Sony VGC-LM, VGC-LT User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGC-LT series/VGC-LM series

Contents

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

Notice ...........................................................................................................................................................................5

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................6

Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................10

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................12

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................13

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................18

Setting Up Your Computer.........................................................................................................................................19

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................32

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................33

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................34

Using the Mouse ........................................................................................................................................................38

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................41

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................43

Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................54

Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................63

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................66

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................70

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................76

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................79

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................81

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................88

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................89

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................91

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................92

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................94

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................96

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................97

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................100

Using the Power Saving Mode.................................................................................................................................101

Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................103

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................105

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................106

Adding the Hard Disk Drive......................................................................................................................................112

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................118

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................119

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................120

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................121

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................123

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................124

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................125

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................127

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................128

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................129

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................130

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................131

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................132

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................137

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................138

Internet .....................................................................................................................................................................141

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................143

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................146

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................150

Printing .....................................................................................................................................................................152

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................153

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................155

Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................156

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................157

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................158

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................159

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................161

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................164

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................165

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................166

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................166

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................167

Trademarks ..............................................................................................................................................................169

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.

Notice

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval.

Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software, or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.

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

Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

Before Use

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

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

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

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

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

Safety / Regulations, Modem Regulations, Wireless LAN Regulations, Wireless WAN Regulations, Bluetooth Regulations, End User Software License Agreement, and Sony Support services information.

Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

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

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

To view this on-screen guide:

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

2 Open the folder for your language.

3 Select the guide you want to read.

✍

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

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

❑ Specifications — The online Specifications describe the hardware and software configurations of your VAIO computer.

To view the online Specifications:

1 Connect to the Internet.

2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://support.vaio.sony.eu

✍

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

Before Use

My Club VAIO

In My Club VAIO you can find:

❑ Accessories

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

❑ Software

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

❑ Wallpapers

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

❑ Links

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

Windows Help and Support

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

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

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

Further Sources

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

❑ Go to http://www.club-vaio.com

to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

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 eyes, muscles, or tendons.

❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the

floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.

Before Use

❑ Viewing angle of the 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, 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 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.

❑ 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 13)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 18)

❑ Setting Up Your Computer (page 19)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 32)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

The following illustrates the appearance of VGC-LT series. Your computer may appear different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications. The appearance may also vary in some countries or areas.

Front

A Built-in speakers (stereo) B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 18) C Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 41) D Built-in microphone (monaural) E Power indicator (page 18) F DISPLAY OFF button

Press this button to turn off the LCD backlight.

G Power button H Remote sensor

Point the supplied remote commander to this sensor for operations.

I Remote sensor indicator (page 18) J SONY logo lamp (page 100) K LCD screen (page 119) L Hard disk drive indicator (page 18) M DISPLAY OFF indicator (page 18)

Back

Getting Started

A Back panel cover

Remove the back panel cover to access the ports and jacks behind it (page 19).

B i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 92) C Microphone jack

Connect an external microphone.

D Line In jack

Connect an external audio device for audio input.

E OPTICAL OUT port

(Output Sampling Rate: 44.1 KHz/48.0 KHz/96.0 KHz) Connect an S/PDIF-compatible device such as digital headphones or an AV amplifier.

F Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

(page 89)

G Prop-up stand

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

Air vent

A B Hard disk bay cover

(page 113)

C Capture angle adjuster (page 42) D DC IN port (page 21) E Modem port (page 79) F Network (Ethernet) port (page 94) G Cable clamps (page 23) H Subwoofer speaker for bass frequencies I S VIDEO input port

Connect an external device such as a VCR.

J A/V INPUT jack

Connect an external device such as a VCR.

K WLAN (Wireless LAN) switch (page 81) L CONNECT button (page 24), (page 27) M VHF/UHF input port (page 54)

* On VGC-LT series models only.

Getting Started

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 43) B Optical disc drive indicator (page 18) C Drive eject button (page 44)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

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

(page 89)

Getting Started

Left

Getting Started

A PC Card slot (page 63) B PC Card release button (page 65)

C ExpressCard/34 D Memory Stick slot

slot (page 67)

(page 72)

E Media Access indicator (page 18) F SD memory card slot (page 77) G Headphones jack

Connect external headphones or speakers.

H WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 18)

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

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.

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 enter Sleep mode or turn off the

DISPLAY OFF Illuminates in orange when the LCD backlight is turned off.

Optical disc drive Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc media. When the indicator is off, the optical disc

Remote sensor Illuminates in red upon reception of infrared signals from the remote commander.

Hard disk drive

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.

✍

You can change the brightness of the indicator lights. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 100) 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.

media is not being used.

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk drive. Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.

Getting Started

Setting Up Your Computer

Removing and Replacing the Back Panel Cover

Before accessing some ports and jacks on the back of your computer, you need first to remove the back panel cover from the computer.

To remove the back panel cover

1 Gently face down your computer.

When facing down your computer, be sure to place it on a soft cloth to avoid damage to the LCD screen.

2 Grasp the back panel cover (1) with both hands, gently pull it off, and move the cover toward the base of the computer.

To replace the back panel cover

1 Put the prop-up stand (1) through the opening of the back panel cover (2).

2 Align the cover with the back of the computer and push it in.

Be sure to keep the back panel cover on the computer unless access to the back panel is necessary.

Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

You need an AC adapter to connect to an AC power source and it must be plugged into the power source before you can establish communication with your wireless keyboard and mouse.

✍

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To connect the AC adapter

1 Remove the back panel cover from the computer.

See Removing and Replacing the Back Panel Cover (page 19) for the procedure.

2 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3).

3 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2).

4 Plug the cable connected to 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.

5 Replace the back panel cover.

See Removing and Replacing the Back Panel Cover (page 19) for the procedure.

Getting Started

✍

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

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

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

Connecting the Wireless Keyboard

A wireless keyboard and four AA alkaline batteries for use in the keyboard are supplied with your computer. Before attempting to use the wireless keyboard, you must install the batteries and establish communication between the computer and the keyboard.

To connect the wireless keyboard

To connect the 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 Remove the back panel cover from the computer.

See Removing and Replacing the Back Panel Cover (page 19) for the procedure.

3 Turn on the computer.

4 Slide the POWER switch (3) at the top of the keyboard to the ON position.

5 Press the CONNECT button (4) on the back of the computer.

6 Press the CONNECT button (5) on the bottom of the keyboard.

The connect indicator turns on in the LCD window on the keyboard when connection is established between the computer and the keyboard. If not, repeat the procedure.

Steps 5 and 6 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.

Getting Started

7 Replace the back panel cover.

See Removing and Replacing the Back Panel Cover (page 19) for the procedure.

Getting Started

✍

You can check the battery indicator ( or ) in the LCD window on the wireless keyboard for its battery power level.

If the wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If the wireless keyboard is not being used for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

If you want to put the wireless keyboard in a more 'ergonomic' position, flip open the keyboard feet.

Getting Started

Connecting the Wireless Mouse

A wireless mouse and two AA alkaline batteries for use in the mouse are supplied with your computer. Before attempting to use the wireless mouse, you must install the batteries and establish communication between your computer and the mouse.

To connect the wireless mouse

To connect the wireless mouse, it must be located within a range of 30 cm to 1 m from the computer.

1 Insert the supplied two AA batteries into the wireless mouse as shown below:

2 Remove the back panel cover from the computer.

See Removing and Replacing the Back Panel Cover (page 19) for the procedure.

3 Turn on the computer.

4 Slide the power switch on the bottom of the mouse to the ON position.

5 Press the CONNECT button (1) on the back of the computer.

Getting Started

6 Press the CONNECT button on the bottom of the mouse within 10 seconds from step 5.

Communication between the mouse and the computer should now be established.

Getting Started

7 Replace the back panel cover.

See Removing and Replacing the Back Panel Cover (page 19) for the procedure.

✍

If the wireless mouse does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If the wireless mouse is not being used for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

Getting Started

Preparing for VESA Mounting

Your computer complies with the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) mounting standard (100 mm x 100 mm) and is equipped with four holes on its back panel for connecting to your mounting system.

To reveal the VESA mounting holes

1 Remove the back panel cover from the computer.

See Removing and Replacing the Back Panel Cover (page 19) for the procedure.

2 Unscrew the six screws (1) and remove the prop-up stand (2)

+ 141 hidden pages