Sony VGN-BX600 User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-BX600 Series

Contents

Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................6

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

Ergonomic Considerations...........................................................................................................................................8

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................10

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................11

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................18

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................19

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................21

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................27

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................28

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................29

Using the Pointing Device..........................................................................................................................................31

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................34

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................35

Using the Multi Function Bay .....................................................................................................................................36

Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................40

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................43

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................47

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................50

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................51

Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................61

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................68

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................69

Connecting a Multi Function Bay Docking Station .....................................................................................................79

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................92

Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................93

Selecting Display Modes..........................................................................................................................................100

Using the Multiple Monitors Function.......................................................................................................................103

Connecting an External Microphone........................................................................................................................106

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................107

Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................110

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................112

Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................114

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................116

Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................117

Using Fingerprint Authentication..............................................................................................................................126

Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................144

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central .........................................................................................................149

Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................150

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................155

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................157

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................158

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................164

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................165

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................166

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................167

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................169

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................169

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................170

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................171

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................172

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................172

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................173

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................174

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................176

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................183

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................185

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................187

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................190

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................192

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................195

CDs and DVDs.........................................................................................................................................................199

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................203

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................207

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................208

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................209

Pointing Device ........................................................................................................................................................210

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................211

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................212

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................213

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................214

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................215

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................216

Multi Function Bay Docking Station .........................................................................................................................217

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................220

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................220

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................223

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://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/

at http://www.sony.ca/support

for customers in Canada, or at http://esupport.sony.com/ES/ 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 on-screen guide:

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

for customers in USA,

Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments:

❑ Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your

wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touch pad, 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 computer's 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.

❑ Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance.

Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Getting Started

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

Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any new hardware that did not originally 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 11) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 18) ❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 19) ❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 21) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 27)

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 LCD size as well as the country or area of your residency.

Getting Started

Front

Getting Started

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera

(page 35)

B LCD screen (page 165) C Pointing stick (page 32) D Keyboard (page 29) E Power button F Touch pad (page 31) G Built-in speakers H WIRELESS switch (page 51)

I Bluetooth indicator

(page 18)

J WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 18) K SD memory card slot (page 47) L Media Access indicator (page 18)

M Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot

(page 44)

N Power indicator (page 18) O Battery indicator (page 18) P Hard disk drive indicator (page 18)

On selected models only.

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

Getting Started

A CAMERA OFF indicator B CAMERA OFF button

(page 18)

(page 35)

C Muting indicator (page 18) D Muting button (page 34) E S1/S2 buttons (page 34) F Num lock indicator (page 18) G Caps lock indicator (page 18) H Scroll lock indicator (page 18) I Fingerprint sensor (page 126)

* On selected models only.

Back

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 114) B Modem port (page 50) C Battery connector (page 21) D DC IN port (page 19)

Getting Started

Right

A PC Card release button (page 42) B PC Card slot (page 40) C i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 112)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports E Monitor (VGA) port (page 94)

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

(page 107)

Getting Started

Left

A Security slot B Microphone jack (page 106) C Headphones jack (page 92) D Air vent E Multi function bay (page 36) F Multi function bay unit eject button (page 36)

Getting Started

Bottom

Getting Started

A Air vent B Battery RELEASE latch (page 26) C Battery LOCK/UNLOCK switch (page 21) D Multi function bay docking station connector (page 82)

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates when the power of the computer is on, blinks in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is

Battery e Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery is running out of power, and

Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Standby mode or turn

Muting % Illuminates when the volume is turned off.

Hard disk drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

Bluetooth technology

CAMERA OFF

WIRELESS LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

* On selected models only.

in Hibernate mode or off.

double-blinks when the battery is charging.

off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being 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.

Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off.

Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key while the indicator is on. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the Caps lock indicator is off.

Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock indicator is off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all programs.

Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.

Illuminates when the built-in MOTION EYE camera is off.

Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source for your computer.

Using the AC Adapter

✍

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To use the AC adapter

1 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3). 2 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2). 3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer or on the optional multi function bay

docking station.

The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.

Getting Started

✍

To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the AC adapter.

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 153). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

Using the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery LOCK/UNLOCK switch (1) on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.

Getting Started

3 Slide the battery diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (2) at either side of the battery compartment

fits into the U-shaped cut (3) on the respective sides of the battery.

Getting Started

4 Rotate the battery in the direction of the arrow, and push the battery down into the compartment until it clicks into place.

5 Slide the battery LOCK/UNLOCK switch to the LOCK position to secure the battery on the computer.

✍

When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony batteries.

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.

To charge the battery pack

1 Install the battery pack. 2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is about 85% charged, the battery indicator turns off.

Battery indicator light status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power.

Blinks The battery is running out of power.

Double blinks The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

Getting Started

✍

When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicator lights blink.

Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery.

The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life.

The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When the battery life is nearly depleted, both the battery and power indicator lights start flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or

Hibernate. If the battery wears out when the computer enters Standby mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in Standby mode.

To remove the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery LOCK/UNLOCK switch (1) on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position. 3 Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2), hook your fingertip under the tab (3) on the battery, and turn the battery

in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the 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 the computer. 2 Click Start and then Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer window appears. 3 Click Turn O ff. 4 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off

automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

Using Your VAIO Computer

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

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 29) ❑ Using the Pointing Device (page 31) ❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 34) ❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 35) ❑ Using the Multi Function Bay (page 36) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 40) ❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 43) ❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 47) ❑ Using the Internet (page 50) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 51) ❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 61)

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

✍

Some functions are not available before Windows is launched.

Combinations/Feature Functions

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 LCD brightness of your computer screen.

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.

Fn + /T (F7): display output

Fn + (F10): zoom

Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both.

Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore your computer's screen view.

✍

The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution to the computer screen with a higher resolution. This key combination may not work with graphic images as it magnifies the screen view by changing the resolution. The location and size of software windows may change when the screen view is magnified or the standard view is restored because pressing this key combination changes the resolution. When your computer's screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the function and restores the standard view.

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + (F12): Hibernate

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states of the system and the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power button to turn on the power. For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 150).

Using Your VAIO Computer

+ 206 hidden pages