Sony VAIO PCG-N505SN User Manual

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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
PCG-N505SN
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Notice to Users
©
2000 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval.
Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information contained herein or to use thereof.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.
Sony, DVgate, i.LINK
TM
, Mavica, PictureGear, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windows and the Windows 98 logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel, MMX, Celeron and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Safety Information
Owner’s Record
The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony Notebook Computer. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call VAIO­Link. Serial number:________________________ Model number:
PCG-N505SN
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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WARNING
Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your Sony Notebook Computer to rain or moisture.
Never install modem or telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations
Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.
Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
Avoid using the modem during an electrical storm.
Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC-adapter.
Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
Regulatory Information
This product conforms to the following European Directives: 73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive) 89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC Directives) 93/68/EEC (CE Marking Directive)
This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 50082-1 for use in following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 metres (9.8 feet)
As an E
NERGY STAR
Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the E
NERGY STAR
guidelines
for energy efficiency.
The International E
NERGY STAR
Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.
E
NERGY STAR
is an U.S. registered
mark.
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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DISPOSAL
OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY
!
Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly.
!
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions (see below).
!
The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above 100°C (212°F) or incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly.
!
Keep away from children.
!
Your notebook is equipped with an internal backup memory battery. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link.
Disposal of Lithium ion batteries
Dispose of properly at end-of-life. In some areas the disposal of lithiu
m
ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited. Please use the public collection system.
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Contents
Welcome
About the User Guides ..........................................................................8
Unpacking Your Notebook Computer............................................. 10
Ergonomic Considerations................................................................. 11
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors.............................................. 13
Connecting a Power Source ............................................................... 17
Starting Your Computer..................................................................... 22
Shutting Down Your Computer........................................................ 23
Registering Your Computer............................................................... 24
Using the Keyboard ............................................................................ 25
Using the Touchpad............................................................................ 32
Using the Floppy Disk Drive..............................................................33
CD-ROM Drive .................................................................................... 36
Using PC Cards.................................................................................... 37
Using a Programmable Power Key (PPK) ...................................... 40
Using Smart Connect .......................................................................... 42
Using Infrared Communication Devices ......................................... 43
Using Power Saving Modes............................................................... 45
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Connecting peripheral devices
PC card modem*.................................................................................. 48
i.LINK™ Port Replicator .................................................................... 50
Printer.................................................................................................... 53
External Display .................................................................................. 55
Desktop Computer or Serial Device................................................. 57
Memory Sticks™.................................................................................. 60
i.LINK™ device ................................................................................... 61
MiniDisc® deck with MD Player ...................................................... 63
External Speakers ................................................................................ 65
External Microphone .......................................................................... 66
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device.................................................... 67
Getting Help
About Sony’s Support Options ..........................................................68
Troubleshooting................................................................................... 70
Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs........................................... 82
Notes on Use
Placing a key top.................................................................................. 86
Other precautions................................................................................ 87
Specifications .....................................................................93
Index ..................................................................................96
Welcome
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO Notebook Computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing. Here are just some of the features your Sony Notebook Computer has to offer (read the details in the Specifications chapter of this guide).
Exceptional performance
- Your PC includes a fast Intel® processor, a fast CD-
ROM drive and a PC card modem (depending on the model).
Portability
- The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC
power.
Sony audio and video quality
- A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.
Windows® 98 Second Edition
- Your system includes the latest operating system
from Microsoft.
Communications -
Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails,
browse the Internet...
Excellent customer support
- If you have any problem with your computer, you can contact VAIO-Link by telephone, fax or e-mail (see your Customer Service Guide for phone numbers and addresses). Before calling VAIO-Link, you may try to solve the problem by reading your User Guide (troubleshooting chapter) or the manuals and Help files for the peripherals or software.
Welcome
About the User Guides
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About the User Guides
Your Documentation Pack contains paper and on-line user guides on a Documentation CD-ROM:
Printed Documentation:
A
Setting Up
poster in colour and a
Getting Started
brochure; a
Customer
Guide
, where you will find all the basic information to start using your Notebook
Computer;
A complete Regulatory and safety information poster;
Your Sony Guarantee conditions.
On-line Documentation:
1
This User Guide:
Using Your Sony Notebook Computer
shows you how to use the standard
components of your system.
Connecting Peripheral Devices
explains how you can add functionality by
connecting various peripherals.
Getting Help
explains the support options available to you, and offers basic
troubleshooting tips.
Notes on Use
provides facts and advice about using your notebook computer.
Specifications
provides details of your computer, drivers and accessories.
2
Refer to your
Software Guide
for information on the bundled software and the
Sony applications:
* Depending on the model, the on-line documentation could be supplied on a floppy disk.
Welcome
About the User Guides
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About the Software
is a short description of the features of the software pre-
installed on your system
Customizing your notebook
explains how to set your system and power management with Sony Notebook Setup, PPK Setup, PowerPanel, BatteryScope, etc. Learn how to set your display with NeoMagic
®
and enjoy the Dual Screen
Display option.
3
Consult the
On-line Help
files of the software you're using for detailed
information on features and troubleshooting.
Welcome
About the User Guides
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Unpacking Your Notebook Computer
Remove the following hardware items from the box:
*Depending on the type of Sony Notebook you have purchased, some accessories may be optional. However, you need to have these peripherals to enjoy some of the features described in this manual.
* Depending on the model, the on-line documentation could be supplied on a floppy disk.
*
*
Rechargeable battery pack
USB floppy disk drive
Product Recovery CD-ROMs
AC adapter
Power cord
PC card modem
Phone plug (country
specific)
Phone cable
Main unit
CD-ROM drive
i.LINK™ Port replicator
*
*
Documentation Pack
*
Welcome
About the User Guides
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Ergonomic Considerations
You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments:
Position of your computer –
Place the computer directly in front of you as you work. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.
Computer positioned directly in front of you
Arms at desk
level
Wrists relaxed and flat
Welcome
About the User Guides
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Furniture and posture –
Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.
Viewing angle of the computer’s display –
Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.
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.
Placement of an external display –
When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Using Your Notebook Computer
This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal devices, such as the touchpad, the disk drives and the battery...
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Right
Infrared port (page 43) Programmable power key
1
Power switch (page 22) PC card slot (page 37
)
1
324
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Left
i.LINKTM Port Replicator connector
(page 50
)
USB connector (page 67)
DC In (page 17)
m
Microphone connector (page 66)
S400 i.LINK
TM
connector (page 61)
i
Headphone connector (page 65)
AC adapter mains connector and power cord: hazardous voltage, according to EN 60950.
All other connectors for this notebook are SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN 60950.
1 4
2 5
3
6
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Front
LCD screen (page 30) Power indicator (page 22) Num Lock indicator (page 29) Touchpad (page 32)
Speaker connectors Battery indicator (page 28) Caps Lock indicator (page 29) Left/right buttons (page 32)
Microphone Information indicator Scroll Lock indicator (page 29)
Speaker Hard disk drive indicator (page 28) Keyboard (page 25)
1
5
9
13
2
6
10
14
3 7
11
4
8
12
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Back
Bottom
Battery connector (page 18)
Battery release lever (page 18
)
Reset switch
Battery lock lever (page 18
)
1
There is a ventilation slot located near the PC card slot. Do not cover the ventilation slot when your computer is on.
1 3
2
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
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Connecting a Power Source
You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.
Using the AC Adapter
1
Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the computer.
2
Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.
3
Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter.
To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
1
3
2
SELV according to EN 60950
Notebook computer
AC adapter
(supplied)
DC in
Power cord (hazardous voltage according to EN 60950) (supplied)
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
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Using Battery Power
You can use a battery pack as a source of power.
The PCGA-BP51 battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase. Follow the steps below to insert and charge the battery pack.
To insert the battery pack
1
Move the lock lever on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.
2
Align the grooves and tabs on the battery with the tabs and notches on the back of the computer, and then slide the battery towards the computer until it clicks into place.
3
Slide the lock lever into the
LOCK
position to secure the battery on the computer.
You can also purchase the high­capacity PCGA-BP52 / BP54 battery pack as a separate option.
Battery lock lever
Ta bs
Grooves
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
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To charge the battery pack
1
Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
2
Insert the battery pack.
The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is 85% full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately one and one half hours. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour.
Battery Indicator Light Status Meaning
On
The computer is using battery power.
Single blink
The battery is running out of power.
Double blink
The battery is charging.
Off
The computer is using AC power.
You can also purchase the high­capacity PCGA-BP52 / BP54 battery pack as a separate option.
Battery pack
(supplied)
Battery indicator
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
20
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When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink. To determine the time the battery lasts, please refer to "Displaying Battery information" in your Software Guide.
Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.
If the battery level falls to below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.
You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel utility. See your Software guide, in “Controlling Power Management".
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life.
The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When the battery life is nearly depleted, the battery indicator starts flashing.
For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter system hibernation mode when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as system suspend or system hibernation.
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
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To remove the battery pack
1
Turn off the computer and close the cover.
2
Slide the lock lever to the UNLOCK position.
3
Slide the release lever to the UNLOCK position and slide the battery away from the computer.
!
You may lose data if you
remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in system suspend mode.
You can remove the battery pack without turning off the computer when it is connected to the mains voltage (AC adapter).
Before you remove/insert the battery pack, close the cover.
Battery lock lever
Battery release lever
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Using Your Notebook Computer
Starting Your Computer
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Starting Your Computer
1
Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.
2
Slide the power switch on the right side toward the front of the computer until the green power indicator light turns on.
3
If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display with Fn+F5. To increase the brightness, use the up or right arrow keys. To decrease use the down or left arrow keys.
LCD lock lever
If you hold the power switch in the on position for more than four seconds, the computer will turn off.
Power switch
Power indicator
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Using Your Notebook Computer
Shutting Down Your Computer
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Shutting Down Your Computer
1
Click the Start button on the Windows®98 Second Edition taskbar.
2
Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
3
Select Shut down.
4
Click on OK.
5
Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator will turn off.
6
Turn off any peripheral connected to your computer.
!
To avoid potential loss of
data, follow these steps to shut down your computer.
Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.
If you are unable to shut down your computer using the steps described above, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys at the same time to restart the computer. If you are unable to restart the computer in this way, you can slide the power switch forward and hold for four seconds. This operation may result in data loss.
During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using System Suspend mode. See "Controlling Power Management" in your Software Guide for further details.
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Using Your Notebook Computer
Registering Your Computer
24
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Registering Your Computer
You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits by registering your computer with Sony:
VAIO-Link –
You can contact VAIO-Link by telephone, fax or e-mail (see your
Customer Service Guide for addresses and phone numbers).
Guarantee –
Protect your investment. See the Guarantee Card for the terms and conditions and please refer to your Customer Service Guide for more information.
Follow these steps to use the Sony Notebook Computer’s online registration service:
1
Click on the Welcome button on your Desktop,
2
Click Next,
3
Click Internet,
4
Fill in your Registration card fields,
5
Scroll down to the bottom of the form and click Send,
6
Click OK.
You must connect your phone line before using any online services, including the online registration service. Please refer to “Connecting to a phone line”.
To access the on-line Registration web page, you must have a connection to the internet.
You need to plug in the PC Card Modem* and the phone line to use the communication features described in this manual.
*Depending on the model, this accessory could be optional.
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
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Using the Keyboard
Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific notebook computer-related tasks.
Keys Descriptions
Numeric keypad area
Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction. Note that you must press the Num Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (When you do so, the Num Lock light will illuminate.)
Navigation keys Several keys are devoted to moving the cursor on the screen.
Print screen key
Shift key
Fn key
Ctrl key
Windows
®
98 key
Correction keys
Navigation keys
Alt key
Numeric keypad area
Function keys
Escape key
Application key
Fn key
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
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Correction keys The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable you to make
corrections in your documents.
Function keys The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to
perform designated tasks. For example, in many applications, F1 is the Help key. The task associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next.
Escape key The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.
Print Screen key The Print Screen key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and
places it in the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste the screen shot into a document and print it.
Operator keys Several keys are always used with at least one other key: Ctrl, Alt, and
Shift. When held down with another key, the Ctrl (Control) and Alt (Alternate) keys offer another way to give commands. For example, in many applications, instead of choosing the Save command from a menu, you can hold down Ctrl and press S (referred to as Ctrl+S). The Shift key is used to produce capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.
Win dows
®
98 key The key with the Windows® logo displays the Windows® 98 Start
menu; it’s the equivalent of clicking the Start button on the task bar. See "Combinations and functions with the Windows
®
98 key" for
further details.
Fn key The Fn key is used in combination with other keys to issue
commands. See “Combinations and functions with the Fn key”.
Keys Descriptions
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
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Combinations and Functions with the Windows®98 Key
Applications key The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of context-sensitive
choices; pressing this key is the equivalent of clicking the right mouse button.
Combinations Functions
+ F1 Displays Windows Help
+ Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar.
+ E Displays Windows Explorer.
+ F Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to find a file or
folder. This is the equivalent of selecting Find and then Files or Folders from the Start menu.
+ Ctrl + F Displays the Windows Find: Computer window where you can
locate other computers. This is the equivalent of selecting Find and then Computer from the Start menu.
+ M Minimizes all displayed windows.
Shift + + M Returns all minimized windows to their previous size.
+ R Displays the Run window. This is the equivalent of selecting Run
from the Start menu.
Keys Descriptions
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
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Indicators
Indicator Functions
Information Turns on when the PPK Timer is set. Turns off when the PPK Timer is
not set or the PPK Timer setting is inactive (such as when the computer’s power is off or in System Hibernation mode).
Power
1
Power on: lights green. System Idle mode: lights amber. System suspend mode: flashes amber.
Battery Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the computer.
Hard disk Lights when data is read from or written to the hard drive. Do not
enter System Suspend mode or turn off the computer when this indicator light is on.
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
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Light On
Off
Num Lock Turns on when the
number keys area in the numeric keypad are active.
Tur ns o ff w he n th e alphanumeric character keys in the keypad area are active.
Caps Lock Turns on when the letters
appear in uppercase as you type. The Shift key lowers the case of typed letters when Caps Lock is on.
Turns off when letters appear in lower case as you type (unless if you hold down the Shift key).
Scroll Lock Turns on when the
screen scrolls differently. (depends on the application. No effect in many applications.)
Tur ns o ff w he n information moves across the display normally.
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
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Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key
Combinations/ Feature
Functions
Fn+ (ESC) System Suspend
Puts the system into System Suspend mode, a power management state. To return the system to the active state, press any key.
Fn+ (F3) Speaker switch
Toggles the built-in speaker on and off.
Fn+ 2 (F4) Speaker volume
Adjusts the built-in or external speakers' volume. To increase volume, press Fn+F4 and then V or
b
To decrease volume, press Fn+F4 and then v or
B
Fn+ 8 (F5) Brightness control
Adjusts the brightness of the LCD. To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then V or
b
To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then v or
B
Fn+ / (F7) Switch to the external display
Toggles between the LCD, external display (connected to the Monitor connector) and both LCD and external display.
.
Fn+ (F12) System Hibernation
Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states of the system and of the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off.
Fn+B Bass Boost
Toggles the Bass Boost function off and on. This feature is available with headphones only.
Some functions are not available until Windows launches.
LCD
LCD and external display
Only external display
Only LCD
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