Sony VGC-LT23E, VGC-LT20E User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGC-LT20 Series

Contents

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

NERGY STAR ...............................................................................................................................................................6

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

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

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

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

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

Setting Up Your Computer.........................................................................................................................................20

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................33

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................34

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................35

Using the Mouse ........................................................................................................................................................39

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................42

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................44

Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................55

Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................74

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................77

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................81

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................87

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................90

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................92

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................99

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................100

Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................102

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................103

Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................105

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................107

Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................108

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................111

Using the Power Saving Mode.................................................................................................................................112

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................114

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................115

Adding the Hard Disk Drive......................................................................................................................................121

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................127

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................128

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................129

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................130

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................132

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................133

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................134

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................136

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................137

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................138

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................139

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................140

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................142

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................148

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................150

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................153

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................155

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................158

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................163

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................165

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................166

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................168

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................169

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................171

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................172

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................173

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................175

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................178

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................179

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................180

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................180

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................184

Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................195

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.

Before Use

ENERGY STAR

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international Program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption.

For detailed information on the ENERGY STAR Program, visit the following Web sites:

❑ http://www.energystar.gov ❑ http://www.eu-energystar.org

(USA)

(Europe)

This computer is designed based on the ENERGY STAR standards and delivered with the following power saving settings:

❑ The LCD backlight is turned off automatically after inactivity of about 15 minutes. ❑ The computer enters Sleep mode automatically after inactivity of about 25 minutes.

Press any key to bring the computer back into Normal mode. For detailed information on power saving modes, see Using the Power Saving Mode (page 112).

Before Use

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

❑ Welcome mat — Contains an overview of components connection, set-up information, etc. ❑ Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

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 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 the following URLs:

http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ http://sony.ca/view/Computers_Bulletins.htm http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/

for customers in USA

for customers in Canada

for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas

for customers in Brazil

Before Use

❑ VAIO Recovery Center User Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, software

drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire hard disk drive to the original factory installed settings. To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support. 2 Click Manuals & Specifications. 3 Click VAI O Recovery Center User Guide.

❑ Media Center User Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about using Windows Media Center.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support. 2 Click Manuals & Specifications. 3 Click Media Center User Guide.

Before Use

Help and Support

Help and Support is easy to access and provides a single location for information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer. Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.

To access Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support.

❑ Manuals & Specifications

Here you will find the on-screen User Guide, warranty information, other VAIO documents, and system and software information for your computer.

❑ VAIO Support

Access interactive help in the form of VAIO tutorials, an escalation page containing support and contact information, and various links to VAIO online support Web sites.

❑ Backup & Recovery

Find information on how to back up and restore your operating system, system software, and your personal data.

❑ Wireless & Networking

Learn about wireless connections including Bluetooth Wireless technology and Wireless LAN. Run utilities that include VAIO Media Setup and Windows Network and Sharing Center, and access to wireless tutorials.

❑ Security

Keep your data safe and your computer running efficiently with updates and maintenance programs from Microsoft and Sony.

❑ VAIO Sites

Contains links to other Internet sites you might find interesting and useful.

❑ VAIO Tutorials

Sony provides guided help tutorials that help you accomplish a task. It can either perform the task for you or show you how to do it step by step.

❑ VAIO Registration

Please take a moment to register your VAIO computer to enjoy the following benefits:

❑ Your computer will be registered with Sony Product Support. ❑ You will receive an e-coupon good for purchase of eligible accessories at SonyStyle.com.

❑ Extended Service Plan

Sony VAIO products come with a 1 year Limited Warranty. Protect your investment further by purchasing an optional Extended Service Plan.

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 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

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

Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Be sure to start up your computer with only the supplied accessories connected and set up your system. Upon completion, connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturers' instructions.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 14)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 19)

❑ Setting Up Your Computer (page 20)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 33)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

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

Front

A Built-in speakers (stereo) B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 19) C Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 42) D Built-in microphone (monaural) E Power indicator (page 19) 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 SONY logo lamp (page 111) J LCD screen (page 128) K Hard disk drive indicator (page 19) L DISPLAY OFF indicator (page 19)

* On selected models only.

Back

Getting Started

A Back panel cover

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

B i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 103) 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 100)

G Prop-up stand

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

Air vent

A B Hard disk bay cover (page 122) C Capture angle adjuster (page 43) D DC IN port (page 22) E Modem port (page 90) F Network (Ethernet) port (page 105) G Cable clamps (page 24) H Subwoofer speaker for bass frequencies

I INFRARED TRANSMITTER OUT jack J S VIDEO input port K A/V INPUT jack

(page 65)

L WLAN (Wireless LAN) switch (page 92) M CONNECT button (page 25), (page 28)

N VHF/UHF input port O HDTV/ATSC input port

* On selected models only.

(page 55)

(page 62)

(page 72)

Getting Started

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 44) B Optical disc drive indicator (page 19) C Drive eject button (page 45)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

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

(page 100)

Getting Started

Left

Getting Started

A PC Card slot (page 74) B PC Card release button (page 76)

C ExpressCard/34 D Memory Stick slot

slot (page 78)

(page 83)

E Media Access indicator (page 19) F SD memory card slot (page 88) G Headphones jack

Connect external headphones or speakers.

H WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 19)

* 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

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 111) 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 20) 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.

Getting Started

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 20) 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.

✍

If you find your keyboard not working, for example after replacement of the keyboard batteries, try the following steps for reconnection.

To connect the wireless keyboard

To connect the wireless keyboard, it must be located within a range of approximately 11.8 inches (30 cm) to approximately 39.4 inches (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 20) 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 20) 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.

✍

If you find your mouse not working, for example after replacement of the mouse batteries, try the following steps for reconnection.

To connect the wireless mouse

To connect the wireless mouse, it must be located within a range of approximately 11.8 inches (30 cm) to approximately 39.4 inches (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 20) 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 20) 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.

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