Sony VAIO VGC-LS20 User Guide

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGC-LS20 Series

Contents

Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................5

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................5

Ergonomic Considerations...........................................................................................................................................7

Getting Started ...................................................................................................................................................................9

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................10

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................15

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................16

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................19

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................20

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................21

Using the Mouse ........................................................................................................................................................28

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................33

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................35

Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................45

Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................63

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................66

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................70

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................76

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................79

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................80

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................86

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................87

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................89

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................90

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................92

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................93

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................94

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central ...........................................................................................................97

Using the Power Saving Modes.................................................................................................................................98

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................101

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................102

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................108

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................109

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................110

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................111

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................113

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................113

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................114

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................116

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................116

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................117

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................118

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................120

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................126

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................127

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................130

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................132

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................135

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................139

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................140

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................141

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................142

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................143

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................144

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................145

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................146

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................148

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................149

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................150

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................151

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................151

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................155

Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing.

External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.

Documentation

Your documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.

Printed Documentation

❑ Welcome mat — Contains an overview of connections, setting up information, etc. ❑ Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

❑ User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs

included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.

❑ Specifications — The online Specifications describe the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO computer.

To view the online Specifications:

1 Connect to the Internet. 2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at:

http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ http://www.sony.ca/support http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/

❑ VAIO Recovery Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, software drivers, and drive

partition(s) or your entire hard disk drive to the original factory installed settings. To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support. 2 Click Manuals & Specifications. 3 Click VAI O Recovery Guide.

❑ MCE Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about using Windows Media Center.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support. 2 Click Manuals & Specifications. 3 Click MCE Guide.

for customers in Canada,

for customers in USA,

for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas, or

for customers in Brazil.

Ergonomic Considerations

Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations:

Before Use

❑ Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral equipment. ❑ Position of your computer – Place the display directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your

wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, pointing device, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.

Before Use

❑ 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 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.

While adjusting the viewing angle, do not exert excessive pressure on your computer, especially on the center of the speaker grill, to eliminate a risk of mechanical damage.

❑ 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. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

❑ Ventilation – Make sure you leave at least 4 inches (10 cm) of space behind and at least 8 inches (20 cm) of space on

each side of the main unit.

Getting Started

This section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer.

Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any new hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Make sure to start up your computer with only the supplied accessories connected and set up your system. Upon completion, connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturer's instructions.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 15) ❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 16) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 19)

Locating Controls and Ports

Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.

Front

A Built-in speakers (stereo) B Built-in microphone (monaural) C Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 33) D Power indicator (page 15) E Power button F MONITOR OFF button / MONITOR OFF indicator (page 15)

Press this button to turn off the LCD backlight and the speaker volum

✍

You can change the MONITOR OFF button setting to keep the speaker volume on. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central (page 97) and find out more in its help file.

G LCD screen (page 109) H Hard disk drive indicator (page 15) I WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 15)

Getting Started

Back

Getting Started

A Back panel cover

Remove the back panel cover to access the ports and jacks behind it (page 16).

Before removing the cover, be sure to shut down your computer.

B Prop-up stand

Grasp the side ends with both hands and raise the bottom end, as shown below, to place your computer upright. When moving or storing the computer, you can simply push it back down for easy handling.

Be sure to place your computer on a soft cloth to avoid damage to your computer screen.

Capture angle adjuster (page 34)

A B AUDIO INPUT (L/R) jacks

(page 54)

C VIDEO INPUT (S VIDEO/VIDEO) port D VHF/UHF port

(page 45)

E Network (Ethernet) port (page 92) F DC IN port (page 16) G Cable bundler (page 18) H CONNECT button (page 21), (page 28) I WLAN (Wireless LAN) switch (page 80)

J Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

(page 87)

K Modem port (page 79)

On selected models only.

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

(page 54)

Getting Started

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 35) B Optical disc drive indicator (page 15) C Drive eject button (page 37)

Getting Started

Left

Getting Started

A PC Card slot (page 63) B PC Card release button (page 65) C SD memory card slot (page 77) D Headphones jack

Connect external headphones or speakers.

E Line In jack

Connect an external audio device for audio input.

F Microphone jack

Connect an external microphone.

G Universal ExpressCard

slot*1 (page 67)

H Media Access indicator (page 15) I Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot

(page 71)

J i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 90) K Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port

Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.

Your computer supports Memory Stick PRO media and Memory Stick Duo media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

(page 87)

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green when the power of the computer is on, illuminates in orange when the computer is in Sleep

mode, and turns off when the computer is off.

Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn

MONITOR OFF Illuminates in orange when the LCD backlight and the speaker volume are turned off.

Optical disc drive Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc. When the indicator is off, the optical disc is not

Hard disk drive

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

✍

You can change the brightness of the indicator lights. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central (page 97) and find out more in its help file.

off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.

being used.

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk drive. Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.

Connecting a Power Source

You need an AC adapter as a power source for your computer.

Before Accessing the DC IN Port

You need to remove the back panel cover (1). Simply pull the cover off your computer.

Be sure to put the cover back on the computer when you are done.

Getting Started

Using the AC Adapter

✍

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To use the AC adapter

1 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3). 2 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2). 3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

Getting Started

✍

You can bundle the AC adapter cable along with other cables to keep them tidy. Snap open the cable bundler, route the cables through it, and then snap the cable bundler back shut as shown below:

To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the AC adapter.

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.

To shut down your computer

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer. 2 Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Shut Down.

3 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off

automatically. The power indicator light turns off.

Using Your VAIO Computer

This section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 21) ❑ Using the Mouse (page 28) ❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 33) ❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 35) ❑ Using the TV Function (page 45) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 63) ❑ Using the ExpressCard Module (page 66) ❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 70) ❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 76) ❑ Using the Internet (page 79) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 80)

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

A wireless keyboard is supplied with your computer. The wireless keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.

Using the Wireless Keyboard

Using Your VAIO Computer

A Function keys

Perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function key varies among software applications except the following combinations with the Fn key.

Fn + F5: Decreases lightness intensity of the LCD screen. Fn + F6: Increases lightness intensity of the LCD screen. Fn + F10: Changes the screen resolution.

B Muting button

Turns the volume on and off.

C Volume control buttons

Increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume.

D Shortcut buttons

Perform the pre-assigned tasks. The default tasks are as follows:

S1: Launches the WinDVD software. S2: Launches Internet Explorer. When Internet Explorer is up

and running, press this button to magnify the contents in the foreground Internet Explorer window. One press magnifies the contents by 50%. When magnification reaches 200%, it goes back to 100%. S3: Opens the Media Center Start menu (on models with a TV tuner board). Launches the Windows Mail software (on models without a TV tuner board).

✍

You can change these button assignments with VAIO Central. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central (page 97) and find out more in its help file.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Standby button

Provides for the lower level of power consumption. For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 98).

F POWER switch

Slide the POWER switch to turn on and off the wireless keyboard.

G Indicators

(Battery): turns on while the AA batteries for the

wireless keyboard are sufficient and switches to when the batteries wear out.

(Num lock): Turns on while in the Num Lock state.

(Caps lock): Turns on while in the Caps Lock state. (Scroll lock): Turns on while in the Scroll Lock state.

(Connect): Turns on while connection between the computer and the wireless keyboard is in place to indicate that the keyboard is ready for use (page 26).

H Windows key

Displays the Start menu.

I Applications key

Displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications.

J Directional arrow keys

Move the pointer on the computer screen.

K Numeric keypad

Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations.

Using Your VAIO Computer

A Keyboard feet

Flip open to adjust the keyboard angle.

B CONNECT button

Press to enable the wireless keyboard to communicate with the main unit.

C Battery compartment

Storage compartment for the AA batteries.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Before you use the keyboard

Four AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless keyboard. Before attempting to use the wireless keyboard, you must install the batteries and establish communication between the computer and the keyboard.

To maintain good communication, operate the wireless keyboard within the distance limitations of keyboard: approximately 32.8 feet (10 m) from your computer.

Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.

Press the CONNECT button located on the back of your computer first, and then press the CONNECT button on the bottom of the wireless keyboard.

Avoid using any wireless devices that exchange radio signals on the 2.4 GHz frequency band near the wireless keyboard. These devices may cause interference, causing the keyboard to stop working properly.

Do not place metal furniture near your computer or wireless keyboard, as this may create interference, causing the keyboard to stop working properly.

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless keyboard. Always use the same type and manufacture of battery.

Do not mix alkaline with manganese batteries. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used, new or different types of batteries can damage the wireless keyboard.

Using Your VAIO Computer

To connect the wireless keyboard

To connect your wireless keyboard, it must be located within a range of approximately 11.8 inches (30 cm) to approximately 39.4 inches (1 m) from the computer.

1 Insert the supplied four AA batteries (1) into the battery compartment (2) on the bottom of the wireless keyboard. 2 Turn on the computer. 3 Slide the POWER switch (3) at the top of the keyboard to the ON position. 4 Press the CONNECT button (4) on the back of the computer. 5 Press the CONNECT button (5) on the bottom of the keyboard.

The connect indicator turns on in the indicator window on the keyboard when connection is established between the computer and the keyboard. If not, repeat the procedure.

Steps 4 and 5 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other.

If the wireless keyboard is left unused for 20 minutes or longer, the connect indicator will turn off. This could indicate that the connection between your computer and the keyboard is lost. Press the Fn key to check that the connect indicator turns on before using the keyboard.

Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

You can check the battery indicator ( or ) in the indicator window on the wireless keyboard for its battery power level.

If the wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If the wireless keyboard is not being used for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

If you want to put the wireless keyboard in a more 'ergonomic' position, flip open the keyboard feet.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Mouse

A wireless mouse is supplied with your computer.

Using the Wireless Mouse

The wireless optical mouse has no cables to plug in and uses a light-emitting diode (LED) instead of a ball.

A Left button

Click or double-click the left button to select items. To drag and drop items, hold the left button down while sliding the mouse, then release the button to drop the item.

B Central wheel

Rotate the central wheel to scroll up or down a page. Press the wheel once to lock the scroll action and control the movement by moving the entire mouse (the scroll function is available only with applications that support it).

C Right button

Press the right button once to display a context-sensitive shortcut menu (not always an active function).

D Power switch

Slide the switch to turn the mouse on and off. This will help you save battery power.

E CONNECT button

Press to enable communication between the computer and the wireless mouse.

F Battery indicator

Blinks when the mouse batteries are running out of power.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Before you use the mouse

Two AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless mouse. Before attempting to use the wireless mouse, you must install the batteries and establish communication between your computer and the mouse.

To maintain good communication, operate the wireless mouse within the distance limitations of mouse: approximately 32.8 feet (10 m) from your computer.

Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.

Press the CONNECT button located on the back of your computer first, and then press the CONNECT button on the bottom of the wireless mouse.

Avoid using any wireless devices that exchange radio signals on the 2.4 GHz frequency band near the wireless mouse. These devices may cause interference, causing the mouse to stop working properly.

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

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

Do not place metal furniture near your computer or wireless mouse, as this may create interference, causing the mouse to stop working properly.

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless mouse. Always use the same type and manufacture of battery.

Do not mix alkaline with manganese batteries. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used, new or different types of batteries can damage the wireless mouse.

Using Your VAIO Computer

To connect the wireless mouse

To connect the wireless mouse, it must be located within a range of approximately 11.8 inches (30 cm) to approximately 39.4 inches (1 m) from the computer.

1 Insert the supplied two AA batteries into the wireless mouse as shown below.

2 Turn on the computer. 3 Press the CONNECT button (1) on the back of the computer.

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