Sony VAIO VPC-M11M1E/B, VAIO VPCM11M1E, VAIO VPC-M11M1E/W User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCM11 Series

Contents

Before Use.......................................................................... 4

Finding More about Your VAIO Computer .................... 5

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

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

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

About the Indicator Lights ........................................... 12

Connecting a Power Source ....................................... 13

Using the Battery Pack................................................ 15

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................ 21

Using the Power Saving Modes .................................. 22

Updating Your Computer ............................................ 25

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

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

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

Using the Built-in Camera ........................................... 30

Using "Memory Stick".................................................. 31

Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................ 37

Using the Internet ........................................................ 41

Using the Network (LAN) ............................................ 42

Using the Wireless LAN .............................................. 43

Using the Bluetooth Function ...................................... 48

Using Peripheral Devices..................................................54

Connecting an Optical Disc Drive................................55

Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........57

Connecting an External Display ..................................58

Selecting Display Modes .............................................60

Using the Multiple Monitors Function ..........................61

Connecting an External Microphone ...........................63

Connecting a USB Device ...........................................64

Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................66

Setting the Password...................................................67

Using the VAIO Control Center ...................................74

Precautions .......................................................................75

Safety Information .......................................................76

Care and Maintenance Information .............................79

Handling Your Computer .............................................80

Handling the LCD Screen ............................................82

Using the Power Source..............................................83

Handling the Built-in Camera.......................................84

Handling Discs.............................................................85

Using the Battery Pack ................................................86

Handling "Memory Stick" .............................................87

Handling the Built-in Storage Device ...........................88

Troubleshooting ................................................................ 89

Computer Operations .................................................. 91

System Update / Security............................................ 98

Recovery ................................................................... 100

Battery Pack .............................................................. 102

Built-in Camera ......................................................... 104

Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN) ............................... 106

Bluetooth Technology ............................................... 109

Optical Discs ............................................................. 113

Display ...................................................................... 114

Printing ...................................................................... 117

Microphone ............................................................... 118

Speakers ................................................................... 119

Touch Pad................................................................. 121

Keyboard................................................................... 122

Floppy Disks.............................................................. 123

Audio/Video ............................................................... 124

"Memory Stick" .......................................................... 126

Peripherals ................................................................ 127

Trademarks..................................................................... 128

Notice.............................................................................. 130

Before Use >

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 you with a state-of-the-art computing experience.

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

How to find specifications

Some features, options, and supplied items may not be available on your computer.

To find out about the configuration of your computer, visit the VAIO Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com

About Models with Windows 7 Starter

On models with the Windows 7 Starter operating system, you cannot use some of the features available on models with other editions of the Windows 7 operating system. Among those described in this User Guide, for example, you cannot use the following:

❑ Ad-hoc connections of the wireless LAN function

❑ Multiple Monitors function

❑ Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting of the VAIO Control Center

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

This section provides support information about your VAIO computer.

1. Printed Documentation

❑ Quick Start Guide — An overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.

❑ Recovery and Troubleshooting Guide

❑ Regulations, Guarantee and Service Support

2. On-screen Documentation

❑ User Guide (This manual) — Features of your computer and information about solving common problems.

To view this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start , All Programs, and VAIO Documentation.

2 Open the folder for your language.

3 Select the guide you want to read.

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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.

❑ Windows Help and Support — A comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you

learn to use your computer.

To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support, or press and hold the Microsoft Windows key and press the F1 key.

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

3. Support Web Sites

If you have any problem with the computer, visit the VAIO-Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com for troubleshooting guidance.

Some other information resources are also available:

❑ The Club VAIO community at http://club-vaio.com

❑ For product information, you can visit our products web site at http://www.vaio.eu/

http://www.sonystyle-europe.com

In case you need to contact VAIO-Link, have the serial number of your VAIO computer ready at hand. The serial number is located on the bottom, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment of your VAIO computer. If you have problems locating your serial number, more guidance can be found on the VAIO-Link web site.

provides the possibility to ask questions to other VAIO users.

, or our online store at

Before Use > Ergonomic Considerations

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. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists

in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard or the pointing device. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take frequent breaks while using 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 > Ergonomic Considerations

❑ Viewing angle of the computer display – Use the display 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 or slightly below eye level when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Getting Started >

Getting Started

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

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 12)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 13)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 15)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 21)

❑ Using the Power Saving Modes (page 22)

❑ Updating Your Computer (page 25)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Locating Controls and Ports

Take a moment and see the following reference lists to identify the controls and ports on your computer.

The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications. It may also vary in some countries or areas.

Control and Port Mark List

Control/port mark Control/port name

MOTION EYE Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 30)

WIRELESS WIRELESS switch (page 43), (page 48)

"Memory Stick Duo" slot (page 31) Your computer supports only Duo-size "Memory Stick".

SD SD memory card slot (page 37)

1 Power switch

USB port (page 64) Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard and supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

Network (LAN) port (page 42)

a Monitor port (page 58)

m Microphone jack (page 63)

i Headphones jack (page 57)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Location List of Controls and Ports without Marks

Control/port name Location

Built-in microphone (monaural) Located on the left side of the built-in MOTION EYE camera.

Media Access indicator (page 12) Located next to the "Memory Stick Duo" slot and the SD memory card slot.

Security slot Located on the right side of the USB ports.

Located on the left side of the monitor port.

DC IN port

Getting Started > About the Indicator Lights

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green while the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and

Charge

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

Media Access Illuminates while data access to a memor y card, such as "Memory Stick" and an SD memory card, is in

Disc drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

WIRELESS Illuminates while one or more wireless options are enabled.

turns off when the computer is turned off or enters Hibernate mode.

Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 18) for more information.

progress. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.) When the indicator light is unlit, the memory card is not in use.

Illuminates while data access to the built-in storage device is in progress. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.

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 light is unlit.

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

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

Getting Started > Connecting a Power Source

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

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

✍

Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

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

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

Getting Started > Connecting a Power Source

✍

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not intend to use your computer for an extended period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page

24).

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing/Removing 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) outward.

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

compartment fits into the cut (3) on either side of the battery pack.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

4 Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.

5 Slide the battery LOCK switch inward to secure the battery pack on the computer.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

To remove 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.

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.

2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) outward.

3 Slide the battery RELEASE latch (2) outward.

The battery pack is unlocked and its front-side edge is slightly raised.

4 Put your fingertip on the raised edge, lift the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and slide it away from the computer.

Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this computer only functions with genuine Sony battery packs designed for this model. If an unauthorized battery pack is installed, the battery will not be charged and the computer will not function.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

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 computer to a power source with the AC adapter.

The charge indicator light is on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the maximum charge level you selected, the charge indicator turns off.

Charge indicator status Meaning

Lit in orange The battery pack is charging.

Blinks along with the green power indicator

Blinks along with the orange power indicator

Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery

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

The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal mode)

The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)

pack or an unlocked battery pack.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

✍

Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to an AC power source. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

When the battery pack is running out of power and both the charge and power indicator lights blink, you should either connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery pack.

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

You can extend the life of your battery pack if you enable the battery care function of the Battery Charge Functions with the VAIO Control Center.

While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when the remaining battery life becomes short. To avoid loss of data while the computer is running on the battery, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power

management mode, such as Sleep or Hibernate.

If the battery pack runs out of power while the computer is in 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.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

Extending the Battery Life

When your computer is running on battery power, you can extend the battery life using the following methods.

On models with the Windows 7 Starter operating system, you cannot use some of the features described in this User Guide. See About Models with Windows 7 Starter (page 4) for more information.

❑ Decrease the LCD brightness of your computer screen.

❑ Use the power saving mode. See Using the Power Saving Modes (page 22) for more information.

❑ Set the wallpaper in Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting as your desktop background with the VAIO Control Center.

Getting Started > Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

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 the Shut down button.

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.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Modes

Using the Power Saving Modes

You can take advantage of the power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, your computer has two distinct power saving modes to suit your preference: Sleep and Hibernate.

If you do not intend to use your computer for an extended period of time while it is disconnected from an AC power source, place the computer into Hibernate mode or turn it off.

If the battery pack runs out of power while your computer is in 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.

Mode Description

Normal mode This is the normal state of your computer while it is in use. The green power indicator light is lit while the

computer is in this mode.

Sleep mode Sleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the built-in storage device(s) and the CPU into a low power

Hibernate mode While your computer is in Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the built-in storage device(s) and

consumption mode. The orange power indicator light blinks slowly while your computer is in this mode. Your computer comes out of Sleep mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode. However, Sleep mode uses more power than Hibernate mode.

power is turned off. Even when the battery pack runs out of power, no data will be lost. The power indicator light is unlit while your computer is in this mode.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Modes

Using Sleep Mode

To activate Sleep mode

Click Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and Sleep.

To return to Normal mode

❑ Press any key. ❑ Slide the power switch (in the direction of G on the switch).

If you slide (in the direction of G on the switch) and hold the power switch for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically. You will lose all unsaved data.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Modes

Using Hibernate Mode

To activate Hibernate mode

Press the Fn+F12 keys.

Alternatively, you can click Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and Hibernate.

Do not move your computer before its power indicator light turns off.

To return to Normal mode

Slide the power switch (in the direction of G on the switch).

If you slide (in the direction of G on the switch) and hold the power switch for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically.

Getting Started > Updating Your Computer

Updating Your Computer

Be sure to update your VAIO computer with the following software applications for enhancing your computer’s efficiency, security, and functionality.

The VAIO Update automatically notifies you of new updates for enhancing your computer's performance available on the Internet, and downloads and installs them on the computer.

❑ Windows Update

Click Start, All Programs, and Windows Update and then follow the on-screen instructions.

❑ VAIO Update 5

Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Update 5 and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Your computer must be connected to the Internet to download the updates.

Using Your VAIO Computer >

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 the Built-in Camera (page 30)

❑ Using "Memory Stick" (page 31)

❑ Using Other Modules / Memory Cards (page 37)

❑ Using the Internet (page 41)

❑ Using the Network (LAN) (page 42)

❑ Using the Wireless LAN (page 43)

❑ Using the Bluetooth Function (page 48)

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Keyboard

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard 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 is finished launching.

Combination/Feature Function

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

Fn + 2 (F3/F4): volume control Changes the volume level.

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

Fn + /T (F7): display output

To increase the volume, keep pressing the Fn+F4 keys or press the Fn+F4 keys and then the

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

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

Switches the display output between your computer screen, an external display, simultaneous output to both, and multiple displays with both that function as a single desktop. Press the Enter key to select the display output.

If you disconnect a display cable from your computer while an external display is selected as the display output destination, the computer screen goes blank. In such a case, press the F7 key twice while holding down the Fn key, and then press the Enter key to switch the display output to the computer screen.

Multiple displays may not be supported depending on the operating system on your computer.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Keyboard

Combination/Feature Function

Fn + (F12): hibernation

Provides the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states of the system and the connected peripheral devices are saved to the built-in storage device and the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power switch to turn on the power. For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 22).

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Touch Pad

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 in a row.

Right-click Press the right button (4) once. With many applications, this action displays a context-sensitive shortcut menu (if any).

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 while a mouse is connected to your computer. To change the touch pad settings, use the VAIO Control Center.

Be sure to connect a mouse before disabling the touch pad. If you disable the touch pad before connecting a mouse, you will be able to use only the keyboard for pointer operations.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Built-in Camera

Using the Built-in Camera

Your computer is equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera.

Some features and options in this section may not be available on your computer. See the specifications to find out about the configuration of your computer.

With the preinstalled image capture software, you can perform the following:

❑ Capture still images and movies

❑ Sense and capture object movements for monitoring purposes

❑ Edit captured data

✍

Turning on the computer activates the built-in camera.

Video conferences are possible with the appropriate software.

Launching or exiting your instant messaging or video editing software does not activate or deactivate the built-in camera.

Do not place your computer into Sleep or Hibernate mode while you are using the built-in camera.

To use the preinstalled image capture software

1 Click Start, All Programs, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 3, and WebCam Companion 3.

2 Click your desired icon in the main window.

For detailed information on how to use the software, see the help file included with the software.

✍

When capturing an image or a movie in a dark place, click the Capture icon in the main window, and then click the WebCam Settings icon and select the low light or low light compensation option in the properties window.

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