Sony VGN-N21Z-W, VGN-N21M-W, VGN-N21E-W, VGN-N21S-W, VGN-N29VN-B User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-N 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 ..........................................................................................................................................20

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................21

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................23

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................28

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................29

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................30

Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................32

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................33

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................42

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................45

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................51

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................54

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................55

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................61

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................62

Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................63

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................66

Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................67

Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................69

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................70

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................73

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................74

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................76

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................77

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................78

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center................................................................................................81

Using the Power Saving Modes.................................................................................................................................82

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ......................................................................................................86

Configuring Your Modem ...........................................................................................................................................88

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer......................................................................................................................................90

Adding and Removing Memory..................................................................................................................................91

Precautions ......................................................................................................................................................................97

On Handling the LCD Screen ....................................................................................................................................98

On Using the Power Source ......................................................................................................................................99

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................100

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................102

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................103

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................104

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................105

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................106

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................107

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................108

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................109

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................116

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................117

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................119

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................121

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................124

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................128

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................131

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................132

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................133

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................134

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................135

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................136

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................137

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................138

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................139

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................140

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................141

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................141

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................142

Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................144

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

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any

machine-readable form without prior written approval.

Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and

hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this

manual, the software, or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential,

or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the

software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.

In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.

Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time

without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

Before Use

ENERGY STAR

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

The International E

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

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.

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 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 20)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 21)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 23)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 28)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Front

A Num lock indicator (page 20)

B Caps lock indicator (page 20)

C Scroll lock indicator (page 20)

D Power button

E LCD screen (page 98)

F Keyboard (page 30)

G Touch pad (page 32)

H Power indicator (page 20)

I Battery indicator (page 20)

J Hard disk drive indicator (page 20)

K WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 20)

L SD memory card slot (page 51)

M Media Access indicator (page 20)

N Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot

(page 46)

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

media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.

Getting Started

Back

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 76)

B Modem port (page 54)

C Battery connector (page 23)

D DC IN port (page 21)

Getting Started

Right

A WIRELESS switch (page 55)

B Headphones jack (page 62)

C Microphone jack (page 69)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

(page 70)

E ExpressCard

™

/34 slot

(page 42)

F Air vents

G Monitor (VGA) port (page 63)

H i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 74)

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.

Getting Started

Left

A Security slot

B Optical disc drive (page 33)

C Optical disc drive indicator (page 20)

D Drive eject button (page 33)

E Manual eject hole (page 124)

Getting Started

Bottom

A Air vents

B Memory module compartment cover (page 93)

C Built-in speakers (stereo)

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 when the computer is in Sleep mode, and turns off

when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.

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

double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.

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

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

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 used.

Hard disk drive

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.

Num lock

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.

Caps lock

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.

Scroll lock

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.

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

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.

The supplied AC adapter has an attachment on its plug to avoid accidental disconnection.

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, while fitting the extension of the

plug attachment on the bottom of the computer as illustrated below.

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 85). This power

saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

The plug attachment can be detached and reattached with the plug in the reverse direction.

Getting Started

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 30)

❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 32)

❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 33)

❑ Using the ExpressCard Module (page 42)

❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 45)

❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 51)

❑ Using the Internet (page 54)

❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 55)

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.

The VAIO-Link Web site (http://www.vaio-link.com

) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

✍

Some functions are not available before Windows is launched.

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 the volume, press Fn+F4 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F4.

To decrease the 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

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

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