Sony VGN-Z520N, VGN-Z520N/B, VGN-Z530N, VGN-Z530N/B, VGN-Z540 User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-Z500 Series

Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................21

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

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

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................31

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................32

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................33

Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................34

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

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................36

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................39

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................49

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................52

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................58

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................61

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................63

Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................71

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................76

Connecting a Docking Station....................................................................................................................................77

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................85

Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................86

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................93

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................96

Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................99

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................100

Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................103

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................104

Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................106

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................108

Selecting Performance Modes .................................................................................................................................109

Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................110

Using Fingerprint Authentication..............................................................................................................................122

Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................130

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................140

Using VAIO Status Monitor ......................................................................................................................................141

Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................142

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................147

Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................149

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................150

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................151

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................157

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................158

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................159

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................160

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................162

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................163

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................164

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................165

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................167

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................168

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................169

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................170

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................171

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................173

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................181

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................182

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................184

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................187

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................189

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................193

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................197

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................202

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................206

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................207

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................208

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

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................211

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................212

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................213

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

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................217

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................219

Docking Station ........................................................................................................................................................220

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................221

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................222

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................225

Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................................237

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

ENERGY STAR

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

For detailed information on the ENERGY STAR Program, visit the following Web sites:

❑ http://www.energystar.gov ❑ http://www.eu-energystar.org

(USA)

(Europe)

This computer is designed based on the ENERGY STAR standards and delivered with the following power saving settings:

❑ The LCD backlight is turned off automatically after inactivity of about 15 minutes. ❑ The computer enters Sleep mode automatically after inactivity of about 30 minutes.

Press any key to bring the computer back into Normal mode. For detailed information on power saving modes, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 142).

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/ http://www.sony.ca/support/ http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/

for customers in Canada

for customers in USA

for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas

for customers in Brazil

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 installed settings. To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support. 2 Click Manuals & Specifications. 3 Click VAI O Recovery Center User Guide.

❑ RAID Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about using RAID systems.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support. 2 Click Manuals & Specifications. 3 Click Other Documents.

™

❑ SmartWi

Connection Utility Help (Selected models only) — Provides information about setting up Bluetooth, wireless

LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities. To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start, All Programs, and SmartWi Connection Utility. 2 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Help.

Before Use

Help and Support

Help and Support is easy to access and provides a single location for 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.

❑ Manuals & Specifications

Here you will find the on-screen User Guide, warranty information, other VAIO documents, and system and software information for your computer.

❑ VAIO Support

Access interactive help in the form of VAIO tutorials, an escalation page containing support and contact information, and various links to VAIO online support Web sites.

❑ Backup & Recovery

Find information on how to back up and restore your operating system, system software, and your personal data.

❑ Wireless & Networking

Learn about wireless connections including Bluetooth Wireless technology and Wireless LAN. Run utilities that include VAIO Media Setup and Windows Network and Sharing Center, and access to wireless tutorials.

❑ Security

Keep your data safe and your computer running efficiently with updates and maintenance programs from Microsoft and Sony.

❑ VAIO Sites

Contains links to other Internet sites you might find interesting and useful.

❑ VAIO Tutorials

Sony provides guided help tutorials that help you accomplish a task. It can either perform the task for you or show you how to do it step by step.

❑ VAIO Registration

Please take a moment to register your VAIO computer to enjoy the following benefits:

❑ Your computer will be registered with Sony Product Support. ❑ You will receive an e-coupon good for purchase of eligible accessories at SonyStyle.com.

❑ Extended Service Plan

Sony VAIO products come with a 1 year Limited Warranty. Protect your investment further by purchasing an optional Extended Service Plan.

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. Have breaks during sessions with 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.

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 15)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 21)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 23)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 24)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 31)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications. It may also vary in some countries or areas.

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 36) B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 21) C Num lock indicator (page 21) D Caps lock indicator (page 21) E Scroll lock indicator (page 21) F LCD screen (page 158) G Built-in speakers (stereo) H Keyboard (page 33) I Touch pad (page 34) J Fingerprint sensor (page 122)

* On selected models only.

Getting Started

STAMINA mode indicator (page 21)

A B Performance selector switch (page 109) C SPEED mode indicator (page 21) D S1/S2 buttons (page 35) E Disc drive eject button (page 35) F Charge indicator (page 21) G Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive indicator (page 21) H Media Access indicator (page 21) I WIRELESS indicator (page 21) J SD memory card slot (page 58)

K Memory Stick slot

(page 52)

L WIRELESS switch (page 63) M Built-in microphone (monaural)

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

Back

A Battery connector (page 24)

Getting Started

Right

Getting Started

A Optical disc drive (page 39) B Optical disc drive indicator (page 21) C Manual eject hole (page 197) D Substitute drive eject button (page 39)

E HDMI port F Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port G Monitor port

*1 *2

(page 90)

*2 *4

(page 86)

(page 100)

H Power button/Power indicator (page 21)

Available only when your computer is in SPEED mode.

These two ports are mutually exclusive. When one port has an external display connected, the other is disabled.

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

Disabled when the computer is attached to the docking station.

Left

A DC IN port (page 23) B Network (Ethernet) port (page 106) C Air vent

D ExpressCard/34

slot (page 49)

E Security slot F Modem port (page 61)

G Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port

(page 100)

H i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 104) I Microphone jack (page 99) J Headphones jack (page 85)

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

Getting Started

Bottom

A Docking station connector (page 79) B Air vents

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 turned on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep

mode, and turns off when the computer is placed into Hibernate mode or turned off.

Charge

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

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

STAMINA mode Illuminates while the computer is in STAMINA mode to conserve battery power.

SPEED mode Illuminates while the computer is in SPEED mode to provide faster performance.

Optical disc drive Illuminates while data is being read from or written to the optical disc media. When the indicator is off, the optical

Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 27) for more information.

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

disc media is not in use.

Illuminates while data is being read from or written to the built-in flash memory, the hard disk drive disc media. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off 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.

, or the optical

Getting Started

Indicator Functions

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

in the VAIO Smart Network window.

* Your computer is equipped with a built-in flash memory storage or a hard disk drive depending on the model you purchased. See the online specifications to find

out about your storage device configuration.

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 connected 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 intend to use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 145). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and resuming.

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 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.

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 batteries.

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 turns on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the maximum charge level you selected with the battery care function, the charge indicator turns off. To select your desired maximum charge level, see Using the Battery Care Function (page 29).

Charge indicator light status Meaning

Lit in orange The battery pack is charging.

Unlit The battery pack is in any of the following states:

Blinks along with the green power indicator light

Blinks along with the orange power indicator light

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

- Fully charged.

- Completely out of power.

- Removed.

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 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.

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 the battery life.

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 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 Care Function

You can select your desired maximum charge level to reduce battery degradation and check the battery wear level with the battery care function.

To use the battery care function

1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center. 2 Click Power Management and Battery Care Function. 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 use 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.

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, hook your fingertip under 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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