Sony VPCF232FX, VPCF232FX/B, VPCF232FX/S, VPCF233FX, VPCF233FX/B User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCF2 Series

Contents

Before Use.......................................................................... 4

Finding More about Your VAIO Computer .................... 5

Ergonomic Considerations............................................ 9

Getting Started.................................................................. 11

Locating Controls and Ports........................................ 12

About the Indicator Lights ........................................... 18

Connecting a Power Source ....................................... 19

Using the Battery Pack................................................ 21

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

Using the Power Saving Modes.................................. 29

Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition .......... 32

Using Your VAIO Computer.............................................. 35

Using the Keyboard.....................................................36

Using the Touch Pad................................................... 39

Using Special-function Buttons ...................................40

Using the Quick Web Access Function ....................... 42

Using the Built-in Camera ........................................... 44

Using the Optical Disc Drive ....................................... 45

Using the 3D Function................................................. 52

Using "Memory Stick".................................................. 53

Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................ 60

Using the Internet ........................................................ 64

Using the Network (LAN) .............................................65

Using the Wireless LAN...............................................66

Using the BLUETOOTH Function................................71

Using Peripheral Devices..................................................77

Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........78

Connecting an External Display ..................................79

Selecting Display Modes .............................................86

Using the Multiple Monitors Function ..........................87

Connecting an External Microphone ...........................89

Connecting a USB Device ...........................................90

Connecting an i.LINK Device.......................................92

Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................94

Setting the Password...................................................95

Using the VAIO Control Center .................................101

Using the VAIO Power Management.........................103

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer.....................................104

Adding and Removing Memory .................................105

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

Safety Information ..................................................... 112

Care and Maintenance Information........................... 115

Handling Your Computer...........................................116

Handling the LCD Screen ......................................... 118

Using the Power Source ........................................... 119

Handling the Built-in Camera .................................... 120

Handling Discs ..........................................................121

Using the Battery Pack..............................................122

Handling "Memory Stick"........................................... 123

Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................ 124

Troubleshooting .............................................................. 125

Computer Operations ................................................ 127

System Update / Security..........................................133

Recovery / Recovery Media ...................................... 134

Partition .....................................................................137

Battery Pack.............................................................. 138

Built-in Camera ......................................................... 140

Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN) ...............................142

BLUETOOTH Technology......................................... 146

Optical Discs ............................................................. 149

Display ...................................................................... 154

Printing ...................................................................... 160

Microphone ............................................................... 161

Speakers ...................................................................162

Touch Pad .................................................................164

Keyboard ...................................................................165

Floppy Disks ..............................................................166

Audio/Video ...............................................................167

"Memory Stick" ..........................................................170

Peripherals ................................................................171

About the International ENERGY STAR(R) Program......172

Trademarks .....................................................................173

Notice ..............................................................................175

Before Use >

Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this VAIO® computer and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with a state-of-the-art computing experience.

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

How to find specifications

Some features, options, and supplied items may not be available on your computer.

To find out about the configuration of your computer, visit the Sony online support web site at the following URLs:

❑ For customers in USA

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

❑ For customers in Canada

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

❑ For customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas

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

❑ For customers in Brazil

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

(English)

(French)

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

This section provides support information about your VAIO computer.

1. Printed Documentation

❑ Quick Start Guide — An overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.

❑ Recovery, Backup and Troubleshooting Guide

❑ Enjoying 3D: Information Guide (On selected models only)

❑ Safety Regulations — Safety guidelines and owner information.

✍

Before activating the wireless functions such as the wireless LAN and BLUETOOTH technology, read the Safety Regulations carefully.

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

2. On-screen Documentation

❑ VAIO User Guide — General information of your VAIO computer including support and troubleshooting information.

To access VAIO User Guide, click Start , All Programs, and VAIO Manual.

❑ Help and Support — General information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer.

To access Help and Support:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.

Get started with my VAIO Get help with Internet and wireless setup, security setup, personalizing your VAIO computer, creating

Use my VAIO Get assistance with your VAIO computer by accessing useful information such as interactive VAIO tutorials,

Troubleshoot my VAIO Maintain and troubleshoot your VAIO computer with the VAI O C are, system restore, backup and recovery,

Recovery Media, and more.

how-to articles, the VAIO technology page, specifications, and system and software information. The available information varies depending on the model you purchased. You can find useful documentation such as general and model specific user guide on your VAIO computer.

and contact Sony support.

❑ Program help files — May be included with the preinstalled software programs on your computer. You may be able to

access the help files from the help menu on a specific program.

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

3. Support Web Sites

❑ Sony online support web site

The Sony online support web site provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. Type a description of the problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online.

❑ For customers in USA

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

❑ For customers in Canada

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

❑ For customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas

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

❑ For customers in Brazil

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

❑ Operating system online support web site

Your computer comes preinstalled with a Microsoft Windows operating system. For operating system support, you can visit Microsoft customer support at http://support.microsoft.com/directory/

(English)

(French)

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

4. Customer Information Center

If you do not find the information you are looking for at our site, you may call Sony directly. You can find the contact numbers on the Sony online support web site. In order to receive the fastest and most efficient services, have the following information readily available:

1 Your VAIO computer model

You can find it at the lower right corner of the display on the computer.

2 Your computer's serial number

You can find it on the bottom, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment of your VAIO computer. The serial number is the last 7 digits of the number below the barcode.

3 The operating system on your computer

4 The hardware component or the software program that is causing the problem

5 A brief description of the problem

5. In Store Service & Support (available in USA only)

Make an appointment with a Sony certified technician at a U.S. Sony Store and get personalized service and support for your VAIO computer. Sony Technicians can assist with the setup of your new VAIO computer, system optimization, data rescue, and any repair service you might need. Visit the web site at www.sony.com/store

to find the nearest location.

Before Use > Ergonomic Considerations

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. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists

in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard or the pointing device. 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 > Ergonomic Considerations

❑ Viewing angle of the computer display – Use the display 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 or slightly below eye level when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

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. Upon completion, connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturer's instructions.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 12)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 18)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 19)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 21)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 28)

❑ Using the Power Saving Modes (page 29)

❑ Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition (page 32)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

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.

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Front

A Built-in camera (page 44) B Built-in camera indicator (page 18) C Built-in microphone (monaural) D LCD screen (page 118) E Power button/Power indicator (page 18) F Numeric keypad

Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations.

G Keyboar d (page 36) H Touch sensor indicators (page 18) I Play/Pause button (page 40) J Stop button (page 40) K Previous track button (page 40) L Next track button (page 40) M i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 92) N WIRELESS switch (page 66), (page 71) O "Memory Stick Duo"/SD memory card combined slot*

(page 53), (page 60)

* Supports Duo-size "Memory Stick" and the SD memory card. However, they

cannot be used simultaneously.

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

A Charge indicator (page 18) B Disc drive indicator (page 18) C WIRELESS indicator (page 18) D "Memory Stick Duo" indicator (page 18) E SD memory card indicator (page 18)

F 3D sync transmitter

G Built-in speakers (stereo) H Num lock indicator (page 18) I Caps lock indicator (page 18) J Scroll lock indicator (page 18) K Touch pad button (page 39) L Touch pad (page 39)

M 3D indicator

(page 18)

N Ambient light sensor (page 38), (page 158)

Measures ambient light intensity for automatically adjusting the LCD brightness to an optimum level.

O ASSIST button (page 41) P 3D button

(page 41)

Q VAI O button (page 41) R WEB button

On models equipped with a 3D-capable LCD screen only.

Your computer is equipped with either of the buttons.

(page 41)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Right

A Headphones/OPTICAL OUT jack (page 78)

(Optical Output Sampling Rate: 44.1 KHz/48.0 KHz/96.0 KHz)

B Microphone jack (page 89) C USB port

D Optical disc drive (page 45) E Drive eject button (page 45) F Manual eject hole (page 149)

* Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard.

(page 90)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Left

A Security slot B DC IN port (page 19) C Air vent D Monitor port (page 79)

E HDMI output port

(page 81)

F LAN port (page 65) G USB ports*

There may be no sound from an output device connected to the HDMI output port for the first few seconds after playback starts. This does not indicate a malfunction.

Compliant with the USB 2.0/3.0 standards. USB ports that are compliant with the USB 3.0 standard are identifiable by their blue color.

(page 90)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Back/Bottom

A Air vents B Memory module compartment cover (page 105) C Battery connector (page 21)

Getting Started > About the Indicator Lights

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green while the computer is in Normal mode, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep

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

Charge

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

"Memory Stick Duo"

SD memory card Illuminates while data access to an SD memory card is in progress. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode

Disc drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

WIRELESS Illuminates while one or more wireless options are enabled.

Touch sensor The corresponding touch sensor indicator light illuminates when you touch the touch sensor button (page 40).

* On models equipped with a 3D-capable LCD screen only.

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

Illuminates while data access to "Memory Stick" is in progress. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.) When the indicator light is unlit, "Memory Stick" is not in use.

or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.) When the indicator light is unlit, the SD memory card is not in use.

Illuminates while data access to the built-in storage device or the optical disc drive is in progress. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.

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 light 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 light is lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator light. Normal typing resumes when the Caps lock indicator light is turned off.

Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock indicator light is turned off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all programs.

Illuminates while you are viewing 3D content on your computer screen.

Getting Started > Connecting a Power Source

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

While your computer is directly connected to an AC power source and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

✍

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

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

Getting Started > Connecting a Power Source

✍

To disconnect your computer completely from an AC power source, unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet.

Make sure that an AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not intend to use your computer for an extended period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page

31).

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing/Removing 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 > Using the Battery Pack

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

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

4 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.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

To remove the battery pack

You will lose all unsaved data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter.

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

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

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

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

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 is on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the maximum charge level you selected, the charge indicator turns off.

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

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

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.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

✍

Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to an AC power source. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

When the battery pack is running out of power and both the charge and power indicator lights blink, 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 becomes short. To avoid loss of data while the computer is running on the battery, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power

management mode, such as Sleep or Hibernate.

If the battery pack runs out of power while the computer is in 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.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

Checking the Battery Charge Capacity

The battery charge capacity gradually decreases as the number of battery charging increases or the duration of use of the battery pack extends. To get the most out of the battery pack, check the battery charge capacity and change the battery settings.

To check the battery charge capacity

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

2 Click Power Management and Battery.

✍

Additionally, you can enable the battery care function to extend the life of the battery pack.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

Extending the Battery Life

When your computer is running on battery power, you can extend the battery life using the following methods.

❑ Decrease the LCD brightness of your computer screen.

❑ Use the power saving mode. See Using the Power Saving Modes (page 29) for more information.

❑ Change the power saving settings on the Power Options. See Using the VAIO Power Management (page 103) for more

information.

✍

For more information on how to extend the battery life, see the help file after following the steps in Checking the Battery Charge Capacity (page 26).

Getting Started > Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

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 Save your data and close all running software applications.

3 Click Start and the Shut down button.

After a short time, the computer automatically turns off. Make sure the power indicator light turns off.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Modes

Using the Power Saving Modes

You can take advantage of the power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, your computer has two distinct power saving modes to suit your preference: Sleep and Hibernate.

If you do not intend to use your computer for an extended period of time while it is disconnected from an AC power source, place the computer into Hibernate mode or turn it off.

If the battery pack runs out of power while your computer is in 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.

Mode Description

Normal mode This is the normal state of your computer while it is in use. The green power indicator light is lit while the

computer is in this mode.

Sleep mode Sleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the built-in storage device(s) and the CPU into a low power

Hibernate mode While your computer is in Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the built-in storage device(s) and

consumption mode. The orange power indicator light blinks slowly while your computer is in this mode. Your computer comes out of Sleep mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode. However, Sleep mode uses more power than Hibernate mode.

power is turned off. Even when the battery pack runs out of power, no data will be lost. The power indicator light is unlit while your computer is in this mode.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Modes

Using Sleep Mode

To activate Sleep mode

Click Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and Sleep.

To return to Normal mode

❑ Press any key.

❑ Press the power button on your computer.

If you press and hold the power button for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically. You will lose all unsaved data.

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