toll-free number, 1-888-315-7669.
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.
Page 27
Connecting an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) device
1.
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.
2.
Plug the other end of the cable into the corresponding 4-pin i.LINK port on your computer.
See the instructions that came with your i.LINK device for more information on installation and use.
To connect a 4-pin i.LINK device
Page 28
About the Memory Stick Media Slot
Your VAIO® computer is configured to support Memory Stick® media. A Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and
versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with similarly equipped devices.
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To insert a Memory Stick media
1.
Insert the Memory Stick media into the Memory Stick media slot, located on the left panel.
Inserting a Memory Stick media
2.
If the media does not insert easily, remove it from the slot and verify that it is not upside-down or backwards.
Carefully reinsert the Memory Stick media, but do not force it into the slot.
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