Sony PCV-RXA842 Online Help Center (VAIO User... User manual

Welcome
Thank you for purchasing your 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 applications included with your system.
View the Latest Updates for your computer.
View the VAIO®Computer Specifications, which describes your computer's hardware configuration and preinstalled
software information.
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Getting Started
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO®computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines
audio, video, and information technology features.
Unpacking Your Computer
Planning An Ergonomic Work Space
Locating Controls And Ports
Setting Up Your Computer
Turning On Your Computer
Registering Your Computer
Setting Up Your Dial-up Connection
Turning Off Your Computer
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Unpacking Your Computer
Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the system configuration you
purchased. For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, see the online Specifications sheet.
Computer and supplied accessories
Manuals
VAIO®Computer Quick Start —Provides basic information on setting up and registering your computer. The Quick
Start also provides software, support, safety and legal information.
VAIO®Computer User Guide —Contains information on the hardware and preinstalled software applications
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.
Specifications —This online specification sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO
computer. To view this online information:
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.
3. Click the Welcome link. The Welcome page displays in the right-side frame.
4. Click the link in the text, "View the VAIO Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's hardware
configuration and preinstalled software information."
Microsoft®Windows XP®Guide —Explains how to use the basic features of the latest Windows operating system.
Recovery CDs
System Recovery CD(s) —Restore the software applications that shipped with your computer if they become
corrupted or are erased. The supplied System Recovery CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of this Sony
computer.
Application Recovery CD(s) —Reinstalls individual software applications or drivers if they become corrupted or are
erased.
Other
Packet containing special product offers.
Software Library containing the Microsoft software license agreement and Sony end-user license agreement. Page 3

Planning An Ergonomic Work Space
Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer.
Planning your workspace
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 only briefly, for
resting. 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.
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Locating Controls And Ports
This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports and jacks that may be available 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. To view the specific connection capabilities for your system, see the
online specifications sheet.
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.
Please 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.
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About the front panel
The front panel of your VAIO Computer enables access to the optical and floppy disk drives. It also includes access to the
Memory Stick media slot, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and i.LINK®ports to connect compatible peripheral devices.
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.
5Optical drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives.
6Hard disk drive access indicator
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Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk.
7Power switch and power indicator
The power switch turns the computer on/off. The indicator light is blue while the power is on and amber when the computer
is in Stand by mode.
8i.LINK 4-pin port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
9Optical drive 1 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 1.
10 Optical drive 2 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 2.
11 Memory Stick®media slot
Reads and writes data from and to a Memory Stick®media.
12 Floppy disk eject button
Ejects a floppy disk.
13 Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB) ports (2)
High-speed connections for compatible USB devices.
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.
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About the back panel
The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panel
locate and identify the ports and jacks on your computer.
Your system may vary based on the configuration you purchased.
Back panel
1Mouse port
Connection for a PS/2®mouse.
2Keyboard port
Connection for a PS/2 keyboard.
3Printer port
Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.
4Monitor port (The monitor port location may vary between models)
Connection for a display.
5i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
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6Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB) ports (2)
High-speed connections for compatible USB devices.
7Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone (optional).
Headphones jack
Connection for the supplied speakers or optional headphones.
Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
8Monitor port (The monitor port location may vary between models)
Connection for a standard display.
9Monitor (DVI) port (DVI port is not available on all models)
Connection for a DVI monitor.
10 Telephone jack
Connection for a telephone cable (optional) to the computer.
11 AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
12 Ethernet port
Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet interface. (The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections
only.)
13 Modem line jack
Connection for the modem cable to the wall jack.
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Setting Up 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 online specifications sheet for your system's configuration.
Page 10

Connecting a display (monitor)
1. Plug the display cable into the Monitor port.
2. If necessary, plug the display cable into the rear of the display.
To connect a display
Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency.
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Connecting the speakers
1. Plug the cable attached to the back of the left speaker into the L Out jack on the back of the right speaker.
2. Plug the cable attached to the back of the right speaker into the Headphones jack.
3. Plug the jack end of the AC adapter cord into the DC In jack on the back of the right speaker and plug the other
end into a grounded AC wall outlet or power strip.
To connect the speakers
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Connecting the keyboard and mouse
1. Plug the keyboard cable into the Keyboard port on the back of the computer.
2. Plug the mouse cable into the Mouse port.
To connect the keyboard and mouse
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Connecting the modem cable
1. Unplug your telephone from the wall jack.
2. Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Modem line jack on the computer, and then plug the other end of the
cable into the wall jack.
To connect the modem cable
Your computer has a protective sticker covering the Ethernet port located on the rear panel.
Connect only 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port. Using other cables or a telephone cable
may result in an electric current overload and can cause a malfunction, excessive heat or fire in the port. For help
on connecting to a network, see your network administrator.
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Connecting the power cords
1. Plug the power cord into the back of the computer.
2. Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip.
To connect the power cords
Page 15

Turning On Your Computer
When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect new equipment and display a dialog box that
prompts you to restart your computer. Respond to this prompt immediately.
1. Press the power switch on the computer to turn on the power.
2. Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power.
3. Press the power switch on the right speaker to turn on the power.
To turn on your computer
Page 16

Registering Your Computer
Take advantage of Sony's commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering your
computer:
Sony Customer Support —Communicate with a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be
having with your computer.
Limited warranty —Protect your investment. See the Warranty Card for more details.
You are prompted to register your computer the first time you turn on the unit. Follow the on-screen instructions to
complete the registration process. If you are not able to register your computer during the first session, you are provided
with additional registration opportunities later.
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Setting Up Your Dial-up Connection
The first time you turn your computer on, follow these steps to set up your dial-up connection:
1. Click Start from the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.
2. Point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click New Connection Wizard. The Location
Information window appears.
Location Information window
3. Enter in your information as requested. Click OK. The Phone and Modem Options window appears.
Phone and Modem Options window
4. Click to select your dialing location and then click OK. The New Connection Wizard appears.
New Connection Wizard window
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5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your dial-up connection.
Page 19

Turning Off Your Computer
Follow these steps when you are ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of time.
To avoid loss of data, do not use the Power switch to turn off the computer.
To turn off your computer
1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Turn Off Computer.
The Turn Off Computer dialog box appears.
2. Select the Turn Off option.
Respond to any prompts about saving your documents.
3. Wait for your computer to turn off automatically—the power indicator light turns off.
4. Turn off any peripheral devices connected to your computer.
If you plan to turn off your computer for a short period of time, you may want to use Stand by mode instead.
About the power switch
If your system stops responding, press and hold the Power switch for more than six seconds to force your system to shut
down. You may need to repeat this procedure if your system does not shut down on the first attempt.
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