Sony VGN-P User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-P series

Contents

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

Notice ...........................................................................................................................................................................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 ..............................................................................................................................................22

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

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

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

Using the Pointing Device..........................................................................................................................................33

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................35

Using the Instant Mode ..............................................................................................................................................36

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................38

Using the Memory Stick .............................................................................................................................................41

Using the SD Memory Card .......................................................................................................................................46

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

Using the Network (LAN) ...........................................................................................................................................51

Using the Wireless LAN (WLAN) ...............................................................................................................................53

Using the Bluetooth Function.....................................................................................................................................60

Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Function ...............................................................................................66

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

Using the Noise Canceling Headphones ...................................................................................................................69

Connecting a Display/LAN Adapter ...........................................................................................................................75

Connecting an Optical Disc Drive ..............................................................................................................................77

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................79

Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................80

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................82

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................83

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................85

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................88

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................89

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................90

Setting Up Your Computer with the VAIO Control Center........................................................................................102

Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................103

Managing Power with the VAIO Power Management ..............................................................................................108

Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................110

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................111

Handling the LCD Screen ........................................................................................................................................112

Using the Power Source ..........................................................................................................................................113

Handling Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................114

Handling the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera............................................................................................................117

Handling Floppy Disks .............................................................................................................................................118

Handling Discs .........................................................................................................................................................119

Using the Battery Pack ............................................................................................................................................120

Using Headphones ..................................................................................................................................................121

Handling the Memory Stick ......................................................................................................................................122

Handling the Hard Disk ............................................................................................................................................123

Handling the Display/LAN Adapter ..........................................................................................................................124

Updating Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................125

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................126

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................127

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................136

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................137

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................139

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................141

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................146

GPS .........................................................................................................................................................................150

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................151

Printing .....................................................................................................................................................................154

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................155

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................156

Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................157

Pointing Device ........................................................................................................................................................159

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................160

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................161

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................162

Memory Card ...........................................................................................................................................................164

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................166

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................167

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................168

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................169

Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................................171

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.

Before Use

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

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

❑ Quick Start Guide — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO.

❑ Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide — Contains solutions to problems other than those you encounter during normal

operation.

❑ Regulations, Guarantee, EULA and Service Support — Contains Sony guarantee conditions,

safety / regulations, modem regulations, wireless LAN regulations, wireless WAN regulations,

Bluetooth

❑ Instant Mode — Provides a guide to use the Instant Mode.

regulations, end user software license agreement, and Sony support services information.

Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

❑ User Guide (this manual) — Explains features of your computer. It also includes information on solving common

problems. The User Guide is provided in PDF format for easy browsing and printing.

To view this on-screen guide:

1 Double-click the VAIO User Guide icon on the desktop.

2 Open the folder for your language.

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.

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 http://www.vaio-link.com

✍

You may have a separate disc that includes documentation for the bundled accessories.

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 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.

Before Use

Further Sources

❑ Consult the help files included with 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 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.

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.

Getting Started

This section describes how to get started 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 22)

❑ 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.

Front

A WIRELESS switch (page 53) B WIRELESS indicator (page 20) C SD memory card slot (page 46) D Media Access indicator (page 20)

E Memory Stick slot F Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 20) G Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 38) H LCD screen (page 112) I Built-in microphone (monaural) J Keyboard (page 31) K Power switch L Power indicator (page 20) M Charge indicator (page 20)

N Hard disk drive

Your computer supports only the Duo-size Memory Stick.

The storage device configuration of your computer may include a built-in flash memory storage drive depending on the model you purchased. See the online specifications to find out about your configuration.

(page 41)

indicator (page 20)

Getting Started

Built-in speakers (stereo)

A B Pointing stick (page 33) C Left button (page 33) D Center button (page 33) E Right button (page 33) F Window arrangement button (S2 button) (page 35) G XMB (Xross Media Bar) button (S1 button) (page 35) H Num lock indicator (page 20) I Caps lock indicator (page 20) J Scroll lock indicator (page 20)

Back

A Battery connector (page 22)

Getting Started

Right

Getting Started

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port B I/O port (page 76)

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

(page 85)

Left

A DC IN port (page 21) B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port

C Headphones jack (page 69), (page 79)

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

(page 85)

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

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

Media Access Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep

Hard disk drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

WIRELESS Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on, provided that one or more wireless options are enabled

* The storage device configuration of your computer may include a built-in flash memory storage drive depending on the model you purchased. See the online

specifications to find out about your configuration.

Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 24) for more information.

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

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.

Press the Fn+Num Lk keys 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.

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.

Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys 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.

in the VAIO Smart Network window.

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.

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 intend to use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 106).

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.

Getting Started

3 Fit the battery pack into the battery compartment.

The battery pack should be level with the bottom of the computer.

4 Slide the battery pack toward the front of the computer 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.

Getting Started

Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this computer only functions with genuine Sony battery packs designed for this model. If an unauthorized battery pack is installed, the battery will not be charged and the computer will not function.

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 computer to a power source with the AC adapter.

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 26).

Charge indicator status Meaning

Lit in orange The battery pack is charging.

Blinks along with the green power indicator

Blinks along with the orange power indicator

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

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

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

pack or an unlocked battery pack.

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

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 life of battery.

While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when the remaining battery life is short. 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.

Getting Started

Using the Battery Charge Functions

You can customize the current battery charging method using the Battery Charge Functions: the battery care function and the quick charge function. The battery care function makes the life of battery longer, and the quick charge function allows you to charge your battery pack quickly.

✍

The quick charge function is intended to speed up battery charging while your computer is in Sleep or Hibernate mode or off. It does not reduce the battery charge time while the computer is in Normal mode.

To enable the battery care function and the quick charge 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 Quick Charge Function check box in the right pane and click Apply.

4 Click Advanced.

5 Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box.

6 Select the desired maximum charge level.

7 Click OK.

To check the battery charge capacity

Follow steps 1 and 2 in To enable the battery care function and the quick charge function above, click Advanced, and check detailed information. If the battery charge capacity is low, replace the battery pack with a new genuine Sony battery pack.

Using the Battery Life Conserving Wallpaper

You can conserve your battery life just by setting the specific wallpaper as your desktop background.

To set the battery life conserving wallpaper

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

2 Click Display and then Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting.

3 Click Set Long Battery Life Wallpaper.

At the confirmation prompt, click OK.

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, slightly slide the battery pack toward the back of the computer, lift

the back edge of the battery pack, and then take it out of the battery compartment.

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.

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 Pointing Device (page 33)

❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 35)

❑ Using the Instant Mode (page 36)

❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 38)

❑ Using the Memory Stick (page 41)

❑ Using the SD Memory Card (page 46)

❑ Using the Internet (page 50)

❑ Using the Network (LAN) (page 51)

❑ Using the Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 53)

❑ Using the Bluetooth Function (page 60)

❑ Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Function (page 66)

Using Your VAIO Computer

+ 143 hidden pages