Sony VGC-LA3, VGC-LA3R User Manual

User Guide
Personal Computer
VGC-LA series
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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................5
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
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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
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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
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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.
!
External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.
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Before Use
Notice
© 2007 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. 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.
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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.
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.
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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/
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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.
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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.
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Ergonomic Considerations
Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations:
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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
e.
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)
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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.
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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.
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Getting Started
Right
A Optical disc drive (page 39) B Optical disc drive indicator (page 19) C Drive eject button (page 41)
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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
*2
(page 64)
J i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 83) K Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port
*1
Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.
*2
Your computer supports Memory Stick PRO media and Memory Stick Duo media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.
*3
Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*3
(page 80)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Getting Started
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.
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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)
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Using Your VAIO Computer
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.
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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.
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You can change these button assignments with VAIO Control Center. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 90) and find out
more in its help file.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Standby button
E
Provides for the lower level of power consumption. For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 91).
F POWER switch
Slide the POWER switch to turn on and off the wireless keyboard.
G Indicators
(Battery): turns on while the AA batteries for the
wireless keyboard are sufficient and switches to when the batteries wear out.
(Num lock): Turns on while in the Num Lock state.
(Caps lock): Turns on while in the Caps Lock state. (Scroll lock): Turns on while in the Scroll Lock state.
(Connect): Turns on while connection between the computer and the wireless keyboard is in place to indicate that the keyboard is ready for use (page 30).
H Windows key
Displays the Start menu.
I Applications key
Displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications.
J Directional arrow keys
Move the pointer on the computer screen.
K Numeric keypad
Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations.
Using Your VAIO Computer
A Keyboard feet
Flip open to adjust the keyboard angle.
B CONNECT button (page 29)
Press to enable the wireless keyboard to communicate with the main unit.
C Battery compartment
Storage compartment for the AA batteries.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Before you use the keyboard
Four AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless keyboard. Before attempting to use the wireless keyboard, you must install the batteries and establish communication between the computer and the keyboard.
!
To maintain good communication, operate the wireless keyboard within the distance limitations of keyboard: 10 m from your computer.
Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.
Press the CONNECT button located on the back of your computer first, and then press the CONNECT button on the bottom of the wireless keyboard.
Avoid using any wireless devices that exchange radio signals on the 2.4 GHz frequency band near the wireless keyboard. These devices may cause interference, causing the keyboard to stop working properly.
Do not place metal furniture near your computer or wireless keyboard, as this may create interference, causing the keyboard to stop working properly.
Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless keyboard. Always use the same type and manufacture of battery.
Do not mix alkaline with manganese batteries. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used, new or different types of batteries can damage the wireless keyboard.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
To connect the wireless keyboard
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To connect your wireless keyboard, it must be located within a range of 30 cm to 1 m from the computer.
1 Insert the supplied four AA batteries (1) into the battery compartment (2) on the bottom of the wireless keyboard. 2 Turn on the computer. 3 Slide the POWER switch (3) at the top of the keyboard to the ON position. 4 Press the CONNECT button (4) on the back of the computer. 5 Press the CONNECT button (5) on the bottom of the keyboard.
The connect indicator turns on in the indicator window on the keyboard when connection is established between the computer and the keyboard. If not, repeat the procedure.
!
Steps 4 and 5 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other.
If the wireless keyboard is left unused for 20 minutes or longer, the connect indicator will turn off. This could indicate that the connection between your computer and the keyboard is lost. Press the Fn key to check that the connect indicator turns on before using the keyboard.
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