Sony VGC-JS300 User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGC-JS300 Series

Contents

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

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

Ergonomic Considerations ............................................ 9

Getting Started.................................................................. 11

Locating Controls and Ports........................................ 12

About the Indicator Lights ........................................... 16

Setting Up Your Computer .......................................... 17

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................ 20

Updating Your Computer ............................................ 21

Using Your VAIO Computer.............................................. 22

Using the Keyboard..................................................... 23

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................... 25

Using the Optical Disc Drive ....................................... 26

Using the Memory Stick .............................................. 33

Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................ 38

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

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

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

Using the Bluetooth Function ...................................... 47

Using Peripheral Devices..................................................52

Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........53

Connecting a USB Device ...........................................54

Connecting an i.LINK Device.......................................56

Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................58

Setting the Password...................................................59

Using the VAIO Control Center ...................................64

Using the Power Saving Mode ....................................65

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer.......................................67

Adding and Removing Memory ...................................68

Precautions .......................................................................74

Handling the LCD Screen ............................................75

Using the Power Source..............................................76

Handling Your Computer .............................................77

Handling the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera ...............79

Handling Discs.............................................................80

Using Headphones ......................................................81

Handling the Memory Stick..........................................82

Handling the Built-in Storage Device ...........................83

Troubleshooting ................................................................ 84

Computer .................................................................... 86

System Security .......................................................... 91

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................... 92

Networking .................................................................. 94

Bluetooth Technology ................................................. 97

Optical Discs ............................................................. 100

Display ...................................................................... 104

Printing ...................................................................... 106

Microphone ............................................................... 107

Mouse ....................................................................... 108

Speakers ................................................................... 109

Keyboard................................................................... 110

Floppy Disks.............................................................. 111

Audio/Video ............................................................... 112

Memory Stick ............................................................ 115

Peripherals ................................................................ 116

Trademarks..................................................................... 117

Notice.............................................................................. 119

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 state-of-the-art personal computing experience.

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

Information in the supplied manuals including this User Guide is intended for users of the VAIO computers with the Microsoft® Windows Vista® 32-bit operating system. You may find differences in the information when your computer comes preinstalled with the 64-bit operating system.

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 Sony online support web sites at the following URLs:

❑ For customers in USA

http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/

❑ For customers in Canada

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

❑ For customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas

http://esupport.sony.com/LA/

❑ For customers in Brazil

http://esupport.sony.com/BR/

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.

❑ Safety Information — Safety guidelines and owner information.

2. On-screen Documentation

❑ Help and Support — General information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer.

To access Help and Support:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.

Get started with my VAIO Get help with Internet and wireless setup, security setup, personalizing your VAIO computer, and creating

Use my VAIO Access interactive help in the form of VAIO tutorials, how-to articles, the VAIO technology page,

Troubleshoot my VAIO Maintain and troubleshoot your VAIO computer with VAIO Care, system restore, backup and recovery, and

recovery discs and more.

specifications, and system and software information. You can find useful documentation such as below:

- VAIO User Guide (This manual)

- VAIO Recovery Center User Guide - Information about restoring individual software programs, hardware drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire built-in storage device to the original factory settings

- Software Information

contact Sony support.

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

❑ Program help files — May be included with the preinstalled programs on your computer. You may be able to access the

help files from the help menu on a specific program.

™

❑ SmartWi

Connection Utility Help (Selected models only) — Information about setting up Bluetooth®, wireless LAN,

GPS, and wireless WAN functions.

Features and options may not be available on your computer. See the specifications to find out about configuration of your computer.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start, All Programs, and SmartWi Connection Utility.

2 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Help.

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

3. Support Web Sites

❑ Sony online support web site

The Sony online support web site provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. Type a description of the problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online.

❑ For customers in USA

http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/

❑ For customers in Canada

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

❑ For customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas

http://esupport.sony.com/LA/

❑ For customers in Brazil

http://esupport.sony.com/BR/

❑ Operating system online support web site

Your computer comes preinstalled with a Microsoft Windows operating system. For operating system support, you can visit Microsoft customer support at http://support.microsoft.com/directory/

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

4. Customer Information Center

If you do not find the information you are looking for at our site, you may call Sony directly. You can find the contact numbers on the Sony online support web site. In order to receive the fastest and most efficient services, have the following information readily available:

1 Your VAIO computer model

You can find it at the lower right corner of the display on the computer.

2 Your computer's serial number

You can find it on the bottom, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment of your Sony VAIO computer. The serial number is the last 7 digits of the number below the barcode.

3 The operating system on your computer

4 The hardware component or the software program that is causing the problem

5 A brief description of the problem

5. In Store Service & Support (available in USA only)

Make an appointment with a Sony certified technician at a U.S. Sony Style store and get personalized service and support for your VAIO PC. Sony Style Backstage Technicians can assist with the set up of your new VAIO PC, system optimization, data rescue, and any repair service you might need. Visit the web site at www.sonystyle.com/backstage

to find the nearest location.

Before Use > Ergonomic Considerations

Ergonomic Considerations

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

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

wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, pointing device, or mouse. 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 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.

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

❑ 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.

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

each side of the main unit.

Getting Started >

Getting Started

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

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 12)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 16)

❑ Setting Up Your Computer (page 17)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 20)

❑ Updating Your Computer (page 21)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Front

A LCD screen (page 75) B Built-in microphone (monaural) C Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 16) D Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 25) E WIRELESS indicator (page 16) F Disc drive indicator (page 16) G Power indic ator (page 16) H Power button I Built-in speakers (stereo) J Bottom chassis frame (page 78)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Back

The area around the air vent (1) becomes hot while your computer is on. Be sure to wait until the computer cools down before you touch it.

A Air vent B Cable clamps (page 17), (page 18) C Prop-up stand (page 78) D DC IN port (page 18) E Network (Ethernet) port (page 42)

F Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports G OPTICAL OUT port (page 53)

(Output Sampling Rate: 44.1 KHz/48.0 KHz/96.0 KHz)

H i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 56) I Memory module compartment cover (page 68)

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

(page 54)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 26) B Manual eject hole (page 100) C Drive eject button (page 26)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Left

A Memory Stick slot

(page 33)

B Media Access indicator (page 16) C SD memory card slot (page 38)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

(page 54)

E Headphones jack (page 53) F Microphone jack

Connect an external microphone.

G Line In jack

Connect an external audio device for audio input.

H WIRELESS switch (page 43)

Your computer supports both the standard-size Memory Stick and the Duosize Memory Stick.

Support high-/full-/low- speeds.

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 when the computer is on, illuminates in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and

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

Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or

Disc drive

WIRELESS Illuminates when one or more wireless options are enabled.

turns off when the computer is off.

turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.

Illuminates while the built-in storage device or the optical disc drive is running to read or write data. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.

Getting Started > Setting Up Your Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting the Keyboard and the Mouse

A USB keyboard and a USB mouse are supplied with your computer.

To connect the keyboard and the mouse

1 Plug the keyboard cable (1) and the mouse cable (2) to your desired USB ports (3) on the back of the computer.

2 Route the mouse cable (2) through the cable clamp (4) on the back of your computer.

Getting Started > Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting a Power Source

You need an AC adapter to connect your computer to an AC power source.

✍

Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

To connect 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 AC adapter cable (4) into the DC IN port (5).

4 Route the AC adapter cable through the cable clamp (6).

Getting Started > Setting Up Your Computer

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 when the computer is off.

Make sure that the AC outlets are easily accessible.

If you unplug the AC adapter from your computer while the computer is on or in Sleep mode, you may lose all unsaved data.

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, the arrow next to the Lock button, and then 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.

Getting Started > Updating Your Computer

Updating Your Computer

Be sure to install the latest updates on your computer with the following software applications so that the computer can run more efficiently.

❑ Windows Update

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

❑ VAIO Update 4

Click Start, All Programs, VAIO Update 4, and VAIO Update Options 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 23)

❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 25)

❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 26)

❑ Using the Memory Stick (page 33)

❑ Using Other Modules / Memory Cards (page 38)

❑ Using the Internet (page 41)

❑ Using the Network (LAN) (page 42)

❑ Using the Wireless LAN (page 43)

❑ Using the Bluetooth Function (page 47)

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Keyboard

Using the Keyboard

A USB keyboard is supplied with your computer.

The keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.

A Function keys

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

Fn+F5: Decreases lighting intensity of the LCD screen. Fn+F6: Increases lighting intensity of the LCD screen.

B Sleep button

Provides for the lower level of power consumption. For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Mode (page 65).

C S1 button

Executes the task that is assigned to the button by default.

✍

Illustrated above is the English keyboard as an example.

You can change the default assignment with the VAIO Control Center.

D Zoom buttons

Changes the size of an image or a document displayed on some software.

Press to make the view look smaller and further away (zoom out).

Press See the help file included with the VAIO Control Center for more information.

to make the view look bigger and closer (zoom in).

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Keyboard

E Muting button

Turns the volume on and off.

F Volume control buttons

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

G Windows key

Displays the Start menu.

H E key

Ejects the optical disc drive tray when used in combination with the Fn key.

I Applications key

Displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications.

J Directional arrow keys

Move the pointer on the computer screen.

K Indicator lights

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

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

(Scr Lk): Turns on while in the Scroll Lock state.

L Numeric keypad

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

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera

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

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

❑ Capturing still images and movies

❑ Sensing and capturing object movements for monitoring purposes

❑ Editing captured data

✍

Turning on the computer activates the built-in MOTION EYE camera.

Video conference is possible with the appropriate software.

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

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

You cannot operate the built-in MOTION EYE camera with the Microsoft Windows Movie Maker software.

To use the preinstalled image capture software

1 Click Start, All Programs, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 2, and WebCam Companion 2.

2 Click the 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 or the Record 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.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Optical Disc Drive

Using the Optical Disc Drive

Your computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.

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.

To insert a disc

1 Turn on the computer.

2 Press the drive eject button (1) or the Fn+E keys to open the drive.

The drive tray slides out.

3 Hold the back of the drive tray with one hand, place a disc in the middle of the drive tray with the label side facing toward

you, and gently push it toward the drive tray until the disc clicks into place.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Optical Disc Drive

Do not exert pressure on the drive tray. Be sure to hold the back of the drive tray when placing/removing a disc onto/from the drive tray.

4 Close the drive tray by pushing it in gently.

Do not remove the optical disc when your computer is in Sleep mode. Be sure to bring the computer back into Normal mode before removing the disc.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Optical Disc Drive

Supported Disc Media

Your computer plays and records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Disc™ media, depending on the model you purchased.

See the reference chart below to find out which type of optical disc drive supports which types of media.

PR: playable and recordable P: playable but not recordable –: not playable or recordable

CD-

Video CDMusic CDCD

ROM

DVD±RW/ ±R DL/RAM

Blu-ray DiscPPPPPRPPPRPRPR PR PR P

Blu-ray Disc Combo

The DVD±RW/RAM disc drive on your computer does not support the DVD-RAM cartridge. Use non-cartridge discs or discs with a removable cartridge.

Writing data to single-sided DVD-RAM discs (2.6 GB) compliant with DVD-RAM Version 1.0 is not supported. DVD-RAM Version 2.2/12X-SPEED DVD-RAM Revision 5.0 disc is not supported.

The Blu-ray Disc drive on your computer does not support BD-RE Disc media in Version 1.0 format and Blu-ray Disc media with a cartridge.

Supports writing data to BD-R Version 1.1/1.2/1.3 discs (single-layer discs with the capacity of 25 GB, dual-layer discs with the capacity of 50 GB) and BD-RE Version

2.1 discs (single-layer discs with the capacity of 25 GB, dual-layer discs with the capacity of 50 GB).

Writing data to Ultra Speed CD-RW discs is not supported.

PPPPPRPPPRPRPR PR PR – –

PPPP

Extra

CD-R/RWDVD-

DVD-

ROM

P P PR PR PR PR PR P P

DVD-R/RWDVD+R/RWDVD+R DL

Video

(Double Layer)

DVD-R DL (Dual Layer)

DVD-

RAM

*1 *2

BDROM

BD-R/RE

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Optical Disc Drive

This product is designed to play back discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD Standard). A DualDisc is a two sided disc product which mates DVD recorded material on one side with digital audio material on the other side. Be aware that the audio side (non-DVD side) of a DualDisc may not play on this product because it does not conform to the CD Standard.

When you buy pre-recorded or blank discs for use with your VAIO computer, be sure to read the notices on the disc package carefully to check both playback and recording compatibility with your computer's optical disc drives. Sony does NOT guarantee the compatibility of VAIO optical disc drives

with discs that are not compliant with the official "CD," "DVD," or "Blu-ray Disc" standard. USING NON-COMPLIANT DISCS CAN CAUSE FATAL DAMAGE TO YOUR VAIO PC OR CREATE SOFTWARE CONFLICTS AND CAUSE SYSTEM HANGING. For inquiries about disc formats, contact the individual publisher of the pre-recorded disc or the manufacturer of the recordable disc.

✍

8 cm disc writing is not supported.

To play copyright protected Blu-ray Disc media continually, update the AACS key. The AACS key update requires Internet access.

As with other optical media devices, circumstances may limit compatibility or prevent Blu-ray Disc media playback. VAIO computers may not support movie playback on packaged media recorded in AVC or VC1 formats at high bit rates.

Region settings are required for some contents on DVD and BD-ROM Disc media. If the region setting on the optical disc drive does not match the region coding on the disc, playback is not possible.

Some contents may restrict video output to standard definition or prohibit analog video output. It is strongly recommended that a digital HDCP compliant environment be implemented for optimum compatibility and viewing quality.

Do not use memory-resident utility software when playing or writing a disc. This may cause the computer to malfunction.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Optical Disc Drive

Notes on Using the Optical Disc Drive

Notes on writing data to a disc

❑ Only use circular discs. Do not use discs in any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage the optical disc

drive.

❑ Do not strike or shake your computer while the optical disc drive is writing data to a disc.

❑ Do not plug or unplug the AC adapter while the optical disc drive is writing data to a disc.

Notes on playing discs

To achieve optimum performance when playing discs, you should follow these recommendations:

❑ Some CD players and computer optical disc drives may not be able to play audio CDs created with the CD-R or CD-RW

media.

❑ Some DVD players and computer optical disc drives may not be able to play DVDs created with the DVD+R DL, DVD-R

DL, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD-RAM media.

❑ You may not be able to play some of Blu-ray Disc contents on your computer, or the computer may become unstable

during Blu-ray Disc playback. To play such contents normally, download and install the latest updates for the WinDVD BD using the VAIO Update. For information on how to use the VAIO Update, see Updating Your Computer (page 21).

❑ Depending on system environment, you may find sound interruptions and/or dropped frames during AVC HD playback.

❑ Do not place your computer into the power saving mode while your computer is playing a disc.

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