Sony VGN - C User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-C series

Contents

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

Notice...........................................................................................................................................................................6

NERGY STAR ...............................................................................................................................................................7

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................8

Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................12

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................14

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................15

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................22

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................23

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................24

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................29

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................30

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................31

Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................33

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................34

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................43

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

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................53

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................55

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................56

Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................62

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................70

Connecting a Docking Station....................................................................................................................................71

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................81

Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................82

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................89

Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................91

Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................93

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................94

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................97

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................98

Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................100

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................102

Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................103

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................106

Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................107

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................112

Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................114

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................116

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................117

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................123

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................124

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................125

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................126

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................128

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................129

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................130

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................131

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................132

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................133

On Handling the Memory Card Adapter...................................................................................................................134

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

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

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

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................144

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................146

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................148

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................151

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................155

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................159

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................163

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................164

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................165

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................166

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................167

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................168

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................169

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................170

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................171

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................172

Docking Station ........................................................................................................................................................173

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................174

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................174

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................175

Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................177

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.

Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only, unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

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

ENERGY STAR

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. The International E

the use of computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.

NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

NERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through

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 Documentation 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://www.vaio-link.com/

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 on 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.

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. 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.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 15) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 22) ❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 23) ❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 24) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 29)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Getting Started

Front

A Bluetooth indicator B WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 22) C Num lock indicator (page 22) D Caps lock indicator (page 22) E Scroll lock indicator (page 22) F Power button G LCD screen (page 124) H Built-in microphone (monaural) I Keyboard (page 31) J Touch pad (page 33)

* On selected models only.

(page 22)

Getting Started

WIRELESS switch (page 56)

A B Power indicator (page 22) C Battery indicator (page 22) D Hard disk drive indicator (page 22) E Optical disc drive indicator (page 22) F Memory Stick PRO/Duo media indicator (page 22)

G Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot

* Your computer supports Memory Stick PRO media and Memory Stick Duo

media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.

(page 48)

Back

A Battery connector (page 24)

Getting Started

Right

Getting Started

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

(page 94)

B i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 98) C S VIDEO OUT port (page 86)

D Monitor (VGA) port

(page 83)

E Air vent F Security slot

G DC IN port

(page 23)

H Built-in speaker (stereo)

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

Inaccessible when the computer is attached to the optional docking station.

Left

Getting Started

A Built-in speaker (stereo) B Network (Ethernet) port

(page 100)

C Modem port (page 55) D Microphone jack (page 93) E Headphones jack (page 81) F Optical disc drive (page 34) G Optical disc drive indicator (page 22) H Drive eject button (page 34) I Manual eject hole (page 155)

J ExpressCard

Inaccessible when the computer is attached to the optional docking station.

Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.

™

/34 slot*2 (page 43)

Bottom

A Docking station connector (page 74) B Air vents

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator Functions

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

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

Memory Stick PRO/Duo media

Optical disc drive

Hard disk drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

Bluetooth technology

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

* On selected models only.

when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.

double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.

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

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

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk. Do not enter Sleep 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.

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 docking station.

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

✍

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 110). 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 switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

3 Slide the battery pack into the battery compartment until it clicks into place.

Getting Started

4 Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the LOCK position to secure the battery pack 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.

Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this notebook only functions with genuine Sony batteries designed for this model. When installing another kind of battery, the battery will not be charged and the notebook will not function.

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

Battery indicator light status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power.

Blinks The battery pack is running out of power.

Double blinks The battery pack is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

Getting Started

✍

When the battery pack 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 pack or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery pack.

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

The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When 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 Sleep or Hibernate.

If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters Sleep 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 pack while the computer is in Sleep mode.

To remove the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

3 Slide and hold the battery release latch (2) and slide the battery pack 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, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Shut Down.

3 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 VAIO computer.

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 31) ❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 33) ❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 34) ❑ Using the ExpressCard Module (page 43) ❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 47) ❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 53) ❑ Using the Internet (page 55) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 56) ❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 62)

Using Your VAIO Computer

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