Sony VGC-RC210 User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGC-RC210 Series

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 ........................................................................................................................................................36

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................40

Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................46

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................62

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................66

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................70

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................71

Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................72

Connecting a VCR or Camcorder ..............................................................................................................................73

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................75

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................77

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................79

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................81

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................83

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................84

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central ...........................................................................................................86

Using the Power Saving Modes.................................................................................................................................87

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer......................................................................................................................................90

Before Upgrading Your Computer .............................................................................................................................91

Opening and Closing the Computer...........................................................................................................................92

Adding and Removing Memory..................................................................................................................................95

Installing an Add-on Card ........................................................................................................................................101

Replacing the Lithium Battery ..................................................................................................................................104

Installing the Hard Disk Drive...................................................................................................................................107

Installing the IDE Device ..........................................................................................................................................116

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................126

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................127

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................128

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................129

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................131

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................132

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................132

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................133

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................134

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................135

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................136

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................143

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................145

CDs and DVDs.........................................................................................................................................................147

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................152

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................153

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................154

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

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................157

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................159

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................160

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

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................162

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................163

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................164

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................164

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................165

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.

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 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://esupport.sony.com/ES/ for customers in Latin

for customers in USA,

❑ MCE guide — Provides information about using the Windows XP Media Center Edition operating system.

To access this online guide:

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Support Central. 2 Click VAI O Documentation. 3 Click MCE guide.

Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

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

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.

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.

Before the first computer startup, do not connect any new hardware that did not normally come with your computer. Make 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, external hard disk drive, scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturer's instructions.

❑ 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)

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.

Front

A Optical disc drive 1 (page 40)

See the online Specifications for your computer's hardware configuration.

B Drive 1 eject button (page 40)

Getting Started

C Optical disc drive 2 (page 40)

See the online Specifications for your computer's hardware configuration.

D Drive 2 eject button (page 40) E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port F i.LINK

(IEEE1394) S400 port (page 79)

(page 75)

G VAIO power indicator (page 15) H Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

(page 75)

I SM/xD-Picture Card slot (page 66) J CF (CompactFlash

) memory card slot (page 66)

K Media Access indicator (page 15) L Memory Stick media slot

(page 66)

M SD memory card slot (page 66) N Drive indicator (page 15) O Standby indicator (page 15) P Power button Q Headphones jack R Microphone jack (page 72) S S VIDEO In port (page 73) T Composite Video In jack (page 73) U Composite Audio In jacks (page 73)

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

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

Back

D Network (Ethernet) port (page 81) E i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 79) F Printer port (page 78) G VHF/UHF port (page 47) H S Video In port (page 73) I Composite Video In jack (page 73) J Composite Audio In (L/R) jacks (page 73) K DVI-D port (page 17) L TV Out (S Video/Video) jack

Connect a TV monitor.

M Monitor port (page 17) N Line In jack O FRONT jack (page 19) P REAR jack Q WOOFER/CENTER jack

R Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports S Keyboard port T Mouse port

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

(page 75)

Getting Started

A Modem port (page 24) B AC Input port (page 27) C S/PDIF Optical Out port

Connect digital equipment such as an AV amplifier.

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.

Getting Started

Setting Up Your Computer

❑ Connecting a Display (Monitor) (page 17) ❑ Connecting Speaker Systems (page 19) ❑ Connecting the Radio Frequency Receiver for the Wireless Keyboard and Mouse (page 22) ❑ Connecting the Telephone and Modem (page 24) ❑ Connecting the Power Cord (page 27)

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.

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.

Getting Started

Connecting Speaker Systems

Your computer is 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.

Getting Started

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.

Getting Started

Connecting the Radio Frequency Receiver for the Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

Along with a wireless keyboard and mouse, your computer is also supplied with a radio frequency receiver 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 36).

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).

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.

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.

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.

Getting Started

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).

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 89). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

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 Off. 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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