Sony VGC-RC110GX User Guide
User Guide
Personal Computer
VGC-RC110G Series
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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................6
Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................6
Ergonomic Considerations...........................................................................................................................................9
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................11
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................12
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................15
Setting Up Your Computer.........................................................................................................................................16
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................30
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................31
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................32
Using the Mouse ........................................................................................................................................................37
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................43
Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................49
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................65
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................69
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................72
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Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................73
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................74
Connecting a VCR or Camcorder ..............................................................................................................................75
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................77
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................79
Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................81
Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................83
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................85
Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................86
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central ...........................................................................................................88
Using the Power Saving Modes.................................................................................................................................89
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer......................................................................................................................................92
Before Upgrading Your Computer .............................................................................................................................93
Opening and Closing the Computer...........................................................................................................................94
Adding and Removing Memory..................................................................................................................................97
Installing an Add-on Card ........................................................................................................................................103
Replacing the Lithium Battery ..................................................................................................................................106
Installing the Hard Disk Drive...................................................................................................................................109
Installing the IDE Device..........................................................................................................................................118
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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................128
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................129
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................130
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................131
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................133
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................134
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................134
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................135
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................136
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................137
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................138
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................145
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................147
CDs and DVDs.........................................................................................................................................................149
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................153
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................154
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................155
Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................156
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................158
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................160
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................161
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................162
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................163
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................164
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Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................165
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................165
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................166
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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.
Documentation
Your documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.
Printed Documentation
❑ Welcome mat — Contains an overview of connections, setting up information, etc.
❑ Safety information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.
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Before Use
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.sony.com/pcsupport
at http://www.sony.ca/support
American countries or areas.
❑ VAIO Recovery 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 online VAIO Recovery Guide:
1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Support Central.
2 Click VAIO Documentation.
3 Click VAI O Recovery Guide.
❑ RAID guide — Provides an overview of RAID systems and the various RAID levels (or types) that can be configured with
your VAIO computer. It lists detailed procedures for using the RAID Recovery program to configure the hard disk drives,
change your computer's RAID array, or to remove the RAID configuration. Additional procedures are also provided for
using the VAIO Recovery utility and the Intel Storage Utility programs.
To access this online guide:
1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Support Central.
2 Click VAI O Documentation.
3 Click RAID guide.
for customers in Canada, or at http://www.sony.com/lapcsupport for customers in Latin
for customers in USA,
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Before Use
❑ MCE guide (MCE models only) — Provides information about using the Windows XP Media Center Edition operating
system.
To access this online MCE guide:
1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Support Central.
2 Click VAI O Documentation.
3 Click MCE guide.
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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
❑ Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral equipment.
❑ Ventilation – Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides of your computer to enable proper ventilation.
❑ 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.
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Before Use
❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are
flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit with relaxed, upright posture — avoid slouching forward
or leaning far backward.
❑ Viewing angle of the display – Position the display 18 to 26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the screen at
or a little below eye level. Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle
fatigue by placing the display in the proper position.
❑ 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. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare.
Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
Getting Started
This section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer.
❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 12)
❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 15)
❑ Setting Up Your Computer (page 16)
❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 30)
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Getting Started
Getting Started
Locating Controls and Ports
Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.
!
Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described in this section. The location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary
from the illustrations shown below, depending on the model you purchased. See the online Specifications for your computer's specific hardware
configuration.
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Front
A Optical disc drive 1 (page 43)
See the online Specifications for your computer's hardware
configuration.
B Drive 1 eject button (page 43)
Getting Started
C Optical disc drive 2 (page 43)
See the online Specifications for your computer's hardware
configuration.
D Drive 2 eject button (page 43)
E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port
F i.LINK
®
(IEEE1394) S400 port (page 81)
*1
(page 77)
G VAIO power indicator (page 15)
H Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports
*1
(page 77)
I SM/xD-Picture Card slot (page 69)
J CF (CompactFlash
®
) memory card slot (page 69)
K Media Access indicator (page 15)
L Memory Stick media slot
*2
(page 69)
M SD memory card slot (page 69)
N Drive indicator (page 15)
O Standby indicator (page 15)
P Power button
Q Headphones jack (page 19)
R Microphone jack (page 74)
S S Video In port (page 75)
T Composite Video In jack (page 75)
U Composite Audio In jacks (page 75)
*1
Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*2
Your computer supports Memory Stick Duo media and Memory Stick Pro
high speed and high capacity capabilities.
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Back
A Modem port (page 25)
B AC Input port (page 28)
C S/PDIF Optical Out port for connecting digital equipment such as an
AV amplifier.
D Network (Ethernet) port (page 83)
E i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 81)
F Printer port (page 80)
G VHF/UHF port (page 50)
H S Video In port (page 75)
I Composite Video In jack (page 75)
J Composite Audio In (L/R) jacks (page 75)
K TV Out (S Video/Video) jack
L DVI-D port
M Monitor port
N DVI-D port
*1
(page 17)
*1
(page 17)
*2
(page 17)
O TV Out (S Video/Video) jack
P Monitor port
*2
(page 17)
*1
for connecting a TV monitor.
*2
for connecting a TV monitor.
Q Line In jack (page 19)
R FRONT jack (page 19)
S REAR jack (page 19)
T WOOFER/CENTER jack (page 19)
U Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports
*3
(page 77)
V Keyboard port (page 21)
*1
On models with the NVIDIA video controller.
*2
On models with the ATI video controller.
*3
Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
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Getting Started
About the Indicator Lights
Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.
Indicator Functions
VAIO power Illuminates when the computer is on and turns off when the computer is off.
Standby Illuminates in orange only when the computer is in Standby mode.
Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Standby mode or turn
off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.
Drive
Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk or optical disc drive. Do not enter Standby mode
or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.
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Getting Started
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Getting Started
Setting Up Your Computer
Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described in this section. The location of the controls,
ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown below, depending on the model you purchased. See the online
Specifications for your computer's specific hardware configuration.
❑ Connecting a Display (Monitor) (page 17)
❑ Connecting Speaker Systems (page 19)
❑ Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse (page 21)
❑ Connecting the Radio Frequency Receiver for the Wireless Keyboard and Mouse (page 23)
❑ Connecting the Telephone and Modem (page 25)
❑ Connecting the Power Cord (page 28)
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Getting Started
Connecting a Display (Monitor)
Your computer may be supplied with a display. For details on the bundled accessories, see the online Specifications.
To connect a display
1 If you want to connect a VGA monitor, plug the display's cable into the monitor (VGA) port (1).
2 If you want to connect a DVI monitor, plug the display's cable into the DVI-D port (2).
3 If necessary, plug the display's cable into the rear of the display.
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Getting Started
!
A video adapter device is required to connect a VGA monitor using the DVI-D port.
Models with the NVIDIA video controller are compliant with the High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) specification. To view contents that
require the HDCP specification for playback or output, use an HDCP-compliant display.
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Getting Started
Connecting Speaker Systems
Your computer may be supplied with a speaker system, or you may wish to use your own speaker system. Note that speaker
configuration varies, depending on the speaker components in use.
To set up the speakers with the computer
❑ Match the color of the mini stereo plugs (from the speaker system) to the color of the speaker jacks on the back of the
computer.
❑ Review the connection instructions provided with your speaker system, as the connection setup may vary.
To connect the supplied 2-channel speakers
1 Plug the speaker cable (1) from the back of the right speaker to the FRONT jack (2) on the back of the computer.
2 Plug the power cable from the right speaker to a grounded AC wall outlet, surge protector, or Universal Power Supply
(UPS) (3).
To select the speaker system
1 Click Start and then Control Panel.
2 Click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.
3 Click Sounds and Audio Devices.
4 Click Advanced under Speaker settings on the Vo lu me tab.
5 Select your speaker system from the Speaker setup drop-down list.
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Getting Started
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Getting Started
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse
Your computer may be supplied with a PS/2 keyboard and a USB mouse. For details on the bundled accessories, see the
online Specifications.
To connect the keyboard and mouse
1 Plug the keyboard cable (1) into the keyboard port (2) on the back of the computer.
2 Plug the mouse cable (3) into one of the USB ports (4) on the back of the computer.
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Getting Started
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Getting Started
Connecting the Radio Frequency Receiver for the Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
If your computer is supplied with a wireless keyboard and mouse, a radio frequency receiver is also supplied to enable the
computer to communicate with the wireless keyboard and mouse. Make sure to connect the radio frequency receiver before
using the wireless keyboard and mouse.
For establishing communication with the wireless keyboard and mouse, see Using the Wireless Keyboard (page 32) and
Using the Mouse (page 37).
To connect the radio frequency receiver
1 Plug the radio frequency receiver cable (1) into one of the USB ports (2) on the back of the computer.
You can now use your radio frequency receiver (3).
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Getting Started
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Getting Started
Connecting the Telephone and Modem
Your computer is equipped with a single modem port to connect the internal modem with a telephone wall jack. To use the
wall jack for both telephone and modem lines, purchase an additional RJ-11 phone cable and a "1-to-2" port adapter device
(splitter).
To connect the modem
1 Unplug your telephone from the wall jack and set aside.
2 Plug another phone cable (not supplied) into the modem port on the back of the computer.
3 Plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack.
To connect the telephone and modem
1 Unplug the phone cable to your telephone from the wall jack.
2 Plug it into one of the ports on a "1-to-2" port adapter device (splitter) (1).
3 Plug one end of a second phone cable (not supplied) into the other port on the splitter device.
4 Insert the plug end of the splitter device into the wall jack.
5 Plug the other end of the second phone cable (2) into the modem port (3) on the back of the computer.
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Getting Started
Getting Started
!
Your computer has a protective sticker covering the Network (Ethernet) port located on the back of the computer. Connect 10BASE-T, 100BASETX, or 1000BASE-T cables to the Network (Ethernet) port, depending on your computer's Network (Ethernet) port specification. Using incorrect cables
or a phone cable may result in an electric current overload that can cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the Network (Ethernet) port. For help
on connecting to a network, see your network administrator.
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Getting Started
Connecting the Power Cord
Your computer's power cord must be plugged into an AC power source, such as an AC wall outlet, surge protector, or
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), before you can establish communication with your wireless keyboard and wireless
mouse.
!
Use only the power cord supplied with the computer.
To connect the power cord
1 Insert the power cord into the AC In port (1) on the back of the computer.
2 Insert the power cord plugs from the display, computer, and speakers into a grounded AC wall outlet, surge protector, or
Universal Power Supply (UPS) (2).
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Getting Started
✍
To disconnect the computer completely from AC power, unplug the power cord.
Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.
If you are interrupted and need to leave your computer suddenly, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 91). This
power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and the time of resuming.
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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 and then Turn Off Computer.
The Turn off computer window appears.
3 Click Turn O ff.
4 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off
automatically.
The VAIO power indicator turns off.
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