Sony VAIO VGN-AX580G, VAIO VGN-AX570G User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-AX500G Series

Contents

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

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

Ergonomic Considerations...........................................................................................................................................8

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................10

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................11

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................17

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................18

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................20

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................26

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................27

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................28

Using the Pointing Device..........................................................................................................................................30

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................33

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................34

Using the Multi Function Bay .....................................................................................................................................35

Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................40

Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................57

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................60

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................63

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................65

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................67

Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................76

Using Fingerprint Authentication................................................................................................................................83

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................98

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................99

Connecting a Multi Function Bay Docking Station ...................................................................................................108

Connecting External Speakers ................................................................................................................................121

Connecting an External Display...............................................................................................................................122

Selecting Display Modes..........................................................................................................................................127

Using the Multiple Monitors Function.......................................................................................................................128

Connecting an External Microphone........................................................................................................................130

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................131

Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................134

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................136

Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................138

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................140

Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................141

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central .........................................................................................................144

Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................145

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................150

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................152

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................153

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................159

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................160

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................161

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................162

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................164

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................164

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................165

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................166

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................167

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................167

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................168

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................169

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................171

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................181

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................184

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................186

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................189

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................191

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................194

CDs and DVDs.........................................................................................................................................................199

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................203

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................206

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................207

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................208

Pointing Device ........................................................................................................................................................209

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................211

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................212

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................213

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................214

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................215

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................216

Multi Function Bay Docking Station .........................................................................................................................217

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................220

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................220

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................223

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.

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://www.sony.com/pcsupport

at http://www.sony.ca/support

for customers in Canada, or at http://www.sony.com/lapcsupport for customers in Latin

American countries or areas.

❑ 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 online VAIO Recovery Guide:

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Support Central. 2 Click VAIO Documentation. 3 Click VAI O Recovery Guide.

❑ MCE guide — Provides information about using the Windows XP Media Center Edition operating system.

To access this online MCE guide:

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Support Central. 2 Click VAI O Documentation. 3 Click MCE 2005 User Guide.

for customers in USA,

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 to 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 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. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. 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 with using your VAIO computer.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 11) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 17) ❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 18) ❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 20) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 26)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

The following illustrations may appear different from your model, depending on the LCD size as well as the country or area of your residency.

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 34) B LCD screen (page 160) C Pointing stick (page 31) D Keyboard (page 28) E Power button F Touch pad (page 30) G Speaker H WIRELESS switch (page 67) I Bluetooth indicator (page 17) J WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 17) K SD card slot (page 63) L Media Access indicator (page 17)

M Memory Stick media slot N Power indicator (page 17) O Battery indicator (page 17) P Hard disk drive indicator (page 17)

* Your computer supports Memory Stick Duo media and Memory Stick Pro

high speed and high capacity capabilities.

(page 60)

Getting Started

CAMERA OFF indicator (page 17)

A B CAMERA OFF button (page 34) C Mute indicator (page 17) D Mute button (page 33) E S1/S2 buttons (page 33) F Num lock indicator (page 17) G Caps lock indicator (page 17) H Scroll lock indicator (page 17) I Fingerprint sensor (page 83)

Getting Started

Back

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 138) B Modem port (page 65) C Battery connector (page 20) D DC In port (page 18)

Getting Started

Right

A PC Card eject button (page 59) B PC Card slot (page 57)

C i.LINK

(IEEE1394) S400 port (page 136)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports E Monitor (VGA) port (page 123)

* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

(page 131)

Getting Started

Left

A Security slot B Microphone jack (page 130) C Headphones jack (page 121) D Air vent E Multi function bay (page 35) F Multi function bay unit eject button (page 35)

Getting Started

Bottom

Getting Started

A Air vent B RELEASE latch (page 25) C LOCK/UNLOCK switch (page 20) D Multi function bay docking station connector (page 111)

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 in Standby 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 is running out of power, and

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

Mute % Illuminates when the volume is turned off.

Hard disk

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

Bluetooth

CAMERA OFF

WIRELESS LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

double-blinks when the battery is charging.

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

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk. Do not enter Standby 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.

Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scr Lk 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.

Illuminates when the Built-in

MOTION EYE camera is off.

Getting Started

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 the 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 or on the optional multi function bay

docking station.

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

Getting Started

✍

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use the computer for a long period of time, put the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 148). 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 LOCK/UNLOCK switch (1) on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.

Getting Started

3 Slide the battery diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (2) at either side of the battery compartment

fits into the U-shaped cut (3) on the respective side of the battery.

4 Rotate the battery in the direction of the arrow, and push the battery down into the compartment until it clicks into place.

5 Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch to the LOCK position to secure the battery on the computer.

✍

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

Battery indicator light status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power.

Blinks The battery is running out of power.

Double blinks The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

Getting Started

✍

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

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

The battery pack supplied with the 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, both the battery and power indicator lights start flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, the 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 Standby or

Hibernate. If the battery wears out when the computer enters Standby 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 the 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 the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in Standby mode.

To remove the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch (1) on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position. 3 Slide and hold the RELEASE latch (2), hook your fingertip under the tab (3) on the battery, and turn the battery in the

direction of the arrow, and then slide it 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 and then Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer window appears. 3 Click Turn Off. 4 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 computer.

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 28) ❑ Using the Pointing Device (page 30) ❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 33) ❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 34) ❑ Using the Multi Function Bay (page 35) ❑ Using the TV Function (page 40) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 57) ❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 60) ❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 63) ❑ Using the Internet (page 65) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 67) ❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 76) ❑ Using Fingerprint Authentication (page 83)

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 functions are not available until Windows is launched.

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + F1: wireless switching Toggles between Bluetooth and Wireless LAN functionalities.

Fn + 2 (F3/F4): speaker volume Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.

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

Fn + /T (F7): switch to the external display

To increase volume, press Fn+F4 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F4. To decrease volume, press Fn+F3 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F3.

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.

Toggles between the LCD, external device (e.g. monitor) and both LCD and external device.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Fn + (F10): zoom

Fn + (F12): Hibernate

Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore the screen view.

✍

The default resolutions of the standard view and the magnified view are as follows: Standard view: 1440 x 900 pixels Magnified view: 1280 x 768 pixels The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution to the LCD screen with a higher resolution. This key combination is disabled during video playback. Make sure to quit such software before pressing the key combination. 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 the LCD 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 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 145).

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Pointing Device

Your computer is equipped with two types of the pointing device: the touch pad and the pointing stick. By default, both pointing devices are enabled but you can disable one of the devices to suite your preference. To change the

pointing device settings, see Disabling a Pointing Device (page 32).

Using the Touch Pad

The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, the touch pad (1). You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touch pad.

Action Description

Point Slide one finger on the touch pad 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 one finger while pressing the left button.

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

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

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