Sony VPCL12 User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCL12 Series

Contents

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

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

Ergonomic Considerations ............................................ 7

Getting Started.................................................................... 9

Locating Controls and Ports........................................ 10

About the Indicator Lights ........................................... 14

Setting Up Your Computer .......................................... 15

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................ 17

Using the Power Saving Mode.................................... 18

Updating Your Computer ............................................ 20

Using Your VAIO Computer.............................................. 21

Using the Keyboard..................................................... 22

Using the Mouse ......................................................... 28

Using the Touch Screen.............................................. 33

Using the Built-in Camera ........................................... 37

Using the Optical Disc Drive ....................................... 38

Using the TV Function................................................. 45

Using the HDMI/VIDEO Input Function....................... 48

Using the Remote Commander ...................................53

Using "Memory Stick" ..................................................57

Using Other Modules / Memory Cards ........................64

Using the Internet ........................................................68

Using the Network (LAN) .............................................69

Using the Wireless LAN ...............................................70

Using the Bluetooth Function ......................................75

Using Peripheral Devices..................................................80

Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........81

Connecting an External Microphone ...........................82

Connecting a USB Device ...........................................83

Connecting an i.LINK Device.......................................85

Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................87

Setting the Password...................................................88

Using Intel(R) VT .........................................................95

Using the VAIO Control Center ...................................96

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer.......................................97

Adding and Removing Memory ...................................98

Precautions..................................................................... 104

Safety Information ..................................................... 105

Care and Maintenance Information........................... 108

Handling Your Computer........................................... 109

Handling the LCD Screen/Touch Screen .................. 111

Using the Power Source ........................................... 112

Handling the Built-in Camera .................................... 113

Handling Discs .......................................................... 114

Handling "Memory Stick"........................................... 115

Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................ 116

Troubleshooting .............................................................. 117

Computer Operations ................................................ 119

System Update / Security.......................................... 124

Recovery ................................................................... 126

Built-in Camera ......................................................... 128

Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN) ............................... 130

Bluetooth Technology ............................................... 133

Optical Discs ............................................................. 137

Display ...................................................................... 142

Printing ...................................................................... 144

Microphone ................................................................145

Mouse ........................................................................146

Speakers ...................................................................148

Touch Screen ............................................................150

Keyboard ...................................................................151

Floppy Disks ..............................................................152

Audio/Video ...............................................................153

HDMI/VIDEO Input Function .....................................156

"Memory Stick" ..........................................................158

Peripherals ................................................................159

Trademarks .....................................................................160

Notice ..............................................................................162

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 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 VAIO Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com

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 and Troubleshooting Guide

❑ Regulations, Guarantee, and Service Support

2. On-screen Documentation

❑ User Guide (This manual) — Features of your computer and information about solving common problems.

To view this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start , All Programs, and VAIO Documentation.

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.

❑ Windows Help and Support — A comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you

learn to use your computer.

To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support, or press and hold the Microsoft Windows key and press the F1 key.

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

3. Support Web Sites

If you have any problem with the computer, visit the VAIO-Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com for troubleshooting guidance.

Some other information resources are also available:

❑ The Club VAIO community at http://club-vaio.com

❑ For product information, you can visit our products web site at http://www.vaio.eu/

http://www.sonystyle-europe.com

In case you need to contact VAIO-Link, have the serial number of your VAIO computer ready at hand. The serial number is located on the bottom, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment of your VAIO computer. If you have problems locating your serial number, more guidance can be found on the VAIO-Link web site.

provides the possibility to ask questions to other VAIO users.

, or our online store at

Before Use > Ergonomic Considerations

Ergonomic Considerations

Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations:

❑ Position of your computer – Place the display 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 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.

While adjusting the viewing angle, do not exert excessive pressure on your computer to eliminate a risk of mechanical damage.

❑ 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.

❑ Venti lation – Make sure you leave at least 10 cm of space behind and at least 20 cm of space on each side of the main

unit.

Getting Started >

Getting Started

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

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 14)

❑ Setting Up Your Computer (page 15)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 17)

❑ Using the Power Saving Mode (page 18)

❑ Updating Your Computer (page 20)

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. It may also vary in some countries or areas.

Front

A Built-in microphone (monaural) B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 14) C Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 37)

D HDMI/VIDEO input indicator E WIRELESS indicator (page 14) F Disc drive indicator (page 14) G Power indic ator (page 14) H Built-in speakers (stereo) I LCD screen/touch screen (page 33)

Due to the mechanical design of the touch screen of your computer, some areas of the screen surface may become warm while you are using the computer for an extended period of time. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

J Bottom chassis frame (page 105) K Remote sensor

Point the supplied remote commander to this sensor for operations.

* On selected models only.

(page 14)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Back

The area around the air exhaust vent (3) becomes extremely hot while your computer is on. Be sure to wait until the computer cools down before you touch it.

A Power button B DISPLAY OFF button/DISPLAY OFF indicator (page 14)

Press this button to turn off the LCD backlight. While the HDMI input or the video input is selected as the audio/video input source by the INPUT SELECT button (page 12), pressing this button also turns off the volume.

C Air exhaust vent D Memory module compartment cover (page 98)

E VIDEO INPUT jacks F HDMI INPUT port

(page 48)

G AC input port (page 15) H Prop-up stand (page 105)

I VHF/UHF input port

(page 45)

J Network (LAN) por t (page 69) K OPTICAL OUT port (page 81)

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

L USB ports

(page 83)

M CONNECT button (page 27), (page 31)

On selected models only.

Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard and support high-/full-/low- speeds.

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 38) B Manual eject hole (page 137) C Drive eject button (page 38)

D INPUT SELECT button

INPUT SELECT indicator

E MENU button

(page 50)

F V/v (Up/Down) buttons G OK button

* On selected models only.

(page 50)

(page 50)/

(page 14)

(page 50)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Left

A "Memory Stick Duo" slot*

(page 57)

B Media Access indicator (page 14) C SD memory card slot (page 64) D i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 85)

E USB ports

(page 83)

F Headphones jack (page 81) G Microphone jack (page 82) H Line In jack

Connect an external audio device to receive audio signals.

Your computer supports only Duo-size "Memory Stick".

Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard and support high-/full-/low- speeds.

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 on, illuminates in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and

HDMI/VIDEO

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

Media Access Illuminates while data access to a memor y card, such as "Memory Stick" and an SD memory card, is in

INPUT SELECT

DISPLAY OFF Illuminates in orange while the LCD backlight is off.

Disc drive

WIRELESS Illuminates while one or more wireless options are enabled.

* On selected models only.

turns off when the computer is turned off.

Illuminates in green while the HDMI input or the video input is selected as the audio/video input source.

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, the memory card is not in use.

Illuminates in green while the HDMI input or the video input is selected as the audio/video input source.

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.

Getting Started > Setting Up Your Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting a Power Source

You need a power cord to connect your computer to an AC power source.

✍

Use only the supplied power cord for your computer.

Getting Started > Setting Up Your Computer

To connect the power cord

1 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC outlet (2).

2 Route the power cord through the hole (3) of the prop-up stand and plug the other end into the AC input port (4) on the

computer.

✍

To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.

Make sure that the AC outlets are easily accessible.

If you unplug the power cord from your computer while the computer is on or in Sleep mode, you may lose all unsaved data.

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 Click Start and the Shut down button.

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.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Mode

Using the Power Saving Mode

In addition to the normal operating mode, your computer has a distinct power saving mode called Sleep mode.

Turn off your computer if you do not intend to use it for an extended period of time.

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

consumption mode. The orange power indicator light illuminates while your computer is in this mode.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Mode

Using Sleep Mode

To activate Sleep mode

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

✍

Alternatively, you can press the sleep button on the wireless keyboard or the remote commander (if supplied) to place your computer into Sleep mode.

To return to Normal mode

❑ Press any key on the wireless keyboard or the sleep button on the remote commander (if supplied).

❑ Press the power button on your computer.

Make sure that the batteries of your wireless keyboard and remote commander (if supplied) are properly installed and not running out of power.

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.

If the computer is not used for a certain period of time, it will enter Sleep mode. To modify this, you can change the Sleep mode settings.

To change the Sleep mode settings

1 Click Start, Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, and Power Options.

2 Click Change plan settings under the current power plan.

3 Change the time to place the computer into Sleep mode and click Save Changes.

Getting Started > Updating Your Computer

Updating Your Computer

Be sure to update your VAIO computer with the following software applications so that the computer can run more efficiently and securely.

The VAIO Update automatically notifies you of new updates for enhancing your computer's performance available on the Internet, and downloads and installs them on the computer.

❑ Windows Update

Click Start, All Programs, and Windows Update and then follow the on-screen instructions.

❑ VAIO Update 5

Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Update 5 and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Your computer must be connected to the Internet to download the updates.

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 22)

❑ Using the Mouse (page 28)

❑ Using the Touch Screen (page 33)

❑ Using the Built-in Camera (page 37)

❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 38)

❑ Using the TV Function (page 45)

❑ Using the HDMI/VIDEO Input Function (page 48)

❑ Using the Remote Commander (page 53)

❑ Using "Memory Stick" (page 57)

❑ Using Other Modules / Memory Cards (page 64)

❑ Using the Internet (page 68)

❑ Using the Network (LAN) (page 69)

❑ Using the Wireless LAN (page 70)

❑ Using the Bluetooth Function (page 75)

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Keyboard

Using the Keyboard

A wireless keyboard is supplied with your computer.

The wireless keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.

Using the Wireless Keyboard

Two AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your wireless keyboard. Before attempting to use the wireless keyboard, remove the battery compartment cover (1) from the bottom of the wireless keyboard and install the supplied two AA batteries (2) into the battery compartment.

✍

If the wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If you do not intend to use the wireless keyboard for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

If the wireless keyboard is left unused for 20 minutes or longer, your computer enters Sleep mode. To bring it back into Normal mode, press any key on the wireless keyboard.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Keyboard

To maintain good communication, operate the wireless keyboard within the distance limitations of keyboard: 10 m from your computer.

You cannot use the wireless keyboard in conjunction with the HDMI/VIDEO input function (page 48).

If you find your wireless keyboard not working, for example after you used the keyboard with another VAIO model, reconnect the keyboard. See To

connect the wireless keyboard (page 27) for the detailed procedure.

Avoid using any wireless devices that exchange radio signals on the 2.4 GHz frequency band near the wireless keyboard. These devices may cause interference, causing the keyboard to stop working properly.

Do not place metal furniture or objects near your computer or wireless keyboard, as this may create interference, causing the keyboard to stop working properly.

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless keyboard. Be sure to use the same type and manufacture of the battery.

Do not mix alkaline with manganese batteries. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used, new or different types of batteries can damage the wireless keyboard.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Keyboard

✍

Illustrated above is the English keyboard as an example.

A Function keys

Perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function key varies among software applications except the following combinations with the Fn key to change the LCD brightness of your computer screen.

Fn+F5: Decreases lighting intensity of the LCD screen. Fn+F6: Increases lighting intensity of the LCD screen.

While using the HDMI/VIDEO input function, you cannot use the function keys on the wireless keyboard to change the LCD brightness. To change the brightness while using the HDMI/VIDEO input function, see Using the HDMI/ VIDEO Input Control Buttons (page 50) for the procedure.

B Num Lk/Scr Lk key

Activates/deactivates Num Lk mode. To activate/deactivate Scr Lk mode, use this key in conjunction with the Fn key. When Num Lk or Scr Lk mode is activated or deactivated, the

(Num lock) or (Scroll lock) icon appears on the taskbar

along with a pop-up message to indicate a mode change.

✍

You can keep the Num lock and/or Scroll lock icon on the taskbar. To do so, rightclick the f icon on the taskbar, click Customize notification icons, and then select Show icon and notifications for your desired icon.

C VAI O button

Launches the Media Gallery.

D Power switch

Slide the switch to turn the wireless keyboard on and off.

E Sleep button

Provides a lower level of power consumption. For details on power management, see Using the Power

Saving Mode (page 18).

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Keyboard

F Zoom buttons

Change the size of an image or a document displayed on some software.

Press

Press See the help file included with the VAIO Control Center for more information.

G Muting button

Turns the volume on and off.

H Volume control buttons

Increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume.

to make the view look smaller and further away (zoom out).

to make the view look bigger and closer (zoom in).

I Caps Lock key

Activates/deactivates Caps Lock mode where letters are all typed in upper case.

J Windows key

Displays the Start menu.

K E key

Ejects the optical disc drive tray when used in conjunction with the Fn key.

L Applications key

Displays a context-sensitive shortcut menu (if any).

M Directional arrow keys

Move the pointer on the computer screen.

N Indicator lights

(Battery): Stays off while the AA batteries for the wireless keyboard are sufficient and blinks when the batteries are running out of power.

(Caps lock): Turns on when Caps Lock mode is activated.

(Connect): Blinks slowly while connection between the computer and the wireless keyboard is down, blinks rapidly when the keyboard is ready for connection with the computer, and turns off when the connection is established.

O Numeric keypad

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

* Disabled while you are using the HDMI/VIDEO input function.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Keyboard

A Keyboard feet

Flip open to put the wireless keyboard in a more 'ergonomic' position.

B CONNECT button (page 27)

Press to enable the wireless keyboard to communicate with the computer.

C Battery compartment (page 22)

Storage compartment for the AA batteries.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Keyboard

To connect the wireless keyboard

To connect the wireless keyboard, it must be located within a range of 30 cm to 1 m from the computer.

1 Make sure the supplied two AA batteries are properly installed.

2 Turn on the computer.

3 Slide the power switch on the back of the keyboard to the ON position.

4 Press the CONNECT button (1) on the bottom of the keyboard.

5 Press the CONNECT button (2) on the back of the computer while the connect indicator light is blinking rapidly.

The rapid-blinking connect indicator light turns off when connection is established between the computer and the keyboard. If not, repeat the procedure.

The connect indicator light blinks rapidly for about one minute to indicate that the keyboard is ready for connection with the computer. If no connection is made during this period, the indicator light goes blinking slowly to indicate that the connection is down.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Mouse

Using the Mouse

A wireless mouse is supplied with your computer.

The wireless mouse has no cables to plug in and uses a light-emitting diode (LED) instead of a ball.

Using the Wireless Mouse

Two AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your wireless mouse. Before attempting to use the wireless mouse, remove the battery compartment cover (1) from the bottom of the wireless mouse and install the supplied two AA batteries (2) into the battery compartment.

✍

If the wireless mouse does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If you do not intend to use the wireless mouse for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Mouse

To maintain good communication, operate the wireless mouse within the distance limitations of mouse: 10 m from your computer.

If you find your wireless mouse not working, for example after you used the mouse with another VAIO model, reconnect the mouse. See To connect the wireless mouse (page 31) for the detailed procedure.

Avoid using any wireless devices that exchange radio signals on the 2.4 GHz frequency band near the wireless mouse. These devices may cause interference, causing the mouse to stop working properly.

Use surfaces such as plain paper, card stock, or fabric that have minimal repetitive patterns.

Avoid using the wireless mouse on surfaces such as mirrors, smooth glass, or magazines that have half- tone printing.

Do not place metal furniture near your computer or wireless mouse, as this may create interference, causing the mouse to stop working properly.

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless mouse. Always use the same type and manufacture of the battery.

Do not mix alkaline with manganese batteries. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used, new or different types of batteries can damage the wireless mouse.

Using Your VAIO Computer > Using the Mouse

A Left button

Click or double-click the left button to select items. To drag and drop items, hold the left button down while sliding the mouse, then release the button to drop the item.

B Central wheel

Rotate the central wheel to scroll up or down a page. Press the wheel once to lock the scroll action and control the movement by moving the entire mouse (the scroll function is available only with applications that support it).

C Right button

Press the right button once to display a context-sensitive shortcut menu (if any).

D Battery indicator light

Blinks when the mouse batteries are running out of power.

E Power switch

Slide the switch to turn the mouse on and off.

F CONNECT button (page 31)

Press to enable communication between the computer and the wireless mouse.

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