Sony VAIO VGN-AR570N, VAIO VGN-AR570U, VAIO VGN-AR550E, VAIO VGN-AR550U, VAIO VGN-AR590E User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-AR500 Series

Contents

Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................6

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................6

Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................10

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................12

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................13

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................20

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................22

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................23

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................27

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................28

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................29

Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................30

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................31

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

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................34

Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................43

Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................61

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................64

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................68

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................74

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................77

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................78

Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................85

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................93

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................94

Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................95

Selecting Display Modes..........................................................................................................................................101

Using the Multiple Monitors Function.......................................................................................................................102

Connecting an External Microphone........................................................................................................................104

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................105

Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................108

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................109

Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................111

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................112

Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................113

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central .........................................................................................................116

Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................117

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................122

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................124

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................125

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................130

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................131

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................132

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................133

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................135

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................135

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................136

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................137

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................138

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................139

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................140

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................141

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................142

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................144

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................151

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................152

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................154

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................157

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................159

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................162

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................166

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................170

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................175

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................176

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................177

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................178

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................180

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................181

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................182

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................183

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................185

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................188

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................189

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................190

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................190

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................194

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, set-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 the following URLs:

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 Center User 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 Center User Guide.

❑ RAID Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about using RAID systems.

To access this on-screen guide:

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

for customers in Canada

for customers in USA

for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas

for customers in Brazil

❑ Media Center User 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 Media Center User Guide.

Before Use

Help and Support

Help and Support is easy to access and provides a single location for information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer. Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.

To access Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support.

❑ Manuals & Specifications

Here you will find the on-screen User Guide, warranty information, other VAIO documents, and system and software information for your computer.

❑ VAIO Support

Access interactive help in the form of VAIO tutorials, an escalation page containing support and contact information, and various links to VAIO online support Web sites.

❑ Backup & Recovery

Find information on how to back up and restore your operating system, system software, and your personal data.

❑ Wireless & Network

Learn about wireless connections including Bluetooth Wireless technology and Wireless LAN. Run utilities that include VAIO Media Setup and Windows Network and Sharing, and access to wireless tutorials.

❑ Security

Keep your data safe and your computer running efficiently with updates and maintenance programs from Microsoft and Sony.

❑ VAIO Sites

Contains links to other Internet sites you might find interesting and useful.

Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations for both stationary and portable environments:

❑ Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your

wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touch pad, 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 eyes, muscles, or tendons.

❑ 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.

Before Use

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

❑ Positioning 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.

Getting Started

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

Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Be 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 manufacturers' instructions.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 13) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 20) ❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 22) ❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 23) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 27)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications. It may also vary depending on the country or area of your residency.

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 33) B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 20)

Getting Started

C LCD screen (page 131) D Keyboard (page 29) E Built-in speakers (stereo) F SONY logo lamp (page 21) G Touch pad (page 30) H Power indicator (page 20) I Battery indicator (page 20) J Hard disk drive indicator (page 20) K Memory Stick PRO/Duo media indicator (page 20) L LCD screen lid LOCK/RELEASE switch

Be sure to slide this switch to the LOCK position before moving your computer.

M Built-in microphone (monaural) N SD memory card indicator (page 20)

O Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot

(page 69)

P SD memory card slot (page 74) Q WIRELESS switch (page 78) R WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 20)

S Bluetooth indicator

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

On selected models only.

(page 20)

Num lock indicator (page 20)

A B Caps lock indicator (page 20) C Scroll lock indicator (page 20) D S1/S2 buttons (page 31) E VOLUME buttons (page 31) F Disc drive eject button (page 34) G Muting button (page 31) H Power button I Power indicator (page 20)

J CHANNEL buttons K TV REC button

(page 31)

L Play/Pause button (page 31) M Stop button (page 31) N Previous track button (page 31) O Next track button (page 31) P AV M O DE button (page 31)

* On selected models only.

Getting Started

Back

Getting Started

A VHF/UHF port

(page 43)

B Air vent C Security slot D Battery connector (page 23)

E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port F DC IN port (page 22)

On selected models only.

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

(page 105)

Right

Getting Started

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

(page 105)

B PC Card release button (page 63) C PC Card slot (page 61)

D ExpressCard E Universal ExpressCard

module release button (page 67)

slot (page 65)

F i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 109) G AV In jack H S VIDEO INPUT port I S VIDEO OUTPUT port

*2 *3

(page 51)

*2 *3 *4

(page 51)

(page 98)

J HDMI port (page 98) K Monitor (VGA) port (page 96) L Network (Ethernet) port (page 111) M Modem port (page 77)

Support high-/full-/low- speeds.

On selected models only.

Parallel use of the AV In jack and the S VIDEO INPUT port will direct video signals to the S VIDEO INPUT port.

Referred to as the S VIDEO IN port and the S VIDEO OUT port hereinafter.

Left

Getting Started

A OPTICAL OUT port

(Output Sampling Rate: 44.1 KHz/48.0 KHz/96.0 KHz) Connect an S/PDIF device such as digital headphones or an AV amplifier.

B Microphone jack (page 104) C Headphones jack (page 94) D Optical disc drive (page 34) E Substitute drive eject button (page 34)/

Optical disc drive indicator (page 20)

F Manual eject hole (page 166)

Bottom

A Air vents

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates when the power of the computer is on, blinks when the computer is in Sleep mode, and turns off

when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.

Battery e Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery pack is running out of power, and

Memory Stick PRO/Duo media

SONY logo Illuminates when the computer is turned on.

Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.

SD memory card Illuminates when data is read from or written to the media in the SD memory card slot. (Do not enter Sleep mode

Optical disc drive Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc media. When the indicator is off, the optical disc

Hard disk drive

Num lock

Caps lock

double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media in the Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media slot or in the Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the Memory Stick media is not being used.

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

media is not 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.

Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off.

Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key while the indicator is on. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the Caps lock indicator is off.

Getting Started

Indicator Functions

Scroll lock

Bluetooth technology

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.

* On selected models only.

Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock indicator is off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all programs.

Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.

Changing the default SONY logo lamp activity

The SONY logo lamp illuminates when you turn on your computer. You can change this default activity of the lamp to make it stay unlit by following these steps:

1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Central.

The VAIO Central window appears.

2 Click the Categories tab. 3 Double-click Display and Logo Lamp Control. 4 Follow the on-screen instructions.

Connecting a Power Source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source for your computer.

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

The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.

✍

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 120). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

Using the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery lock switch (1) inward.

3 Slide the battery pack into the battery compartment until it clicks into place.

Getting Started

4 Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the LOCK position to secure the battery pack on the computer.

✍

When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony batteries.

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.

To charge the battery pack

1 Install the battery pack. 2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The computer automatically charges the battery pack (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery pack charges). When the battery pack is about 85% charged, the battery indicator turns off.

Battery indicator light status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power.

Blinks The battery pack is running out of power.

Double blinks The battery pack is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.

Getting Started

✍

When the battery pack is running out of power, both the battery and power indicator lights blink.

Keep the battery pack in your 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 below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery pack.

The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery pack and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery pack does not affect battery life.

The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When battery life is nearly depleted, both the battery and power indicator lights start flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even 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 Sleep or Hibernate.

If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters Sleep mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery pack while the computer is in Sleep mode.

To remove the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery lock switch (1) inward.

3 Slide and hold the battery release latch (2) and slide the battery pack away from the computer.

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 29) ❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 30) ❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 31) ❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 33) ❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 34) ❑ Using the TV Function (page 43) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 61) ❑ Using the ExpressCard Module (page 64) ❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 68) ❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 74) ❑ Using the Internet (page 77) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 78) ❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 85)

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

✍

Some keyboard functions can be used only after the operating system finished launching.

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control Adjusts the LCD brightness of your computer screen.

To increase lightness intensity, press Fn+F6 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F6. To decrease lightness intensity, press Fn+F5 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F5.

Fn + /T (F7): display output

Fn + (F10): zoom

Fn + (F12): Hibernate

Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both.

Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore your computer's screen view.

✍

The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution to the computer screen with a higher resolution. This key combination may not work with graphic images as it magnifies the screen view by changing the resolution. The location and size of software windows may change when the screen view is magnified or the standard view is restored because pressing this key combination changes the resolution. When your computer's screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the function and restores the standard view.

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states of the system and the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk drive and the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power button to turn on the power. For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 117).

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Touch Pad

You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touch pad.

Action Description

Point Slide your finger on the touch pad (1) to place the pointer (2) on an item or object.

Click Press the left button (3) once.

Double-click Press the left button twice.

Right-click Press the right button (4) once. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut menu.

Drag Slide your finger on the touch pad while pressing the left button.

Scroll Slide your finger along the right edge of the touch pad to scroll vertically. Slide your finger along the bottom edge to scroll

horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touch pad scroll feature).

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