Sony VAIO VGN-NR21MR/S, VAIO VGN-NR21M/S, VAIO VGN-NR21S/S, VAIO VGN-NR21S/W, VAIO VGN-NR21SR/S User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-NR series

Contents

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

Notice ...........................................................................................................................................................................7

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................8

Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................11

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................13

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................14

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................19

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................20

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................21

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................25

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................26

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................27

Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................29

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................30

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................31

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................40

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................43

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................50

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................53

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................55

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................62

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................63

Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................64

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................67

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................69

Connecting an External Microphone ..........................................................................................................................71

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................72

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................75

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................76

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................78

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................79

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................80

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center................................................................................................83

Using the Power Saving Modes .................................................................................................................................84

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ......................................................................................................89

Configuring Your Modem ...........................................................................................................................................90

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer......................................................................................................................................92

Adding and Removing Memory..................................................................................................................................93

Precautions ......................................................................................................................................................................99

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................100

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................101

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................102

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................104

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................105

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................106

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................107

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................108

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................109

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................110

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................111

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................112

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................119

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................120

Internet .....................................................................................................................................................................122

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................124

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................127

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................131

Printing .....................................................................................................................................................................135

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................136

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................137

Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................138

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................139

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................140

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................141

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................142

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................143

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................144

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................145

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................145

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................146

Trademarks ..............................................................................................................................................................148

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 experience.

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

Before Use

Notice

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 the use thereof.

In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.

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.

Before Use

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

❑ Quick Start Guide — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO.

❑ Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide — Contains solutions to common problems and computer malfunctions, an

explanation of how to make a backup copy of your data and recover your computer system, and sources of support information.

❑ Regulations, Warranty, EULA and Service Support — Contains Sony guarantee conditions,

safety / regulations, modem regulations, wireless LAN regulations, wireless WAN regulations, Bluetooth regulations, end user software license agreement, and Sony support services information.

Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

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

included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems. User Guide is provided in the PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.

To view this on-screen guide:

1 Double-click the VAIO User Guide icon on the desktop.

2 Open the folder for your language.

3 Select the guide you want to read.

✍

You can manually browse to the user guides by going to Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > Documentation > Documentation and opening the folder for your language.

To go to Web sites described in this manual by clicking their respective URLs beginning with http://, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

❑ Specifications — The online specifications describe the hardware and software configurations 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.vaio-link.com

✍

You may have a separate disc for the documentation of bundled accessories.

Before Use

My Club VAIO

In My Club VAIO you can find:

❑ Accessories

Want to expand the capabilities of your computer? Click this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories.

❑ Software

Feeling creative? Click this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options.

❑ Wallpapers

Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO wallpapers.

❑ Links

Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO Web sites.

Windows Help and Support

Windows Help and Support is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you learn to use your computer.

Use the Search feature, Index, or table of contents to view all Windows Help resources, including those that are on the Internet.

To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support. Or go to Windows Help and Support by pressing and holding the Microsoft Windows key and pressing the F1 key.

Further Sources

❑ Consult the help files on the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.

❑ Go to http://www.club-vaio.com

to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

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 level of the display as well.

❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not cause glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect

lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.

❑ 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.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 14)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 19)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 20)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 21)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 25)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Front

A S1 button (page 30) B AV MODE button (page 30) C Num lock indicator (page 19) D Caps lock indicator (page 19) E Scroll lock indicator (page 19) F Power button G LCD screen (page 100) H Built-in speakers (stereo) I Keyboard (page 27) J Touch pad (page 29) K SD memory card slot (page 50) L Media Access indicator (page 19)

M Memory Stick slot N Power indicator (page 19) O Battery indicator (page 19) P Hard disk drive indicator (page 19) Q WIRELESS LAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 19) R WIRELESS LAN switch (page 55)

* Your computer supports both standard- and Duo-size Memory Stick media.

(page 45)

Getting Started

Back

A DC IN port (page 20) B Battery connector (page 21) C Network (Ethernet) port (page 78) D Modem port (page 53)

Getting Started

Right

A ExpressCard/34 slot (page 40) B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

C i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 76) D Headphones jack (page 63) E Microphone jack (page 71) F Monitor (VGA) port (page 64) G Air vent

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

(page 72)

Getting Started

Left

A Security slot B Optical disc drive (page 31) C Optical disc drive indicator (page 19) D Drive eject button (page 31) E Manual eject hole (page 127)

F Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

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

(page 72)

Getting Started

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

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

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

Scroll lock

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.

double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.

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.

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.

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 connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

Getting Started

✍

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 intend to use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 87). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and resuming.

Using the Battery Pack

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

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.

Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this computer only functions with genuine Sony batteries designed for this model. When installing another kind of battery, the battery will not be charged and the computer will not function.

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

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.

Getting Started

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

✍

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 connect 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 the 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 all 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 27)

❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 29)

❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 30)

❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 31)

❑ Using the ExpressCard Module (page 40)

❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 43)

❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 50)

❑ Using the Internet (page 53)

❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 55)

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.

The VAIO-Link Web site (http://www.vaio-link.com

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

✍

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

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + % (F2): speaker switch Turns on and off the built-in speakers and the headphones.

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

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

Fn + /T (F7): display output

) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.

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

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

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

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + (F10): zoom

Fn + (F12): Hibernate

Using Your VAIO Computer

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

✍

The default resolutions of the standard view and the magnified view are as follows: Standard view: 1280 x 800 pixels Magnified view: 1024 x 600 pixels 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 connected 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 84).

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).

✍

You can disable/enable the touch pad to suit your preference for using the mouse. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 83) to launch VAIO Control Center. Once launched, select the topic on the pointing device and see the help file for the detailed instructions.

Be sure to connect a mouse before disabling the touch pad. If you disable the touch pad without connecting a mouse, you will be able to use only the keyboard for pointer operations.

Using Special-function Buttons

Your computer is equipped with special buttons to help you use specific functions of the computer.

Special-function button Functions

By default, the S1 button launches VAIO Help and Support Center.

S1 button

AV M O DE button

✍

The default button assignment may be different from the above. In such a case, you can change the assignment in the window for changing the S1 button assignment. To display this window, press and hold the button or launch and navigate through VAIO Control Center. See the help file on VAIO Control Center for the S1 button assignment.

Launches VAIO L a u n cher for selecting the desired software. You can change the default software options in VAI O L aunc h e r. To do so, press and hold the AV M ODE button to display the setup window.

Using Your VAIO Computer

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