Sony PCV-70 - Vaio Desktop Computer User manual

NOTICE TO USERS
© 19% Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. This manual and the soft are
described herein, in hole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or
reduced to any machine-readable form ithouf prior riften approval.
SONY ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO
THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INEORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY OR EITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE
SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY
ELECTRONICS INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT, OR
OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL,
THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE
USE THEREOF.
Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to make any modification to this manual
or the information contained herein at any time ithout notice. The soft are
described herein may also be governed by the terms of a separate user license
agreement.
Sony and VAIO are trademarks of Sony.
Windo s and the Windo s 95 logo are registered trademarks of Microsoff
Corporafion.
Intel and Pentium are trademarks of Infel Corporafion.
Sound Blaster is a trademark of Creafive Technology Limited.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective o ners.

Safetyinformation
Owner's Record
The model number and serial number are located on the back of your
Sony PC. Record the serial number in the space proc’ided here. Refer to
the model and serial number hen you call your Sony Service Center.
Model Number: PCV-70, PCV-90
Serial Number: _______________________________________
WARNING
□ To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your Sony PC to rain
or moisture.
□ Never install modem or telephone iring during a lightning storm.
□ Never install telephone jacks in et locations unless the jack is
specifically designed for et locations
□ Never touch uninsulated telephone ire or terminals unless the
telephone line has been disconnected at the net ork interface.
□ Use caution hen installing or modifying telephone lines.
□ Avoid using the modem during an electrical storm.
□ Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the
vicinity of the leak.
Caution
A\The use of optical instruments with your Sony PC will increase eye hazard.

Contents
Welcome
About this User Guide............................................................................2
Setting U Your Sony PC
Unpacking Your PC.;...............................................................................3
Choosing a Location for Your PC .........................................................
Back Panel Overview..............................................................................6
Connecting the Sony Multimedia Computer Display ..................... 7
Connecting a Display, Speakers, and a Microphone ......................... 8
Connecting the Optional Palmrest.......................................................9
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse ............................................... 10
Connecting the Phone Line and Phone.............................................11
Connecting the Power Cords...............................................................12
Connecting Additional Components.................................................13
Connecting a Printer......................................................................13
Connecting a Joystick or MIDI Instrument...............................1
Starting Your Sony PC..........................................................................15
Registering Windows 95.......................................................................16
Registering Your PC..............................................................................17
Accessing the CD-ROM and Diskette Drives..................................18

Getting Started with VAIO S ace
What Is VAIO Space? ............................................................................ 21
The VAIO Space Screen.........................................................................22
Exploring the Sky................................................................................... 23
Using Sony Online..........................................................................23
Using SOS.........................................................................................24
Using Net Space...............................................................................24
Exploring the Walls................................................................................25
Launching Applications................, .................................................. 25
Adding and Removing Applications in VAIO Space ................ 26
Exploring the Floor .............................................................................. 29
Using My Space...............................................................................30
Changing VAIO Space Settings.....................................................30
Using the Windo s 95 Taskbar .................................................... 33
S itching to Windo s 95 .............................................................. 34
Shutting Do n Your Sony PC ...................................................... 35
Introducing the Sony A/V Suite
The A/V Wall...........................................................................................38
Using the Mixer...................................................................................... 40
Using the CD Player...............................................................................42
Playing an Audio CD ..................................................................... 42
Naming a CD................................................................................... 44
Naming CD Tracks ......................................................................... 45
Creating CD Playlists ..................................................................... 46
Removing Tracks from a CD Playlist...........................................48
Using the WAV Player .......................................................................... 49
Playing a WAV File.........................................................................49
Creating WAV Playlists.................................................................51
Playing a WAV Playlist..................................................................53
Removing Files from a WAV Playlist...........................................54
Using AudioVie ™...............................................................................55
Editing a WAV File.........................................................................55
Recording a WAV File ................................................................... 61
VI

Contents
Using the MIDI Player...........................................................................62
Playing a MIDI File.........................................................................62
Creating MIDI Playlists..................................................................64
Playing a MIDI Playlist .................................................................. 66
Removing Files from a MIDI Playlist...........................................67
Recording a MIDI File....................................................................68
Using the Video File Player .................................................................. 69
Creating Video Playlists.................................................................69
Playing a Video Playlist.................................................................72
Removing Files from a Video Playlist..........................................73
Using the Video CD Player...................................................................7
Using More A/V..................................................................................... 77
Getting Hel
Calling SOS............................................................................................. 80
Troubleshooting..................................................................................... 83
Using the Recovery CD.........................................................................87
U grading and Maintaining Your Sony PC
Removing the Cover............................................................................ 90
Inserting an Add-in Board....................................................................93
Adding Memory.....................................................................................95
Replacing the Lithium Battery ............................................................. 97
Replacing the Cover............................................................................. 99
Com uter Basics
Using the Keyboard.............................................................................103
Using the Mouse .................................................................................. 105
Setting Up the Mouse for Left-FIand Use..................................106
Using the CD-ROM Drive...................................................................107
Using the Diskette Drive.....................................................................108
VII

Contents
Other Information
Notes on Use.........................................................................................109
On the Po er Source....................................................................109
On Disposal of the Lithium Battery............................................110
On Handling....................................................................................Ill
On Installation...............................................................................111
On Moisture Condensation ......................................................... 112
On Upgrading the System...........................................................112
On Using the Hard Disk Drive ................................................... 113
On Handling Diskettes................................................................ 113
On Handling CD-ROM Discs......................................................113
On Cleaning CD-ROM Discs.......................................................114
Regulatory Information.......................................................................115
FCC Part 68....................................................................................116
Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 ........................... 117
Index ................................................................................... 119
VIII

Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony PC. Sony has
combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and
communications to provide you ith state-of-the-art personal
computing.
Here are just some of the features your Sony PC has to offer.
□ Exceptional performance: Your PC includes a fast Intel® Pentium®
processor, an 8x CD-ROM drive, and a 28.8 Kbps DSVD (Digital
Simultaneous Voice Data) modem.
□ Sxmy audio and video quality; High-quality, "Sony Tuned" video,
hich supports full-screen display, and integrated 3-D sound enable
you to take advantage of today's advanced multimedia applications,
games, and entertainment soft are.
□ Preinstalled software titles; Your Sony PC includes dozens of best
selling soft are titles, including productivity and reference tools,
multimedia applications, and games featuring advanced 3-D
graphics.
□ Windows® 95: Your system includes the latest operating system
from Microsoft.
□ VAIO^'^ Space: This fun, friendly, and engaging desktop
environment, developed especially for the Sony PC, helps you
organize and launch applications quickly and efficiently.
□ Sony A/V Suite; Enjoy all of your PC's audio and visual capabilities
ith component-like applications that play audio CDs, audio files
(MIDI and WAV), Video CDs, and video files.
□ Communications: Access popular online services, send e-mail,
bro se the Internet, and use the built-in speakerphone, ans ering
machine, and fax features.
□ Excellent customer support: Click the SOS icon to access Sony Online
Support 24 hours a day, seven days a eek. The SOS soft are
enables a support representative to talk to you on the phone, perform
remote diagnostics on your PC, and send you updates, all through a
single phone call.

Welcome
□
□
About this User Guide
This user guide offers a quick introduction and reference to your
Sony PC.
□ Setting Up Your Sony PC sho s you ho to connect the standard
components of your system—generally in under 15 minutes. This
section also explains ho to connect additional components you may
have purchased, such as a printer, a MIDI instrument, and a joystick.
Getting Started with VAIO Space offers an in-depth exploration of
the VAIO Space environment. It explains the different areas of the
screen, ho to launch applications, ho to s itch to Windo s 95,
ho to customize your settings, and more.
Introducing the Sony A/V Suite describes ho to use the audio and
video components of the Sony A/V Suite. For instance, learn ho to
listen to your favorite CDs hile you ork on the computer, or atch
videos on your computer screen.
Getting Help explains the support options available to you, sho s
you ho to use the Sony Online Support service, and offers basic
troubleshooting tips.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your Sony PC illustrates ho to install
an add-in card and memory, as ell as ho to change the lithium
battery in your PC.
Computer Basics sho s ne computer users ho to use a mouse,
keyboard, CD-ROM drive, and diskette drive.
Other Information provides facts and advice about using your PC, as
ell as regulatory information.
□
□
□

jr ~
Setting U Your Sony PC
Your Sony PC comes ith all the soft are titles preinstalled on your hard
disk drive. Just follo these simple steps to connect the cables and turn
on the PC, and your Sony PC is ready to use.
Un acking Your PC
Remove the follo ing items from the box:
System Unit D's 'ay (sold se arately)
Power Cord
Phone Cable
You can find the complete list of the items that come ith your PC in the
About Your Sony PC guide.
Note
^ If you purchased a Sony ultimedia Computer Display, it includes built-in speakers
and a microphone. For other displays, you'll need separate speakers and a microphone
to use the Sony PC's audio features.

Setting U Your Sony PC
Choosing a Location for Your PC
Here are some things to consider hen planning vour orkspace:
J Stable work surface—Use a stable ork surface large enough to
support the computer, the display, and other equipment.
_J Ventilation—Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back
sides of your PC to enable proper ventilation.
J Placement of the keyboard, mouse, and other input devices—Place
your keyboard, mouse, and other input devices so that your arms
and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The keyboard
should be directly in front of you. Adjust the level of the keyboard so
that your lo er arms are parallel to the floor. Keep your rists in a
relaxed position hen you're using the keyboard—not angled up or
do n. Use the palmrest only briefly, for resting. While typing, never
use the palmrest or rest your hands on the table. Position the mouse
at the same level as the keyboard. Hold the mouse ith a relaxed
hand, and use your hole arm to move it. Take breaks during
sessions ith your PC. Excessive use of the mouse or a joystick may
strain muscles or tendons.

Choosing a Location for Your PC
Furniture and posture—Sit in a chair ith good back support and
armrests. 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—avoid slouching for ard or leaning far back ard.
Viewing angle of the display—Position the display 18 to 26 inches
directly in front of you, ith the top of the screen at or a little belo
eye level. Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position.
You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by placing the display
in the proper position.
Lighting—Choose a location here indo s and lights do not create
glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid
bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for
your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your
comfort and ork effectiveness.

Setting U Your Sony PC
Back Panel Overview
The back panel of your Sony PC contains the connectors here you plug
in supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panel serve as
a map to help you locate the connectors on your PC.
Icon Ma of Connectors (color coded)
Power
Mouse
Keyboard
USB
Printer
Monitor
Head hones
Line In
Micro hone
Game/MIDI
Line
Phone

Connecting the Sony Multimedia Com uter Dis lay
Connecting the Sony
Multimedia Com uter Dis lay
The Sony Multimedia Computer Display (sold separately) is an
integrated audio/video unit ith built-in speakers and a microphone.
Follo these steps to connect it to your PC.
1 Use the blue (3 symbol to locate the MONITOR connector. Plug the
blue display cable into this connector, and then tighten the t o
scre s to secure the cable.
2 Use the green Q symbol to locate the HEADPHONES connector. Plug the
green speaker cable into this connector.
3 Use the red y* symbol to locate the MIC connector. Plug the red
microphone cable into this connector.
^ See the manual that came with your Sony ultimedia Computer Display for more
information on setting up and using the display.

Setting U Your Sony PC
Connecting a Dis lay, S eakers,
and a Micro hone
If you did not purchase the Sony Multimedia Computer Display, you
need speakers and a microphone to use the Sony PC's audio features.
Note
A ake sure your speakers are designed for computer use. Contact your Sony dealer
for information on purchasing Sony computer speakers.
Follo these steps to connect your display,, speakers, and microphone.
1 Use the blue (3) symbol to locate the MONITOR connector. Plug the
display cable into this connector, and then tighten the t o scre s to
secure the cable.
2 Use the green Q symbol to locate the HEADPHONES connector. Plug the
speaker cable into this connector.
3 Use the red y* to locate the MIC connector. Plug the microphone cable
into this connector.
^ See the manuals that came with your display, speakers, and microphone for more
information on setting them up and using them.
8

Connecting the O tional Palmrest
Your Sony PC is equipped ith an optional palmrest that you can attach
to your keyboard. Follo these steps to connect the palmrest.
1 Place the keyboard and palmrest upside do n on a flat surface.
2 Insert the latching posts on the palmrest into the openings on
the keyboard.
3 Move the palmrest to the right until you feel it snap into place.
Connecting the O tional Palmrest
^ Do not keep your wrists on the palmrest while typing: use the palmrest briefly only
when resting.
To remove the almrest
1 Turn the keyboard and palmrest upside do n.
2 Push do n on the palmrest, and then move it to the left.
3 Lift the palmrest a ay from the keyboard.

Setting U Your Sony PC
Follo these steps to connect the keyboard and mouse.
1 Use the purple iVijVl symbol to locate the KEYBOARD connector. Plug the
purple keyboard cable into this connector.
2 Use the blue-green CZB" symbol to locate the MOUSE connector and
insert the blue-green mouse cable into this connector.
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse
the keyboard and mouse. information on setting up and using
10

Connecting the Phone Line and Phone
You need to connect the phone line and phone to take advantage of
online services, the Internet, and Sony Online Support. The phone line
also enables you to register your PC and soft are online.
There are t o phone jacks on the back panel. Follo these ste s to
connect your phone line and phone.
1 Unplug your phone from the all jack and plug it into the PHONE jack
on the PC.
2 Plug one end of the phone cable that came ith your system into the
LINE jack and the other end into the all jack.
Connecting the Phone Line and Phone
Note
^ Your Sony PC does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated
telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange
(PBX).
11

Setting U Your Sony PC
Connecting the Power Cords
Your Sony PC is shipped ith the voltage s itch set to 115 volts. This is
the correct setting for most homes and businesses in North America. If
you use the PC in a location that requires 230 volts, change the setting to
230 volts by moving the s itch up.
Caution
A Do not ii.'ii’ your Sony PC with the incorrect voltage setting; this may damage
the PC. ' '
Follo these steps to connect the po er cords.
1 Plug the po er cord into the connector on the PC.
If necessary, plug the display po er cord into the display.2
3Plug both the display and po er cords into a grounded AC all
outlet, po er strip, or Uninterrupted Po er Supply.
12

Connecting Additional Com onents
Connecting Additional Com onents
You can add functionality to your Sony PC by connecting a printer,
joystick, or MIDI device.
Connecting a Printer
You can connect a printer to your Sony PC to print documents from
your PC.
1 Use the dark grey symbol to locate the PRINTER connector. Plug
the printer cable into this connector.
2 If necessary, plug one end of the printer po er cord into the
printer, and the other end into a grounded AC all outlet, po er
~?trip, or Uninterrupted Po er Supply.
^ See the manual that came with your printer fpr more information on setting it up
and using it.
13