Sony PCG-R505GCK User manual

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Welcome.......................................................7

Powering Your Computer...........................9

Using AC Power........................................................10

Connecting the AC adapter................................................10

Turning on the computer....................................................11

Using the Battery.......................................................13

Inserting a battery ..............................................................13

Removing a battery............................................................14

Displaying battery information..........................................15

Displaying battery information..........................................17

Charging a battery..............................................................19

Notes on batteries...............................................................20

Frequently asked questions................................................21

Conserving Battery Power ........................................22

Using power saving modes................................................22

Using PowerPanel utility ...................................................23

Frequently asked questions................................................27

Internet and Network Connections..........29

Internet Connections .................................................30

Setting up a dial-up Internet connection............................30

Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection........................32

Customizing your Internet connection...............................34

Frequently asked questions................................................35

Network Connections................................................36

Using Ethernet and dial-up connections............................36

Using wireless LAN connections ......................................38

Checking your network connection status.........................47

Frequently asked questions................................................48

VAIO® Computer User Guide

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Connecting Another VAIO Computer......................50

Frequently asked questions............................................... 52

CDs, DVDs, and Optical Drives................53

Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs .......................54

Copying and Playing CDs.........................................56

Playing CDs ...................................................................... 56

Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R................................. 57

Playing DVDs...........................................................58

Watching DVDs on your computer .................................. 58

Frequently asked questions............................................... 59

Printer Connections..................................63

Printing With Your Computer ..................................64

Connecting a printer.......................................................... 64

Disconnecting a printer..................................................... 66

Frequently asked questions............................................... 67

Computer Features...................................69

Using the Keyboard ..................................................70

Key locations and descriptions ......................................... 70

Combinations and functions with the Windows key ........ 72

Indicators........................................................................... 73

Combinations and functions with the Fn key.................... 74

Using the Touch Pad.................................................76

Describing the touch pad................................................... 76

Customizing the touch pad................................................ 77

Frequently asked questions............................................... 78

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Using Jog Dial Control..............................................80

Using VAIO Action Setup.................................................80

Locating the Jog Dial Control............................................81

Using launcher mode .........................................................81

Using guide mode..............................................................82

Using the Jog Dial Control with Sony programs...............83

Using the Jog Dial Control with other programs...............83

Setting the timer.................................................................84

Using Memory Stick Media.....................................85

Selecting Memory Stick media..........................................85

Inserting Memory Stick media ..........................................86

Viewing the contents .........................................................86

Write-protecting Memory Stick media..............................87

Formatting Memory Stick media.......................................87

Removing Memory Stick media........................................88

Frequently asked questions................................................89

Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs ....91

Connecting Mice and Keyboards.............93

Using External Mice and Keyboards ........................94

Connecting a mouse or keyboard.......................................94

Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard..................................96

Frequently asked questions................................................96

Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards ...........99

Using Floppy Disk Drives.......................................100

Inserting and removing floppy disks ...............................100

Notes on handling floppy disks .......................................101

Disconnecting a floppy disk drive ...................................101

Frequently asked questions..............................................102

VAIO® Computer User Guide

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Using PC Cards.......................................................104

Inserting PC Cards.......................................................... 104

Removing PC Cards........................................................ 105

Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives............... 106

Frequently asked questions............................................. 108

Docking Stations.....................................111

Connecting the Docking Station.............................112

Locating features and ports............................................. 112

Connecting the docking station....................................... 114

Disconnecting the docking station.................................. 115

Frequently asked questions............................................. 118

Audio and Video Connections...............121

Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders..................122

Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder ................. 122

Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder............ 123

Using a digital video camera recorder ............................ 124

Notes on connecting an i.LINK device........................... 124

Frequently asked questions............................................. 125

Using Computer Monitors and Projectors..............126

Connecting a computer monitor...................................... 126

Connecting a projector.................................................... 128

Selecting a display mode................................................. 129

Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector............. 131

Using Speakers .......................................................132

Connecting speakers ....................................................... 132

Disconnecting external speakers..................................... 133

Adjusting the volume...................................................... 133

Enabling the audio feature .............................................. 134

Frequently asked questions............................................. 135

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Using Microphones.................................................138

Connecting a microphone................................................138

Disconnecting a microphone ...........................................138

Using a microphone or other device to record.................139

Frequently asked questions..............................................140

Preinstalled Programs............................141

Software Programs On Your Computer..................142

Program overview............................................................142

Frequently asked questions..............................................146

DVgate Application Notes ......................................148

Recording images to a digital video device.....................148

Adjusting image resolution..............................................148

Saving to your hard disk drive.........................................148

Program Support Information .................................150

Sony Service Center.........................................................151

Memory Upgrades...................................153

Upgrading Your Computer’s Memory....................154

Precautions and procedures .............................................154

Typical expansion memory configuration.......................155

Removing and installing memory modules .....................155

Confirming added memory capacity................................158

Using the Recovery CDs.........................161

Application and System Recovery CDs..................162

Using Your Recovery CDs......................................162

Using the Application Recovery CD(s)...........................162

Using the System Recovery CD(s) ..................................164

VAIO® Computer User Guide

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Troubleshooting and Support................167

Troubleshooting Your Computer............................168

Troubleshooting Batteries.......................................172

Troubleshooting the Printer ....................................173

Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad ...........174

Troubleshooting the Modem...................................177

Troubleshooting Networks .....................................178

Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs............................181

Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives .....................184

Troubleshooting PC Cards......................................185

Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections...........186

Troubleshooting the Computer Screen (LCD)........189

Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media...................190

Troubleshooting Programs......................................192

Troubleshooting the Docking Station.....................194

Computer Support Information...............................196

7

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and

welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide.

This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your

new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled software

programs.

In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more

about, and that information will be displayed in this main window.

✍ View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information

about your computer.

VAIO® Computer User Guide

8

9

Powering Your Computer

Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This

chapter explains how to install and use these supplied accessories to

power your computer. It also describes ways you can efficiently utilize the

battery as a power source.

❑ Using AC Power

❑ Using the Battery

❑ Conserving Battery Power

VAIO Computer Quick Start

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Using AC Power

The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your

computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as the power source. While

the computer uses AC power it automatically charges the battery if it is inserted.

See “Using the Battery” for more information on installing and using your

battery.

❑ Connecting the AC adapter

❑ Turning on the computer

Connecting the AC adapter

To connect the AC adapter

1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your

computer or docking station.

2 Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end

into an AC outlet.

.

Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer

✍ Use only the AC adapter supplied with your computer.

Using AC Power

11

Turning on the computer

To turn on the computer

1 Slide the OPEN switch to the right, and lift the cover while holding the

bottom of the computer firmly.

2 Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.

3 If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the computer screen (LCD) as

follows:

Opening the Computer

Turning on the Computer

✍ If you hold the power button down, the computer turns off.

VAIO Computer Quick Start

12

❑ To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .

❑ To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .

Using the Battery

13

Using the Battery

A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your computer is not

plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer may come equipped with one or two

battery bays, depending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes

with two battery bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable battery to extend

your computing time. Regardless how many batteries you use, you can always

extend the life of the battery by conserving power. See “Conserving Battery

Power” for more information.

❑ Inserting a battery

❑ Removing a battery

❑ Displaying battery information

❑ Charging a battery

❑ Notes on batteries

❑ Frequently asked questions

Inserting a battery

To insert a battery

1 Turn the computer over, and slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch on the

bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.

2 Align the grooves and tabs on the battery with those on the back of the

computer.

✍ The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of

purchase.

VAIO Computer Quick Start

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3 Slide the battery into the computer until it clicks into place.

4 Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch into the LOCK position.

Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from

entering Hibernate mode. If you are using a program that prevents the system

from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently. See “Using power

saving modes” for information on how you can manually activate a power saving

mode.

Removing a battery

If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the

battery from the computer to avoid damaging the battery. You can remove the

battery when the computer is on or off.

To remove a battery

1 Turn the computer over, and slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch on the

bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.

2 Slide the battery away from the computer.

Inserting a Battery

If the computer is on, connect the AC adapter and exit a power saving

mode before you remove the battery.

Using the Battery

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Displaying battery information

You can display the remaining battery charge on the Battery Information toolbar

and/or the Battery Information window.

To display the Battery Information toolbar

1 Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar.

2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information.

The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.

The total charge remaining in the battery is listed in percent and real-time values.

The following toolbar indicates there is 72 percent or approximately 1 hour and

11 minutes of battery charge left.

❑ Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge.

❑ Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining

before the battery fully discharges, also known as the time-to-empty.

Removing a Battery

✍ If the Battery Information toolbar is hidden behind the taskbar icons, click and drag

the edge of the Battery Information toolbar to the left until it is in clear view.

Battery Information Toolbar

VAIO Computer Quick Start

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To close the Battery Information toolbar

1 Right-click the Battery Information toolbar.

2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click to cancel Battery

Information. The Battery Information toolbar disappears from the toolbar.

To display the Battery Information window

The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the

Battery Information window indicate the current status of the installed battery.

Battery icon Battery status

Charging

Fully charged

Discharging

No battery

Using the Battery

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1 Double-click the Battery icon on the Windows taskbar. The Battery

Information window appears.

❑ Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can

click Advanced for specific information on the battery.

❑ Alarms tab — Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the

battery is fully charged or too low. You can change your computer’s alarm

settings on this window.

Displaying battery information

You can display information for each of the batteries installed in your computer.

Battery Information Window

✍ Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information.

VAIO Computer Quick Start

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To display battery information

1 Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and select Settings, Control Panel,

and then click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window

appears.

2 Select the Power Meter tab. The total remaining battery charge is listed as a

percentage. If your computer comes with more than one battery, you can

view information on both batteries or just the primary battery.

To display the power icon on the taskbar

1 Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and select Setting, Control Panel,

and then click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window

appears.

2 Select the Advanced tab, and then select Always show icon on the taskbar

in the Options box. The power icon appears on the taskbar. See the power

icon descriptions below for more information.

You can rollover the power icon to view the remaining battery charge, and you

can double-click the power icon to open the Power Meter window, which also

displays the remaining battery charge.

✍ You may also use the battery icon on the Windows® taskbar to quickly view battery

information. See “To display the power icon on the taskbar” for instructions on how

to set up this shortcut.

Power icon Power status

Computer is using AC power.

Computer is using AC power and charging the battery.

Battery is charging.

Using the Battery

19

Charging a battery

You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or

you have not used the battery for a long time. The lithium-ion battery supplied

with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you wait until the

battery is completely or partially discharged. Charging a partially discharged

battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the battery and find that battery

power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and you may

need to replace it.

To charge a battery

You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery

will charge faster when the computer is off. Charging the battery takes several

hours. See your VAIO® Computer Specifications on the “Welcome” page for the

approximate time needed to charge your battery.

1 Insert the battery into the battery bay.

2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically

charges the battery as long as the computer is using AC power.

Battery is fully charged.

Battery is discharging.

No battery is inserted in the computer.

✍ The battery supplied with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.

✍ Charge the battery at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower

temperatures require more time to charge.

Power icon Power status

VAIO Computer Quick Start

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The battery indicator blinks while the battery charges. The battery indicator stops

blinking when the battery is fully charged.

Notes on batteries

❑ Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under

direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.

❑ While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is

normal and is not cause for concern.

❑ Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.

❑ Keep the battery dry.

❑ Do not open or disassemble the battery.

❑ Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.

❑ Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery

efficiency at low temperatures.

Battery Indicator

Battery indicator

status Description

On The computer is using battery power.

Single blink The battery is running out of power.

Double blink The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

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Sony PCG-R505GCK User manual

Sony PCG-R505GCK User manual

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