Sony VGC-LA3, VGC-LA3R User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGC-LA series

Contents

Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................5

Notice...........................................................................................................................................................................6

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................7

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

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

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

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

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

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................23

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................24

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................25

Using the Mouse ........................................................................................................................................................32

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................37

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................39

Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................49

Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................56

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................59

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................63

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................69

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................72

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................73

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................79

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................80

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................82

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................83

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................85

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................86

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................87

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center................................................................................................90

Using the Power Saving Modes.................................................................................................................................91

Configuring Your Modem ...........................................................................................................................................94

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer......................................................................................................................................96

Adding and Removing Memory..................................................................................................................................97

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................104

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................105

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................106

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................107

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................109

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................109

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................110

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................111

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................112

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................113

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................114

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................115

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................116

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................122

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................123

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................126

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................128

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................131

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................135

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................136

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................137

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................138

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................139

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

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

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................142

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................144

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................145

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................146

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................147

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................147

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................148

Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................150

Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing.

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

Before Use

Notice

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. Guides are provided in PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out. The My Club VAIO portal is a perfect starting point to use your computer — a comprehensive collection of everything you

need to get the most from your computer. The user guides are collected under Documentation, which can be shown by clicking the VAIO User Guides icon on the

desktop or following these steps:

1 Click Start , All Programs, and My Club VAIO. 2 Click Documentation. 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.

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

Before Use

Printed Documentation

❑ A Setting Up Poster — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO. ❑ Troubleshooting Guide — Contains solutions to common problems. ❑ Recovery Guide — Contains an explanation of how to make a backup copy of your data and recover your computer

system, and solutions to computer malfunctions.

❑ Booklets containing the following information: Sony GUARANTEE conditions, Safety / Regulations, Modem

Regulations, Wireless LAN Regulations, Bluetooth Regulations, End User Software License Agreement, and Sony Support services.

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.vaio-link.com/

Before Use

My Club VAIO

In My Club VAIO you can find: Documentation, which gives you: ❑ Access to the User Guide. This manual explains the features of your computer in detail, how to use these features

confidently and safely, connect peripheral devices and more.

❑ Access to Help & Training. This is the portal of VAIO Help and Support Center. ❑ Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.

In My Club VAIO you can also 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.

Before Use

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.

Ergonomic Considerations

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

Before Use

❑ 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 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 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.

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

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

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

❑ Ventilation – Make sure you leave at least 10 cm of space behind and at least 20 cm of space on each side of the main

unit.

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) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 23)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Front

A Built-in speakers (stereo) B Infrared receiver

Point the supplied remote commander to this sensor for operations.

C Infrared signal indicator (page 19) D Built-in microphone (monaural) E Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 37) F Power indicator (page 19) G Power button H MONITOR OFF button / MONITOR OFF indicator (page 19)

Press this button to turn off the LCD backlight and the speaker volum

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You can change the MONITOR OFF button setting to keep the speaker volume on. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 90) and find out more in its help file.

I LCD screen (page 105) J Hard disk drive indicator (page 19) K WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 19)

Getting Started

Back

Getting Started

A Back panel cover

Remove the back panel cover to access the ports and jacks behind it (page 20).

Before removing the cover, be sure to shut down your computer.

B Prop-up stand

Grasp the side ends with both hands and raise the bottom end, as shown below, to place your computer upright. When moving or storing the computer, you can simply push it back down for easy handling.

Be sure to place your computer on a soft cloth to avoid damage to your computer screen.

Capture angle adjuster (page 38)

A B AUDIO INPUT (L / R) jacks

Connect an external device such as a VCR.

C VIDEO INPUT (S VIDEO) jack / (VIDEO) port

Connect an external device such as a VCR.

D VHF/UHF port (page 49) E Network (Ethernet) port (page 85) F DC IN port (page 20) G Cable bundler (page 22) H CONNECT button (page 25), (page 32) I WLAN (Wireless LAN) switch (page 73)

J Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

(page 80)

K Modem port (page 72)

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

Getting Started

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 39) B Optical disc drive indicator (page 19) C Drive eject button (page 41)

Getting Started

Left

Getting Started

A PC Card slot (page 56) B PC Card release button (page 58) C SD memory card slot (page 70) D Headphones jack

Connect external headphones or speakers.

E Line In jack

Connect an external audio device for audio input.

F Microphone jack

Connect an external microphone.

G Universal ExpressCard

slot*1 (page 60)

H Media Access indicator (page 19) I Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot

(page 64)

J i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 83) K Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port

Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.

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

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

(page 80)

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green when the power of the computer is on, illuminates in orange when the computer is in Sleep

mode, and turns off when the computer is off.

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

MONITOR OFF Illuminates in orange when the LCD backlight and the speaker volume are turned off.

Infrared signal Illuminates upon receipt of infrared signals.

Optical disc drive Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc. When the indicator is off, the optical disc is not

Hard disk drive

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

✍

You can change the brightness of the indicator lights. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 90) and find out more in its help file.

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

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.

Connecting a Power Source

You need an AC adapter as a power source for your computer.

Before Accessing the DC IN Port

You need to remove the back panel cover (1). Simply pull the cover off your computer.

Be sure to put the cover back on the computer when you are done.

Getting Started

Using the AC Adapter

✍

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To use the AC adapter

1 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3). 2 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2). 3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

Getting Started

✍

You can bundle the AC adapter cable along with other cables to keep them tidy. Snap open the cable bundler, route the cables through it, and then snap the cable bundler back shut as shown below:

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

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 25) ❑ Using the Mouse (page 32) ❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 37) ❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 39) ❑ Using the TV Function (page 49) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 56) ❑ Using the ExpressCard Module (page 59) ❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 63) ❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 69) ❑ Using the Internet (page 72) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 73)

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

A wireless keyboard is supplied with your computer. The wireless keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions. The VAIO-Link Web site (http://www.vaio-link.com

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

Using the Wireless Keyboard

✍

Illustrated above is the English keyboard as an example.

Using Your VAIO Computer

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 lightness intensity of the LCD screen. Fn + F6: Increases lightness intensity of the LCD screen. Fn + F10: Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore

your computer’s screen view.

B Muting button

Turns the volume on and off.

C Volume control buttons

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

D Shortcut buttons

Perform the pre-assigned tasks. The default tasks are as follows:

S1: Launches or exits VAIO Information FLOW or WinDVD. S2: Launches Internet Explorer. When Internet Explorer is up

and running, press this button to magnify the contents in the foreground Internet Explorer window. One press magnifies the contents by 50%. When magnification reaches 200%, it goes back to 100%. S3: Opens the Media Center Start menu on models with a TV tuner or launches Windows Mail on models without a TV tuner.

✍

You can change these button assignments with VAIO Control Center. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 90) and find out