Sony VGN-NS101E/L, VGN-NS101E/S, VGN-NS101E/W, VGN-NS105N/S, VGN-NS110E User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-NS100 Series

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Contents

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

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................7

Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................10

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................12

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................13

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................19

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

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................22

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

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

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

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

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................33

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................34

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................37

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................46

Using the Memory Stick .............................................................................................................................................50

Using the SD Memory Card .......................................................................................................................................56

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................60

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................61

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Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................64

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................65

Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................66

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................69

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................70

Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................72

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................73

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................76

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................77

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................79

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................80

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................81

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center................................................................................................86

Using the Power Saving Modes.................................................................................................................................87

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ......................................................................................................92

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer......................................................................................................................................94

Adding and Removing Memory..................................................................................................................................95

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................101

Handling the LCD Screen ........................................................................................................................................102

Using the Power Source ..........................................................................................................................................103

Handling Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................104

Handling the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera............................................................................................................106

Handling Floppy Disks .............................................................................................................................................107

Handling Discs .........................................................................................................................................................108

Using the Battery Pack ............................................................................................................................................109

Using Headphones ..................................................................................................................................................111

Handling the Memory Stick ......................................................................................................................................112

Handling the Hard Disk ............................................................................................................................................113

Updating Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................114

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................115

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................117

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................123

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................124

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................126

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................129

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................131

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................134

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................138

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................142

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................143

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................144

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Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................145

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................147

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................148

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................149

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................150

Memory Stick ...........................................................................................................................................................152

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................153

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................154

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................155

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................158

Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................................169

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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 experience.

!

External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.

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Before Use

Documentation

Your documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.

Printed Documentation

❑ Welcome mat — Contains an overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.

❑ Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

Non-printed Documentation

❑ User Guide (this manual) — Explains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs

included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.

✍

To go to web sites described in this manual by clicking their respective URLs beginning with http://, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

❑ Specifications — The online specifications describe the hardware and software configurations of your VAIO computer.

To view the online specifications:

1 Connect to the Internet.

2 Go to the Sony online support web site at the following URLs:

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

for customers in USA

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

for customers in Canada

http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/

for customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas

http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/

for customers in Brazil

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Before Use

❑ VAIO Recovery Center User Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, hardware

drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire hard disk drive to the original factory settings.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Click Use My VAIO.

3 Click VAI O Recovery Center User Guide.

❑ SmartWi

™

Connection Utility Help — Provides information about setting up Bluetooth

*

, wireless LAN, and wireless

WAN

*

functions.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start, All Programs, and SmartWi Connection Utility.

2 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Help.

* The Bluetooth and wireless WAN functions are available on selected models only. See the online specifications to find out whether your model

supports the functions.

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Before Use

Help and Support

Help and Support is easy to access and provides a single location for general information and technical assistance for your

VAIO computer. Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.

To access Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support.

❑ Get started with my VAIO

Get help with Internet and wireless setup, security setup, personalizing your VAIO computer, and creating recovery DVDs

and more.

❑ Use my VAIO

Access your VAIO user guide, interactive help in the form of VAIO tutorials, how-to articles, the VAIO technology page,

specifications, and system and software information.

❑ Troubleshoot my VAIO

Maintain and troubleshoot your VAIO computer with VAIO Care, system restore, backup and recovery, and contact Sony

support.

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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 for 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. Take frequent breaks while using your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain

eyes, 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 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 level of the display

as well.

❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not cause glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect

lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.

❑ 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.

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Getting Started

Getting Started

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

!

Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Be 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,

an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturers' instructions.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 13)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 19)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 21)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 22)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 29)

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Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Front

A Muting (S1) button (page 33)

B AV MODE button (page 33)

C Num lock indicator (page 19)

D Caps lock indicator (page 19)

E Scroll lock indicator (page 19)

F Power button

G LCD screen (page 102)

H Built-in speakers (stereo)

I Keyboard (page 31)

J Touch pad (page 32)

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Getting Started

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera

*1

(page 34)

B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator

*1

(page 19)

C Built-in microphone (monaural)

*1

D WIRELESS switch (page 61)

E WIRELESS indicator (page 19)

F SD memory card slot (page 56)

G SD memory card indicator (page 19)

H Power indicator (page 19)

I Charge indicator (page 19)

J Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive indicator (page 19)

K Memory Stick indicator (page 19)

L Memory Stick slot

*2

(page 50)

*1

On selected models only.

*2

Your computer supports both standard- and Duo-size Memory Stick.

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Getting Started

Back

A DC IN port (page 21)

B Network (Ethernet) port (page 79)

C Modem port (page 60)

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Getting Started

Right

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

*

(page 73)

B Optical disc drive (page 37)

C Optical disc drive indicator (page 19)

D Drive eject button (page 37)

E Manual eject hole (page 134)

F Security slot

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

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Getting Started

Left

A Air vent

B Monitor port (page 66)

C Microphone jack (page 72)

D Headphones jack (page 65)

E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

*

(page 73)

F i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 77)

G ExpressCard/34 slot (page 46)

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

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Battery connector (page 22)

B Air vents

C Memory module compartment cover (page 97)

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Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green when the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and

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

Charge

Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 25) for more information.

Built-in MOTION EYE camera

*

Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.

Memory Stick

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick in the Memory Stick slot. (Do not place the

computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the Memory Stick

is not in use.

SD memory card Illuminates when data is read from or written to the card in the SD memory card slot. (Do not place the computer

into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.

Optical disc drive Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. When the indicator is unlit, the optical disc media is not in

use.

Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive

Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off

when this indicator is lit.

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 unlit.

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 lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the

Caps lock indicator is unlit.

Scroll lock

Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock

indicator is unlit. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not

work with all programs.

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Getting Started

WIRELESS Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on.

* On selected models only.

Indicator Functions

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Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

✍

Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

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 connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

✍

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 intend to use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 90).

This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and resuming.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Pack

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

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) inward.

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Getting Started

3 Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projections (2) on either side of the battery

compartment fit into the U-shaped cuts (3) on either side of the battery pack.

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Getting Started

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

into place.

5 Slide the battery LOCK switch outward 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.

!

This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony battery packs.

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Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1 Install the battery pack.

2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The charge indicator light turns on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the

maximum charge level you selected with the battery charge functions, the charge indicator turns off. To select your desired

maximum charge level, see Using the Battery Charge Functions (page 27).

!

Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.

Charge indicator status Meaning

Lit in orange The battery pack is charging.

Blinks along with the green power

indicator

The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal

mode)

Blinks along with the orange power

indicator

The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)

Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery

pack or an unlocked battery pack.

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Getting Started

✍

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 charge level falls below 10%, you should either connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack or shut down your computer and

install a fully charged battery pack.

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

the battery life.

While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, 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 all 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.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Charge Functions

You can select the battery charging method for your battery pack with the Battery Charge Functions. To make the battery

life longer, enable the battery care function.

To enable the battery care function

1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

2 Click Power Management and then Battery Charge Functions.

3 Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box in the right pane.

4 Click Advanced.

5 Select the desired maximum charge level.

6 Click OK.

To check the battery wear level

Follow steps 1 and 4 in To enable the battery care function above and check detailed information. If the battery wear level

is high, replace the battery pack with a new genuine Sony battery pack.

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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) inward.

3 Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2) inward, put your fingertip underneath the tab (3) on the battery pack, and

turn the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.

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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

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2 Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and then 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.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

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 32)

❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 33)

❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 34)

❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 37)

❑ Using the ExpressCard Module (page 46)

❑ Using the Memory Stick (page 50)

❑ Using the SD Memory Card (page 56)

❑ Using the Internet (page 60)

❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 61)