Sony VGC-V617G User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGC-V series

Contents

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

Documentation ...................................................................................................................................................................5

Ergonomic Considerations.................................................................................................................................................7

Getting Started .........................................................................................................................................................................9

Locating Controls and Ports.............................................................................................................................................10

About the Indicator Lights ................................................................................................................................................14

Connecting the Power Cord.............................................................................................................................................15

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .............................................................................................................................17

Using Your VAIO Computer ...................................................................................................................................................18

Using the Keyboard..........................................................................................................................................................19

Using the Pointing Device (on Selected Models Only).....................................................................................................31

Using the Mouse ..............................................................................................................................................................33

Using Special-function Buttons ........................................................................................................................................38

Using the Optical Disc Drive ............................................................................................................................................39

Using the TV Function......................................................................................................................................................47

Using PC Cards ...............................................................................................................................................................56

Using the Memory Stick Media ........................................................................................................................................60

Using the Internet.............................................................................................................................................................67

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) ...........................................................................................................................................68

Using Peripheral Devices.......................................................................................................................................................75

Connecting External Speakers.........................................................................................................................................76

Using the Remote Commander........................................................................................................................................77

Connecting an External Microphone ................................................................................................................................80

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device............................................................................................................81

Connecting a Printer ........................................................................................................................................................84

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...........................................................................................................................................85

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .......................................................................................................................................87

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ........................................................................................................................................89

Setting the Password .......................................................................................................................................................90

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center......................................................................................................92

Using the Power Saving Modes.......................................................................................................................................93

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer............................................................................................................................................97

Adding and Removing Memory........................................................................................................................................98

Precautions ..........................................................................................................................................................................109

On Handling the LCD Screen.........................................................................................................................................110

On Using the Power Source...........................................................................................................................................111

On Handling Your Computer..........................................................................................................................................112

On Handling Floppy Disks..............................................................................................................................................113

On Handling Discs .........................................................................................................................................................114

On Using Headphones...................................................................................................................................................114

On Handling Memory Stick Media..................................................................................................................................115

On Handling the Hard Disk ............................................................................................................................................116

Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................................................117

Computer .......................................................................................................................................................................118

System Security .............................................................................................................................................................124

Internet ...........................................................................................................................................................................126

Networking .....................................................................................................................................................................128

CDs and DVDs...............................................................................................................................................................130

Display ...........................................................................................................................................................................133

Printing ...........................................................................................................................................................................134

Microphone ....................................................................................................................................................................135

Mouse ............................................................................................................................................................................136

Speakers ........................................................................................................................................................................137

Pointing Device ..............................................................................................................................................................138

Keyboard........................................................................................................................................................................140

Floppy Disks...................................................................................................................................................................141

PC Cards........................................................................................................................................................................142

Audio/Video....................................................................................................................................................................143

Memory Stick Media.......................................................................................................................................................144

Peripherals .....................................................................................................................................................................145

Support Options ...................................................................................................................................................................146

Sony Support Information ..............................................................................................................................................146

Program Support Information.........................................................................................................................................149

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 contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer.

Printed Documentation

❑ Welcome mat — Contains overview of connections, setting up information, etc. ❑ Safety information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

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 sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO

computer. To view the online Specifications sheet:

1 Connect to the Internet. 2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport

http://kdb.sony-latin.com/

for customers in Latin American countries or areas.

for customers in USA and Canada, or at

Before Use

❑ VAIO Recovery Options 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 software information:

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Control Center. 2 Click the Categories tab and then the Documentation folder. 3 Click Recovery Guide.

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 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 setting of the display as well.

❑ 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.

❑ Ventilation – Make sure you leave at least 10 inches (25 cm) of space behind and on each side of the main unit.

When you lift the computer, grasp the computer on both sides, holding the bottom edges firmly.

Getting Started

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

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 14) ❑ Connecting the Power Cord (page 15) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 17)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Front

A Infrared receiver (VGC-V620G only) (page 77) B Hard disk drive indicator (page 14) C Memory Stick media indicator (page 14) D Power indicator (page 14) E Stereo speakers F Infrared receiver (VGC-V617G/V600MG only) (page 77)

Getting Started

Back

Getting Started

A Back panel cover (removable) (page 100) B Back panel cover release tab (page 101) C Cable guides

Right

Getting Started

A PC Card slot (page 56) B Power button

C Memory Stick media slot

(page 60)

D Optical disc drive (page 39) E Manual eject hole (page 130) F Drive eject button (page 39) G Optical disc drive indicator (page 14) H Headphones jack (page 76) I Microphone jack (page 80)

J i.LINK K Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

(IEEE1394) S400 port (page 85)

(page 81)

L CONNECT button (page 19), (page 33) M WIRELESS LAN indicator (page 14) N WIRELESS LAN switch (page 68) O AC In port (page 15) P Power cord hook (page 15)

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

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

Bottom

Slide the back panel cover up to access these ports and jacks.

Getting Started

A Audio In jack (page 47) B S Video In jack (page 47) C VHF/UHF port (page 47)

D i.LINK E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

F Network (Ethernet) port (100BASE-TX / 10BASE-T) (page 87) G Modem port (page 67) H S/PDIF Optical Out port for connecting digital equipment such

I Line In jack for connecting audio equipment.

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

(IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 85)

as an AV amplifier.

(page 81)

Getting Started

About the 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 Standby

Memory Stick

Optical disc drive Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc. When the indicator is off, the optical disc is not being

Hard disk

WIRELESS LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

mode, and turns off when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media. (Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the Memory Stick media is not being used.

used.

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

Getting Started

Connecting the Power Cord

The 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.

To connect the power cord

1 Insert the power cord into the AC In port (1) on the back panel of the computer. 2 Pass the power cord cable over the power cord hook (2), located next to the AC In port. 3 Insert the power cord plug into a grounded AC wall outlet, surge protector, or Universal Power Supply (UPS) (3).

Getting Started

Use your computer only with the supplied power cord.

To disconnect your 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, put your computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 96). This power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal way.

Use the power cord hook, located on the right side of the computer, to avoid accidentally unplugging your computer.

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 your 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 your computer to turn off

automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

Using Your VAIO Computer

This section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 19) ❑ Using the Pointing Device (on Selected Models Only) (page 31) ❑ Using the Mouse (page 33) ❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 38) ❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 39) ❑ Using the TV Function (page 47) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 56) ❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 60) ❑ Using the Internet (page 67) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 68)

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

Your computer comes with a wireless keyboard. You can place the keyboard anywhere you find comfortable within a range of approximately 32 feet (10 m) for VGC-V620G or 2.5 feet (80 cm) for VGC-V617G/V600MG from the main unit.

For more information on the standard keys, see Windows Help and Support Center and click on the Customizing your

computer link.

VGC-V620G

✍

The above illustration shows the keyboard delivered with the models that are available in USA and Canada. The keyboard for the models available in Latin American countries and areas appears different from the above.

Using Your VAIO Computer

A Function keys

The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function key varies among software programs.

B POWER switch

Slide the POWER switch to turn on and off the wireless keyboard.

C Standby button

See Using Special-function Buttons (page 38).

D Fn key

Use the Fn key with the function keys to perform certain tasks. These tasks vary among software programs.

E Windows key

The Microsoft Windows key displays the Start menu. Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking Start on the taskbar.

F Pointing device and buttons

Use the input area to move the pointer on the computer screen. The left and right buttons provide the same functions as wireless mouse buttons.

G Applications key

The Applications key displays a shortcut menu in certain software programs. Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button.

H Direction arrows

The V, v, B, and b arrow keys move the pointer on the computer screen.

I Numeric keypad

Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations. Press the Num Lock key to enable the numeric keypad function. Press the Num Lock key again to disable the numeric keypad.

Using Your VAIO Computer

A Keyboard feet

Extend to adjust the keyboard height.

B CONNECT button

Press to enable the keyboard to communicate with the main unit.

C Battery compartment

Storage compartment for the AA batteries.

VGC-V617G/V600MG

✍

Using Your VAIO Computer

A Function keys

The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function key varies among software programs.

B Special-function buttons

See Using Special-function Buttons (page 38).

C Numeric keypad

Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations. Press the Num Lock key to enable the numeric keypad function. Press the Num Lock key again to disable the numeric keypad.

D Fn key

Use the Fn key with the function keys to perform certain tasks. These tasks vary among software programs.

E Windows key

The Microsoft Windows key displays the Start menu. Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking Start on the taskbar.

F Applications key

The Applications key displays a shortcut menu in certain software programs. Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button.

G Direction arrows

The V, v, B, and b arrow keys move the pointer on the computer screen.

Using Your VAIO Computer

A Keyboard feet

Extend to adjust the keyboard height.

B Battery compartment

Storage compartment for the AA batteries.

C CONNECT button

Press to enable the keyboard to communicate with the main unit.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Before You Use the Keyboard

Before attempting to use the wireless keyboard, you must enable communications between the computer and the keyboard. Two or four AA batteries, depending on the model you purchased, are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless keyboard.

To maintain good communication, operate your wireless keyboard within the distance limitations of keyboard: approximately 32 feet (10 m) for VGC-V620G

or 2.5 feet (80 cm) for VGC-V617G/V600MG from the main unit.

Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.

Press the CONNECT button located on the right panel of the computer first, and then press the CONNECT button on the bottom of the keyboard.

Avoid using radio-controlled toys or equipment, CB radios, and other wireless devices in the area near your wireless keyboard. These devices may cause

interference, causing your keyboard to stop working properly.

Do not place metal furniture near your computer or wireless keyboard, as this may create interference, causing your keyboard to stop working properly.

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless keyboard. Always use the same type and manufacture of battery.

Do not mix alkaline with manganese batteries. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used, new or different types of batteries can damage the keyboard.

To connect the wireless keyboard

VGC-V620G

1 Insert four AA batteries (1) into the wireless keyboard. 2 Turn on the computer. 3 Slide the power switch (2) on the right-hand side of the keyboard to turn on the keyboard. 4 Press the CONNECT button (3) on the right panel of the computer. 5 Press the CONNECT button (4) on the bottom of the keyboard.

Communication between the wireless keyboard and the computer is now active.

✍

Steps 4 and 5 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other.

Using Your VAIO Computer

VGC-V617G/V600MG

1 Insert two AA batteries (1) into the wireless keyboard. 2 Turn on the computer. 3 Press the CONNECT button (2) on the right panel of the computer. 4 Press the CONNECT button (3) on the bottom of the keyboard.

Communication between the wireless keyboard and the computer is now active.

✍

Steps 3 and 4 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other.

Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

If your wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If your wireless keyboard is not being used for extended periods

of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

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

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key (VGC-V620G only)

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + % (F2): speaker switch Turns on and off the built-in speakers and the headphones.

Fn + 2 (F3/F4): speaker volume Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.

To increase volume, press Fn+F4 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F4. To decrease volume, press Fn+F3 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F3.

Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.

To increase lightness intensity, press Fn+F6 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F6. To decrease lightness intensity, press Fn+F5 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F5.

✍

Some functions are not available until Windows is launched.

Using Your VAIO Computer

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