Sony VPCZ2 User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCZ2 Series

Contents

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

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

Ergonomic Considerations............................................ 8

Getting Started.................................................................. 10

Locating Controls and Ports........................................ 11

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

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

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

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

Using the Power Saving Modes.................................. 30

Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition .......... 33

Using Your VAIO Computer.............................................. 36

Using the Keyboard.....................................................37

Using the Touch Pad................................................... 40

Using Special-function Buttons ...................................43

Using the Quick Web Access Function ....................... 44

Using the Built-in Camera ........................................... 46

Using the Optical Disc Drive ....................................... 47

Using "Memory Stick".................................................. 55

Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................ 62

Using the Internet ........................................................ 66

Using the Network (LAN) ............................................ 67

Using the Wireless LAN...............................................68

Using the Wireless WAN .............................................73

Using the BLUETOOTH Function................................78

Using Fingerprint Authentication .................................84

Using the TPM .............................................................89

Using Peripheral Devices..................................................99

Using the Noise Canceling Headphones...................100

Connecting a Docking Station ...................................107

Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ........115

Connecting an External Display ................................116

Selecting Display Modes ...........................................122

Using the Multiple Monitors Function ........................123

Connecting a USB Device .........................................125

Customizing Your VAIO Computer..................................127

Setting the Password.................................................128

Using the VAIO Control Center .................................135

Using the VAIO Power Management.........................136

Selecting Graphics Modes.........................................137

Changing the Display Language ...............................139

Precautions..................................................................... 140

Safety Information ..................................................... 141

Care and Maintenance Information........................... 143

Handling Your Computer...........................................144

Handling the LCD Screen ......................................... 146

Using the Power Source ........................................... 147

Handling the Built-in Camera .................................... 148

Handling Discs ..........................................................149

Using the Battery Pack..............................................150

Handling "Memory Stick"........................................... 151

Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................ 152

Using Fingerprint Authentication............................... 153

Using the TPM .......................................................... 154

Troubleshooting .............................................................. 155

Computer Operations ................................................ 157

System Update / Security..........................................164

Recovery / Recovery Media ...................................... 165

Partition .....................................................................169

Battery Pack.............................................................. 170

Built-in Camera ......................................................... 172

Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN) ...............................174

Wireless WAN ........................................................... 178

BLUETOOTH Technology......................................... 179

Optical Discs ............................................................. 182

Display.......................................................................187

Printing ......................................................................193

Microphone ................................................................194

Speakers ...................................................................195

Touch Pad .................................................................197

Keyboard ...................................................................198

Floppy Disks ..............................................................199

Audio/Video ...............................................................200

"Memory Stick" ..........................................................202

Peripherals ................................................................203

Docking Station .........................................................204

Trademarks .....................................................................205

Notice ..............................................................................208

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 VAIO Support web site at http://support.vaio.sony.eu/

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

❑ Regulations, Guarantee and Service Support

✍

Before activating the wireless functions such as the wireless LAN and BLUETOOTH technology, read the Regulations, Guarantee and Service Support 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.

❑ 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 experience any problem with your VAIO computer, launch the VAIO Care, which offers you various options to help you solve most problems. For details, see Using the VAIO Care (page 35).

If you need more assistance, visit the VAIO Support web site at http://support.vaio.sony.eu/

When you contact VAIO Support, you will be asked for the serial number of the computer.

The serial number is a 15-digit number that can be found at the bottom of the VAIO Care window; on the bottom or the back panel of the computer; or inside the battery compartment.

Other sources for information about the VAIO computer are:

❑ The VAIO Forum at http://www.sony.eu/discussions/community/en/support/vaio_and_computing/

interact with other VAIO users in VAIO social community.

❑ The VAIO web site at http://www.vaio.eu/

❑ Sony Store, Online at http://www.sony.eu/store

, which offers product information

, which enables you to

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 11)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 18)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 19)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 21)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 29)

❑ Using the Power Saving Modes (page 30)

❑ Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition (page 33)

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.

Front

A Built-in camera (page 46) B Built-in camera indicator (page 18) C LCD screen (page 146) D Power button/Power indicator (page 18) E Keyboar d (page 37) F Touch pad (page 40) G Charge indicator (page 18) H Disc drive indicator (page 18) I WIRELESS indicator (page 18)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

A WIRELESS switch (page 68), (page 73), (page 78) B ASSIST button (page 43) C WEB button (page 43) D VAI O button (page 43) E Ambient light sensor (page 39), (page 190)

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

F Built-in microphones (monaural) G Num lock indicator (page 18) H Caps lock indicator (page 18) I Scroll lock indicator (page 18) J Fingerprint sensor (page 84)

K "Memory Stick Duo" slot

(page 55)

L Media access indicator (page 18) M SD memory card slot (page 62)

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

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Back

A SIM card slot (page 73) B Air vents

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Right

A Headphones jack (page 100), (page 115) B LAN port (page 67)

Pull the port cover down before using the LAN port.

When the port cover disengages: The port cover may disengage if you exert pressure on it when opening it or disconnecting a LAN cable. To attach the port cover, align the cover with the edge (1) of the port and push the cover down until it clicks into place.

C HDMI output port (page 118) D USB port E Docking Station/USB port

(page 125)

(page 109), (page 125)

F DC IN port (page 19)

Supports USB 2.0 compatible devices.

Blue colored port supports USB 2.0/3.0 compatible devices.

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Left

A Monitor port (page 116) B Air vent C Security slot

Depending on the security cable you use, connecting the cable to the security slot may lift the left side of your computer. Use the appropriate security cable.

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Bottom (with the battery pack)

A Built-in speakers (stereo) B Battery off button (page 24), (page 160), (page 171)

C Extended battery pack connector cover D Air vents

* For detailed instructions on how to attach an extended battery pack, see the

manual that came with your extended battery pack. While the extended battery pack is attached to your computer, be sure to keep the removed connector cover for future use.

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Bottom (without the battery pack)

A Battery connector (page 21)

You cannot replace the memory module(s) on your computer.

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

Charge

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

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

Disc drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

WIRELESS Illuminates while one or more wireless options are enabled.

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

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

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

Press the Fn+Num Lk keys to activate the numeric keypad. Press the keys 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.

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. Before using the computer for the first time, you need to connect an AC adapter to your computer.

Do not use your computer without installing the battery pack as it may cause the computer to malfunction.

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

32).

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

Using the Battery Pack

The battery pack is already installed on your computer at the time of delivery but is not fully charged.

Do not use your computer without installing the battery pack as it may cause the computer to malfunction.

Installing/Removing the Battery Pack

✍

In order to distinguish the battery pack which is installed on your computer at the time of delivery from an extended battery pack (supplied with selected models only), it may be referred to as the primary battery pack in this manual.

For detailed instructions on how to attach and charge an extended battery pack, see the manual that came with your extended battery pack.

To install the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer, close the LCD screen lid, and unplug the AC adapter.

2 Fit the battery pack into the battery compartment.

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

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

3 Tighten the four rubber screws (1), two short metallic screws (2), and two long metallic screws (3) with a coin.

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, close the LCD screen lid, and unplug the AC adapter if plugged.

2 Unscrew the eight screws with a coin.

Be careful not to lose the removed screws.

3 Hook your finger in the cut of the battery pack.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

4 Pull the battery pack in the direction of the arrow and take it out of the battery compartment.

✍

If your computer does not recognize the battery pack, turn off your computer and push and hold the battery off button for about three seconds with a thin, straight object (such as a paper clip). If this does not solve the problem, remove the battery pack and install it once again. If an extended battery pack is attached to the computer, turn off the computer and remove the extended battery pack. If this does not solve the problem, push and hold the battery off button for about three seconds. If the problem persists, remove both battery packs and install them once again.

For your safety, it is highly recommended that you use genuine Sony rechargeable battery packs and AC adapters that meet the quality assurance standard, supplied by Sony for your VAIO computer. Some VAIO computers may only function with a genuine Sony battery pack.

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.

About the use of an extended battery pack

❑ If an extended battery pack is attached to your computer, the primary battery pack is charged first up to about 80% of its

battery capacity. Then, the extended battery pack starts charging up to about 80%. After both battery packs are charged up to about 80%, the primary battery pack starts charging to 100%. Then, the extended battery pack starts charging to 100%.

❑ If an extended battery pack is attached to your computer, battery power of the extended battery pack is used first.

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 30) for more information.

❑ Change the power saving settings on the Power Options. See Using the VAIO Power Management (page 136) 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 27).

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.

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