Sony VGC-RM2U User Guide

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGC-RM series

Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Getting to Know Your Computer ................................................................................................................................13

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

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

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

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

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................35

Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................44

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................47

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................52

Using the Jog Controller ............................................................................................................................................56

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................58

Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................59

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................67

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................68

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................70

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................72

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................74

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................76

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................77

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center................................................................................................80

Using the Power Saving Modes.................................................................................................................................81

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer......................................................................................................................................84

Before Upgrading Your Computer .............................................................................................................................85

Removing and Replacing Computer Panels ..............................................................................................................86

Adding and Removing Memory..................................................................................................................................92

Installing an Add-on Card ..........................................................................................................................................98

Replacing the Lithium Battery ..................................................................................................................................102

Installing the Hard Disk Drive...................................................................................................................................105

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................113

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................114

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................115

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................117

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................118

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................118

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................119

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................120

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................121

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................122

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................123

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................131

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................132

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................134

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................138

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................142

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................144

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................145

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................146

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................147

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................149

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................150

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................151

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................153

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................155

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................156

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................157

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................157

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................158

Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................160

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

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. Guides are provided in PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out. The My Club VAIO portal is a perfect starting point to use your computer — a comprehensive collection of everything you

need to get the most from your computer. The user guides are collected under Documentation, which can be shown by clicking the VAIO User Guides icon on the

desktop or following these steps:

1 Click Start , All Programs, and My Club VAIO. 2 Click Documentation. 3 Select the guide you want to read.

✍

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

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

Before Use

Printed Documentation

❑ A Setting Up Poster — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO. ❑ Troubleshooting Guide — Contains solutions to common problems. ❑ Recovery Guide — Contains an explanation of how to make a backup copy of your data and recover your computer

system, and solutions to computer malfunctions.

❑ Booklets containing the following information: Sony GUARANTEE conditions, Safety / Regulations, Modem

Regulations, Wireless LAN Regulations, Bluetooth Regulations, End User Software License Agreement, and Sony Support services.

Non-printed Documentation

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

included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.

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

To view the online Specifications:

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

Before Use

My Club VAIO

In My Club VAIO you can find: Documentation, which gives you: ❑ Access to the User Guide. This manual explains the features of your computer in detail, how to use these features

confidently and safely, connect peripheral devices and more.

❑ Access to Help & Training. This is the portal of VAIO Help and Support Center. ❑ Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.

In My Club VAIO you can also find:

❑ Accessories

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

❑ Software

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

❑ Wallpapers

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

❑ Links

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

Before Use

Windows Help and Support

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

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

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

Further Sources

❑ Consult the help files on the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting. ❑ Go to http://www.club-vaio.com

to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

Ergonomic Considerations

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

Before Use

❑ Ventilation – Leave at least 15 cm of space on the 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 eyes, muscles, or tendons.

Before Use

❑ 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.

❑ Viewing angle of the display – Position the display 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. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

Getting Started

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

❑ Getting to Know Your Computer (page 13) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 19) ❑ Setting Up Your Computer (page 20) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 33)

Getting Started

Getting to Know Your Computer

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

Front

Main unit

A Hard disk drive indicator (page 19) B Power button/Power indicator (page 19)

Pressing this button will automatically turn on the access unit as well.

C i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (4 pins) (page 72) D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

E Front panel

Remove this panel to access hard disk drives.

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

(page 68)

Getting Started

Access unit

Getting Started

A Hard disk/Optical disc drive indicator (page 19) B Power button/Power indicator (page 19)

Pressing this button will automatically turn on the main unit as well.

C Bluetooth indicator (page 19) D Left front panel

Flip this panel down to access slots, ports, and jacks.

E Right front panel

Flip this panel down to access optical disc drives.

Getting Started

A SM/xD-Picture Card slot (page 52) B CF (CompactFlash

) memory card slot (page 52)

C Media Access indicator (page 19) D Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot

(page 47)

E SD memory card slot (page 52) F DVD±RW/±R DL/RAM disc drive (page 35) G DVD±RW/±R DL/RAM disc drive eject button (page 35)

H Blu-ray Disc

™

drive (page 35)

I Blu-ray Disc drive eject button (page 35) J i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (4 pins) (page 72)

K Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

(page 68)

L Headphones jack

Connect external headphones.

M Microphone jack

Connect an external microphone.

N Manual eject holes (page 138)

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

Support high-/full-/low- speeds.

Back

Main unit

A Modem port (page 28) B TO ACCESS UNIT port (page 23) C i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (6 pins) (page 72) D Network (Ethernet) port (page 74) E REAR jack F WOOFER/CENTER jack G Line In jack H AC In port (page 31) I DVI-I por ts (page 24) J Printer port (page 71) K Keyboard port (page 26)

L Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports M S/PDIF OPTICAL OUT port

Connect digital equipment such as an AV amplifier.

N FRONT jack

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

(page 68)

Getting Started

Access unit

A Bluetooth antenna cover

There is a Bluetooth antenna behind this cover.

B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports C PC Card slot (page 44) D PC Card release button (page 46) E TO MAIN UNIT port (page 23)

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

(page 68)

Getting Started

Keyboard

Getting Started

A Function keys

Perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function key varies among software applications.

B Muting button

Turns the volume on and off.

C Volume control

Turn this control clockwise to increase (+) or counterclockwise to decrease (-) the volume.

D Standby button

Places the computer into Sleep mode for power consumption. For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 81).

E Indicators

Num Lock: Turns on while in the Num Lock state. Caps Lock: Turns on while in the Caps Lock state. Scroll Lock: Turns on while in the Scroll Lock state.

F Windows keys

Display the Start menu.

G Applications key

Displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications.

H Directional arrow keys

Move the pointer on the screen.

I Numeric keypad

Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations.

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator Functions

Power 1 (Both main and access units)

Hard disk drive (Main unit only)

Hard disk/Optical disc drive (Access unit only)

Media Access (Access unit only)

Bluetooth technology (Access unit only)

The indication behavior varies depending on the state of your computer unit: Green lit: the unit is on. Orange lit: the unit is in Sleep mode. Off: the unit is off.

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

Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the unit when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.

Illuminates when Bluetooth technology is enabled.

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.

Placing Your Computer

Your computer consists of the main and access units and both are designed for either flat or upright placement.

To place the units in the flat position

When placing both units in the flat position, you can put the access unit on top of the main unit.

Do not put the main unit on top of the access unit.

Getting Started

To place the main unit in the upright position

The main unit comes with the four screw-type feet (1) on its bottom surface. Remove and screw them into the holes on the left side surface of the unit before placing the unit in the upright position.

✍

Use the supplied seals to cover the screw holes on the bottom when you use the main unit in the upright position.

Getting Started

To place the access unit in the upright position

The access unit comes with a designated stand (1) for upright placement. Use this stand to place the unit in the upright position as illustrated below.

Getting Started

Connecting the Main and Access Units

A designated connection cable is supplied with your computer for connection between the main and access units. Plug one end of the cable to the TO ACCESS UNIT port (1) on the back of the main unit and the other end to the TO MAIN UNIT port (2) on the back of the access unit.

Make sure that each end of the cable clicks into place.

Be sure to unplug the main unit before connecting both units with the designated cable. Connecting them while the main unit is plugged to AC power may cause hardware problems or malfunctions.

Getting Started

Connecting a Display

Connect a display (not supplied) to your computer. When connecting it, see the manual that came with your display as well.

To connect a display (monitor)

1 If you want to connect a DVI monitor, plug its cable into one of the DVI-I (1) ports on the back of the main unit.

If you want to connect a VGA monitor, use a video adapter device (not supplied) for connection.

If you have a single display, be sure to connect it to the bottom DVI-I port.

2 If necessary, plug the display's cable into the display.

Getting Started

Your computer is compliant with the HDCP standard and capable of encrypting the transmission channel of digital video signals for the purpose of copyright protection, which enables you to play and view a wide variety of copyright protected, high-quality contents. Note that you need to connect an HDCP-compliant monitor to your computer to view the copyright protected contents. If your computer has a non-compliant monitor connected, you will not be able to play or view any copyright protected contents, including Blu-ray movie contents.

Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse

A PS/2 keyboard and a USB mouse are supplied with your computer.

To connect the keyboard and mouse

1 Plug the keyboard cable (1) into the keyboard port (2) on the back of the main unit. 2 Plug the mouse cable (3) into one of the USB ports (4) on the back of the access unit.

Getting Started

Be sure not to connect the mouse to any USB port on the main unit. The mouse will not be functional.

Getting Started

Connecting the Telephone and Modem

The main unit 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 the phone cable to 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 main unit. 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) (not supplied) (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 (3). 5 Plug the other end of the second phone cable (2) into the modem port (4) on the back of the main unit.

Getting Started

The main unit has a protective sticker covering the network (Ethernet) port located on its back. Connect 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or 1000BASET cable to the network (Ethernet) port. Using an incorrect cable, such as 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 Speaker Systems

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

main unit.

❑ Review the connection instructions provided with your speaker system, as the connection setup may vary.

To select the speaker system

1 Click Start and Control Panel. 2 Click Hardware and Sound. 3 Click Manage audio devices under Sound. 4 On the Playback tab, select Speakers and click Configure. 5 Choose your speaker configuration.

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