Sony VGC-VA10G User Guide
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User Guide
Personal Computer
V G C - VA 1 0 G S e r i e s
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Contents |
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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 Mouse ........................................................................................................................................................ |
25 |
Using the Optical Disc Drive ...................................................................................................................................... |
30 |
Using the TV Function ............................................................................................................................................... |
37 |
Using PC Cards ......................................................................................................................................................... |
52 |
Using the Memory Stick Media .................................................................................................................................. |
55 |
Using Other Memory Cards ....................................................................................................................................... |
60 |
Using the Internet....................................................................................................................................................... |
63 |
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) ..................................................................................................................................... |
64 |
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Using Peripheral Devices................................................................................................................................................. |
73 |
Connecting an External Microphone.......................................................................................................................... |
74 |
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device...................................................................................................... |
75 |
Connecting a Printer .................................................................................................................................................. |
77 |
Connecting an i.LINK Device ..................................................................................................................................... |
78 |
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ................................................................................................................................. |
80 |
Customizing Your VAIO Computer .................................................................................................................................. |
82 |
Setting the Password ................................................................................................................................................. |
83 |
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central ........................................................................................................... |
86 |
Using the Power Saving Modes ................................................................................................................................. |
87 |
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer...................................................................................................................................... |
90 |
Before Upgrading Your Computer ............................................................................................................................. |
91 |
Adding and Removing Memory.................................................................................................................................. |
92 |
Installing the Hard Disk Drive................................................................................................................................... |
102 |
Precautions .................................................................................................................................................................... |
113 |
On Handling the LCD Screen .................................................................................................................................. |
114 |
On Using the Power Source .................................................................................................................................... |
115 |
On Handling Your Computer.................................................................................................................................... |
116 |
On Handling Floppy Disks ....................................................................................................................................... |
118 |
On Handling Discs ................................................................................................................................................... |
119 |
On Using Headphones............................................................................................................................................. |
119 |
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................ |
120 |
On Handling the Hard Disk ...................................................................................................................................... |
121 |
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Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................................. |
122 |
Computer ................................................................................................................................................................. |
123 |
System Security ....................................................................................................................................................... |
130 |
Internet..................................................................................................................................................................... |
132 |
Networking ............................................................................................................................................................... |
134 |
CDs and DVDs......................................................................................................................................................... |
137 |
Display ..................................................................................................................................................................... |
141 |
Printing..................................................................................................................................................................... |
142 |
Microphone .............................................................................................................................................................. |
143 |
Mouse ...................................................................................................................................................................... |
144 |
Speakers .................................................................................................................................................................. |
145 |
Keyboard.................................................................................................................................................................. |
146 |
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................ |
147 |
PC Cards ................................................................................................................................................................. |
148 |
Audio/Video.............................................................................................................................................................. |
149 |
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................ |
150 |
Peripherals ............................................................................................................................................................... |
151 |
Support Options ............................................................................................................................................................. |
152 |
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................ |
152 |
Program Support Information................................................................................................................................... |
155 |
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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 for customers in USA,
at http://www.sony.ca/support for customers in Canada, or at http://www.sony.com/lapcsupport for customers in Latin 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 VAIO Recovery Guide.
MCE guide — 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 VAIO Documentation.
3 Click MCE guide.
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Before Use
Ergonomic Considerations
Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations:
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.
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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.
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Getting Started
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)
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Getting Started
Locating Controls and Ports
Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.
!
The following illustrations may appear different from your model, depending on the country or area of your residency.
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Getting Started
Front
A Power indicator (page 14)
B Drive indicator (page 14)
C MONITOR OFF indicator (page 14)
D MONITOR OFF button for turning off the display output and the speaker volume.
E Brightness buttons for increasing (+) or decreasing (-) the screen brightness.
F LAMP ON/OFF switch for turning on and off all the indicator lights on the computer.
G SM/xD-Picture Card slot (page 60)
H CF (CompactFlash®) memory card slot (page 60)
I Stereo speakers
J Manual eject hole (page 137)
K Optical disc drive (page 30)
L Drive eject button (page 30)
M SD memory card slot (page 60)
N Memory Stick media slot* (page 55)
O Media Access indicator (page 14)
* Your computer supports Memory Stick Duo media and Memory Stick Pro high speed and high capacity capabilities.
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Getting Started
Right
A Power button
B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port* (page 75)
C i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 78)
D AC Input port (page 15)
* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
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Getting Started
Left
A Composite Audio In jacks (page 42)
B Composite Video In jack for connecting a cable or satellite settop box (STB) without the S Video Out jack.
C S Video In jack (page 42)
D VHF/UHF port (page 37)
E PC Card slot (page 52)
F WIRELESS LAN indicator (page 64)
G WIRELESS LAN switch (page 64)
H CONNECT button (page 19), (page 25)
I Network (Ethernet) port (page 80)
J Modem port (page 63)
K S/PDIF Optical Out port for connecting digital equipment such as an AV amplifier.
L Line In jack for connecting audio equipment.
M Microphone jack (page 74)
N Headphones jack
O Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 75)
* Support 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 |
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Power 1 |
Illuminates in green when the power of the computer is on, illuminates in orange when the computer is in |
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Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off. |
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Media Access |
Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Standby mode or turn |
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off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used. |
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MONITOR OFF |
Illuminates in orange when the display output and the speaker volume are turned off. |
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Drive |
Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk or optical disc drive. Do not enter Standby mode |
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or turn off the computer when this indicator is on. |
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WIRELESS LAN |
Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running. |
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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
1Insert the power cord into the AC In port (1) on the right of the computer.
2Insert the power cord plug 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 89). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or 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
1Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.
2Click Start and then Turn Off Computer. The Turn off computer window appears.
3Click Turn Off.
4Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off automatically.
The power indicator light turns off.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using Your VAIO Computer
This section describes how to get the most out of using your computer.
Using the Keyboard (page 19)
Using the Mouse (page 25)
Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 30)
Using the TV Function (page 37)
Using PC Cards (page 52)
Using the Memory Stick Media (page 55)
Using Other Memory Cards (page 60)
Using the Internet (page 63)
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 64)
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Keyboard
Your computer is supplied with a wireless keyboard.
The wireless keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
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.
AFunction keys
Perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function key varies among software applications.
BMute button
Turns the volume on and off.
CVolume control buttons
Increases (+) or decreases (-) the volume.
DShortcut buttons
Launch the pre-assigned software.
EStandby button
Provides for the lowest level of power consumption.
For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 87).
FPOWER switch
Slide the POWER switch to turn on and off the wireless keyboard.
GIndicators
(Battery): 
appears while the AA batteries for the keyboard are sufficient and switches to 
when the batteries wear out.
(Num lock): Appears while in the Num Lock state.
(Caps lock): Appears while in the Caps Lock state.
(Scroll lock): Appears while in the Scroll Lock state.
(Connect): Appears while connection between the computer and the keyboard is in place to indicate that the keyboard is ready for use (page 23).
HWindows key
Displays the Start menu.
IApplications key
Displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications.
JDirection arrows
Move the pointer on the computer screen.
KNumeric keypad
Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
AKeyboard feet
Extend to adjust the keyboard height.
BCONNECT button
Press to enable the keyboard to communicate with the main unit.
CBattery compartment
Storage compartment for the AA batteries.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Before You Use the Keyboard
Two AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless keyboard. Before attempting to use the wireless keyboard, you must install the batteries and establish communication between the computer and the keyboard. To connect your wireless keyboard, it must be located within a range of 11 inches from the computer.
!
To maintain good communication, operate the wireless keyboard within the distance limitation of keyboard: approximately 32 feet (approximately 10 m) from the computer.
Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.
Press the CONNECT button located on the left 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 the wireless keyboard. These devices may cause interference, causing the keyboard to stop working properly.
Do not place metal furniture near the computer or wireless keyboard, as this may create interference, causing the 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.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
To connect the wireless keyboard
1Insert the supplied two AA batteries (1) into the battery compartment on the bottom of the wireless keyboard.
2Turn on the computer.
3Slide the POWER switch (2) at the top of the keyboard to turn on the keyboard.
4Press the CONNECT button (3) on the left of the computer.
5Press the CONNECT button (4) on the bottom of the keyboard.
The connect indicator 
appears in the LCD window on the keyboard when connection is established between the computer and the keyboard. If not, repeat the procedure.
!
Steps 4 and 5 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other.
If the wireless keyboard is left unused for 20 minutes or more, the connect indicator 
will turn off. This could indicate that the connection between the computer and the keyboard is lost. Press the Fn key to check that the connect indicator turns on before using the keyboard.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
You can check the battery indicator (
or 
) in the LCD window on the keyboard for its battery power level.
If the wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If the wireless keyboard is not being used for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.
If you want to put the keyboard in a more 'ergonomical' position, open the keyboard feet.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Mouse
Your computer may be supplied with a wireless optical mouse, which has no cables to plug in and uses a light-emitting diode (LED) instead of a ball.
A Left button
Click or double-click the left button to select items. To drag and drop items, hold the left button down while sliding the mouse, then release the button to drop the item.
B Central wheel
Rotate the central wheel to scroll up or down a page. Press the wheel once to lock the scroll action and control the movement by moving the entire mouse (the scroll function is available only with applications that support it).
C Right button
Press the right button once to display a context-sensitive shortcut menu (not always an active function).
D Power switch
Slide the switch to turn the mouse on and off. This will help you save battery power.
E CONNECT button
Press to enable communication between the computer and the wireless mouse.
F Battery indicator
Blinks when the mouse batteries are running out of power.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Before You Use the Mouse
Two AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless mouse. Before using the wireless mouse, you must install the batteries and establish communication between your computer and the mouse. To connect the wireless mouse, it must be located within a range of 11 inches from the computer.
!
To maintain good communication, operate the wireless mouse within the distance limitations of the mouse: approximately 32 feet (10 m) from the computer.
Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.
Press the CONNECT button located on the left of the computer first, and then press the CONNECT button on the bottom of the mouse.
Avoid using radio-controlled toys or equipment, CB radios, and other wireless devices in the area near the wireless mouse. These devices may cause interference, causing the mouse to stop working properly.
Use surfaces such as plain paper, card stock, or fabric that have minimal repetitive patterns.
Avoid surfaces such as mirrors, smooth glass, or magazines that have halftone printing.
Do not place metal furniture near the computer or wireless mouse, as this may create interference, causing the mouse to stop working properly. Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless mouse. 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 mouse.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
To connect the wireless mouse
1 Insert the supplied two AA batteries into the wireless mouse as shown below.
2Turn on the computer.
3Press the CONNECT button (1) on the left of the computer.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
4Turn over the wireless mouse, slide the power switch to the ON position, and press the CONNECT button. Communication between the wireless mouse and the computer should now be established.
!
Step 3 and 4 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other.
If the wireless mouse does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If the wireless mouse is not being used for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Adjusting the Mouse Functions
1Click Start and then Control Panel.
2Click Printers and Other Hardware.
3Click Mouse.
The Mouse Properties window appears.
4Change the settings.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Optical Disc Drive
Your computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.
To insert a disc
1Turn on the computer.
2Press the drive eject button (1) to open the drive. The tray slides out.
3Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side facing up and gently push until the disc clicks into place.
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