Sony PCV-RS726G - Vaio Desktop Computer User manual

Welcome
Thank you for purchasing a Sony VAIO®computer! Your new computer is a superb blend of high technology and easy-to-use
functionality. The information provided here is designed to help you to become familiar with the hardware and software
programs included with your computer.
View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.
Go to the Sony online support Web site, to view the VAIO®Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's
hardware specifications and preinstalled software information.
For information about the Sony software preinstalled on your computer, click Start in the Windows®taskbar, and
then click Welcome to VAIO life.
Page 1

Getting Started
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO®computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines
state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio, video and information technology features.
Unpacking Your Computer
Planning an Ergonomic Work Space
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Unpacking Your Computer
Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the system configuration purchased.
For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, go to http://www.sony.com/pcsupport, to view the online
specifications sheet.
Your VAIO®computer is not supplied with System or Application Recovery CDs. Use the VAIO Recovery utility to recover
your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.
Computer and supplied accessories
* This item is not supplied with all VAIO®computer models.
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder accessories
(For models equipped with Giga Pocket features)
Online Documentation
VAIO®Computer User Guide —Contains information on the hardware and preinstalled software programs included
with your system.
To access the online manual:
1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help And Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide. Page 3

Specifications —The online specifications sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO
computer.
To view the online specifications sheet:
1. Connect to the Internet.
2. Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
3. Click the Documentation button and follow the on-screen instructions to locate your model's
specifications sheet.
VAIO®Software —Provides specific information on the preinstalled software on your computer.
To access this online software information:
1. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar.
2. Click Welcome to VAIO life.
Hard Disk Drive Recovery
Your computer is equipped with the VAIO Recovery Wizard, a utility program that recovers your computer's operating
system and preinstalled software.
For online information about hard disk recovery:
1. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help And Support Center menu, click VAIO Recovery Options.
You can create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit using CD-R, single layer DVD+R, or single layer DVD-R media on VAIO
computers equipped with the appropriate optical drive (a CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW drive).
DVD+RW, DVD-RW, double layer DVD+R, and double layer DVD-R media (when it becomes available) cannot be used to
create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit.
Other
A software library, containing the Microsoft®software and Sony®end-user license agreements.
Page 4

Planning an Ergonomic Work Space
Before you set up your new computer, find the best location for your new computer and plan your work space. There are
several ergonomic factors to consider when you arrange your work space:
Stable work surface —Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral
equipment.
Ventilation —Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides of your computer to enable proper
ventilation.
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 lower arms are parallel to the floor. Keep your wrists in a
relaxed position when you are using the keyboard —not angled up or down. Use the palmrest 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 with a relaxed hand, and use your whole arm to move it. Take breaks during sessions
with your computer. Excessive use of the mouse or a joystick may strain muscles or tendons.
Furniture and posture —Sit in a chair with 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 with relaxed, upright posture —avoid
slouching forward or leaning far backward.
Viewing angle of the display —Position the display 18 to 26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the
screen at or a little below 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 where windows 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 work effectiveness.
Page 5

Locating Controls And Ports
This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports and jacks on your computer. Your computer may not be
equipped with all of these hardware features, and the location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the
illustrations shown in this section. See the specifications sheet for your computer on the Sony online support Web site at
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
About the Front Panel
About the Back Panel
About the Keyboard
About the Remote Control
About the i.LINK Port
Page 6

About the Front Panel
The front panel of your VAIO®Computer enables access to drives, memory card readers, ports and jacks that enable you to
connect compatible peripheral devices.Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features or
accessories. The location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section.
Front panel
1Optical drive 1
See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.
2Optical drive 2
See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.
3Floppy disk drive
Reads and writes data from and to a 3.5-inch floppy disk.
4Floppy disk drive access indicator
Light is green while reading and writing data from and to a floppy disk.
5Power button
The power button turns the computer on/off.
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6Standby indicator
Light is amber when the computer is in Stand by mode.
7xD-Picture Card memory card reader
Reads and writes data from and to xD-Picture Card media.
8CompactFlash®and Microdrive memory card reader
Reads and writes data from and to CompactFlash and Microdrive media.
9Media access indicator1
Light is amber when reading or writing data
10 S-video In jack2
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
Composite video In jack2
Connection for a video cable (optional).
Composite audio L In jack2
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
Composite audio R In jack2
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
11 Optical drive 1 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 1.
12 Optical drive 2 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 2.
13 Floppy disk eject button
Ejects a floppy disk.
14 Power indicator (VAIO)
Light is blue when the computer is on. The light turns off when the computer is in Standby mode or turned off.
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15 Hard disk drive and optical disc drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data.
16 Memory Stick®memory card reader
Reads and writes data from and to Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro , and Memory Stick Duo media.
17 Secure Digital (SD)/MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory card reader
Reads and writes data from and to a Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC).
18 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports3
Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
19 i.LINK 4-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
1T he media access indicator lights when reading or writing data with the Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick®, xD-Picture Card , or C ompactFlash®
/Microdrive s lots.
2Not available on all models. See your online specifications s heet for details.
3T he number of USB ports may vary depending on the model purchased.
For your convenience, your computer includes USB and i.LINK ports on both the front and back panels. The 4-pin
i.LINK port is located on the front panel and the 6-pin i.LINK port is located on the back.
Additional information
Your computer is equipped with one or more optical disc drives that have a drive eject button on the drive door.
After pushing the eject button, wait for the drive to stop reading the CD or DVD. It may take a few moments for the
drive tray to eject.
Gently push the drive tray in, when closing the optical drive door. Do not force the door or handle roughly.
After closing the drive door, wait a few moments for the drive to begin reading the CD or DVD.
Page 9

About the Back Panel
The back panel of your computer contains the ports and jacks for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back
panel locate and identify the ports and jacks on your computer.
Your hardware configuration may vary based on the computer model purchased.
Back panel
1AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
2Mouse port
Connection for a PS/2®mouse.
3Keyboard port
Connection for a PS/2®keyboard.
4Printer port
Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.
5Monitor port
Connection for a standard display.
6i.LINK 6-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device. Page 10

7Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (4)
Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
8Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone (optional).
Front/Headphones jack
Connection for the supplied speakers (2-channel), front speakers (5.1 speaker system1), or optional headphones.
Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
Woofer/Center jack2
Connection for a Sub-woofer3, control module, or Center speaker (5.1 speaker system1).
Rear jack
Connection for a rear speakers (5.1 speaker system1).
9Monitor port4
Connection for a standard display.
10 Composite audio R In jack4
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
Composite audio L In jack4
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
Composite video In jack4
Connection for a video cable (optional).
S-video In jack4
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
11 Modem line jack
Connection for an RJ-11 telephone cable (optional).
Page 11

12 Speaker DC Out jack
Connection for the speaker power cable (supplied 2-channel speakers).
13 S/PDIF Optical Out port
Connection for a digital audio or optical device.
14 Ethernet port
Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet interface.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
15 Monitor (DVI-D) port4
Connection for a DVI monitor.
16 TV Out (S-Video/video) jack4
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
17 VHF/UHF port4
Connection for a TV coaxial cable (supplied).
1C ertain V A IO c omputers that are configured to order (CTO ) may supply 5.1 s peakers as part of the accessory package. See your computer's
specifications s heet for details on supplied accessories.
2Speaker system connections vary by model and manufacturer. See the information supplied with your speaker system for s etup information.
3A s ub-woofer is available with certain V A IO c omputer models. See your computer's s pecification sheet for details about supplied accessories.
4Not available on all models. For details about your computer's hardware configuration, see the online specifications s heet.
i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connection. The i.LINK
connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products
with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
Refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for information on operating conditions and
proper connection. Before connecting compatible i.LINK devices to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
Page 12

About the Keyboard
Your VAIO®keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.
VAIO Keyboard
KEY DESCRIPTION
Function The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform certain tasks. The task
associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next.
Volume Control Press a button to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume of the speakers.
Mute Press the button to turn off the speaker sound. Press the Mute button again to restore sound.
Standby Press the button to place the computer in Standby mode. Press the Power button or any key
briefly, to resume normal operation.
Numeric keypad Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations. Press the
Num Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (The Num Lock indicator lights.) Press the Num Lock key again to deactivate
the numeric keypad.
Directional Arrows The Up, Down, Left, and Right arrow keys move the pointer on the screen.
Applications
The Applications key displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications. Pressing this key
is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button.
Windows
The key with the Microsoft®Windows®logo, displays the Start menu. Pressing this key is
equivalent to clicking Start on the taskbar.
INDICATORS FUNCTION
Num Lock The Num Lock indicator lights when the numeric keypad is activated. When the indicator is off, the directional
arrow and correction keys on the numeric keypad area are active. Page 13

Caps Lock The Caps Lock indicator lights up to advise you that the keyboard is set to type letters in uppercase. When
the indicator is off, the letters appear in lower case as you type.
Scroll Lock The Scroll Lock indicator lights up to advise you that your screen's scrolling pattern has changed. When the
indicator is off, the screen scrolls normally. This function is not available with all software applications.
Page 14

About the Remote Control
The remote control is supplied with VAIO®computers that are equipped with Giga Pocket®Personal Video Recorder features1
. The remote control can start and stop video recording and playback, select channels, and set viewing preferences. This
section describes the basic functions of your remote control.
Remote control
1MUTE button
Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound.
2Channel number buttons (0-9)
Press to select specific channels.
(Press the ENTER button to activate channel selection.)
JUMP button
Press to go to the previous channel. Press again to return to the current channel.
ENTER button
Press to activate channel selection. See Channel number buttons.
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3REC STOP button
Press to stop recording.
(Note: The REC STOP function is available for Giga Pocket software only.)
4REC button
Press to begin recording.
(Note: The REC function is available for Giga Pocket software only.)
5TV button
Press to change from the on-screen image to the TV/Recording deck.
VIDEO button
Press to start the Giga Pocket playback deck.
(Note: You cannot change the input source while recording.)
DVD button
Press to start the DVD player software program.
MUSIC button
Press to launch the SonicStage software.
HOME NETWORK button
Press to launch the VAIO Media.
6Direction and ENTER buttons
Press a direction arrow to navigate. Press ENTER to select.
7BACK button
Press to return to the previous screen.
(Note: This function is not available for Giga Pocket software.)
8APPLICATION START button
Press to open a shortcut menu of software programs to start. Use the direction arrows to navigate to a specific software
program and press the APPLICATION START button to select and start the program. Page 16

9VOLUME button
Press to raise or lower the volume.
10 STANDBY button
Press to place the system into Stand by mode.
(Note: You cannot place the computer into Stand by mode when certain Giga Pocket functions are running.)
11 AUDIO button
Press to view available sound mode options on the monitor/display.
TV/VIDEO button
Press to change the on-screen image from the TV/Recording deck to external video equipment, such as your VCR.
(Note: You cannot change the input source while recording.)
DISPLAY button
During DVD playback in full screen mode, press to show the settings window. When using Giga Pocket software, press to
display the TV/Recording deck and playback deck screens. Press again to hide these views.
SIZE button1
Press to view the current software in full-screen size. Press again to return the view to its original size.
12 FUNCTION button
When using SonicStage software, press to change from the music drive (hard disk drive) to the CD.
13 REW and FF buttons
Press to rewind or fast-forward.
PREV and NEXT buttons
Press to move back to the previous screen or forward to the next screen.
STOP button
Press to stop playback.
PLAY button
Press to begin playback. Page 17

PAUSE button
Press to pause playback.
14 MENU button
Press to view a shortcut menu of available options for a software program. Press again to hide this menu.
(Note: For the Giga Pocket software program, the Select A Cabinet window displays. Press the button again to hide this
window.)
15 TOOLS button
The function of this button may vary between DVD media. See the DVD player software instructions for details.
16 APPLICATION CLOSE button
Press to view a shortcut menu of software programs to close. If more than one software program is open, use the direction
arrows to navigate to a specific program and press the Application Close button again to close the program.
17 CHANNEL button
Press to change channels automatically (no number input required).
(Note: This function is available for Giga Pocket software only.)
1T his function is available on selected models.
For more details about the function buttons on your remote control, see the Giga Pocket software Help.
To set up the remote control
Insert two AA batteries (supplied) into the remote control as shown.
Inserting batteries into the remote control
If your remote control does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. When your remote control is
not being used for extended periods of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.
1See the online specifications s heet for information about your computer's hardware configuration.
Page 18

About the i.LINK Port
Your VAIO®computer is equipped with a 4-pin and a 6-pin i.LINK®port. A 4-pin i.LINK port cannot supply power to a
connected i.LINK device. A 6-pin i.LINK port can supply power (10V to 12V) to a connected i.LINK device, if the device is
equipped with a 6-pin connector.
The total power supplied by the 6-pin i.LINK port does not exceed 6 watts.
Connecting an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) device
1. Use the symbol to locate the i.LINK port on your compatible i.LINK device and on your computer. Plug the i.LINK
cable connector into this port.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into the corresponding 4- or 6-pin i.LINK port on your computer.
See the instructions supplied with your i.LINK device for more information on installation and use.
Page 19

Setting Up Your Computer
Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described in the section. The location of the controls,
ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown. See the specifications sheet for your computer on the Sony online
support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport for details on your computer's hardware configuration.
Connecting a Display (Monitor)
Connecting the Speakers
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse
Connecting the Telephone and Modem
Connecting the Power Cords
Turning On your Computer
Registering Your Computer
Turning Off Your Computer
Page 20