Sony VAIO Countertop Computer User manual

VAIO Digital Studio™
Computer QuickStart

3
Contents
Welcome.................................................................5
Features.....................................................................................5
Unpacking Your Computer ....................................................9
To Choose an Ergonomic Location for Your Computer....11
Setting Up Your
VAIO Digital Studio Computer............................13
To Set Up Your Computer....................................................13
To Turn on Your Computer.................................................18
To Register Your Computer.................................................19
To Set Up Your Dial-up Connection....................................20
To Set Up Power Management Modes.................................23
To Shut Down Your Computer ............................................25
About The Software On Your Computer ...........27
Overview of Software Applications......................................27
For Answers to Your Software Questions...........................34
Troubleshooting ..................................................37
Topics......................................................................................37
Notes on Use ...........................................................................51
Resources................................................................................56
Index .....................................................................59

VAIO Digital Studio QuickStart
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Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO Digital Studio™
computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines
audio, video, and information technology features.
Features
VAIO AV applications
This suite of Sony original applications includes PictureGear™, Smart Capture,
DVgate™, DigitalPrint, SonicStage™, MovieShaker™, VisualFlow™, and
Media Bar™ DVD Player. These software applications make it easy to use
advanced multimedia techniques to develop your personal audio and video
creations. Using the i.LINK ports, you can capture, view, and share both still and
video images, then catalog everything for fast, easy storage and retrieval.
DVD-RW drive (not available on all models)
This new optical storage technology provides increased storage capacity and a
dynamic multimedia computing experience. Your state-of-the-art DVD-RW
drive writes to DVD-R/DVD-RW and CD-R/CD-RW media, and plays your
favorite DVDs and CDs. This drive also functions as the ideal solution for
making backups and archiving data, with the ability to store up to 4.7 GB of data
on a single DVD-R/DVD-RW media (You can store up to 650 MB of data on a
single CD-R/CD-RW media). Save movies, videos and still images to share with
family and friends.
✍Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features listed in this
section. To view the specific hardware configuration for your system, see the
Specifications sheet.

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DVD-ROM drive (not available on all models)
This optical storage technology provides increased storage capacity and a rich
multimedia computing experience. Your DVD-ROM drive plays both DVDs and
CDs.
CD-RW drive (not available on all models)
This drive is the ideal solution for making backups and archiving data, with the
ability to store up to 650 MB of removable, rewritable storage on a single
rewritable CD. Save your movies to CD-R or CD-RW media and share videos
and images with family and friends.
CD-ROM drive (not available on all models)
You can play your favorite audio and video CDs using this high-quality
CD-ROM drive.
i.LINK (IEEE1394) interface
Two built-in i.LINK ports, located on the front and rear panels, provide you with
digital connection capability. The i.LINK name and logo identify a high-speed
communication interface, which allows you to easily connect compatible digital
camcorders.
VAIO Smart keyboard
This PS/2® keyboard has programmable shortcut buttons for launching your
favorite programs or accessing the Internet.
✍i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an
IEEE1394 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 PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.

Welcome
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Sony audio and video quality
Take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and
entertainment software with the Sony high-fidelity audio system, high-powered
3-D graphics, and “Sony-Tuned” MPEG digital video playback.
Microsoft Windows XP operating system
Your system includes this latest consumer operating system from Microsoft®.
Preinstalled software
All the software on your computer is preinstalled, configured, and ready for you
to use right out of the box.
Communications
You have the choice of a variety of popular online services to browse the Internet,
access e-mail, send faxes, and much more.
Exceptional performance
Your computer includes an Intel® processor, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Fast
Ethernet interface, and a V.90 data/fax modem.*
* Actual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions, ISP support, and gov-
ernment regulations.

VAIO Digital Studio QuickStart
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Unpacking Your Computer
9
Unpacking Your Computer
Computer and supplied accessories
Manuals
❑VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer QuickStart — Contains information on
unpacking and setting up your computer, supplementary updates, support
information, and software information.
❑VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer User Guide — Contains information on
the hardware and preinstalled software applications included with your
system. To access the online manual:
1Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click VAIO Help and Support.
2From the VAIO Help and Support menu, click VAIO User Guide.
❑Giga Pocket™ Personal Video Recorder Getting Started Guide — (For
models equipped with Giga Pocket) Contains information on setting up and
using the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder equipment and software
applications.
Display (Sold separately)
Power Cord
Modem Cable
Keyboard
Speakers
System Unit
Mouse
AC Adapter (Speaker)

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❑Information About DVD Recording — (For models equipped with a DVD-
RW drive) Contains information designed to help you become familiar with
your DVD-RW drive and the DVD recording software applications included
with your computer.
❑Safety Information — Contains safety and legal information about your
VAIO computer.
❑Home Networking Solutions — (For models equipped with a HomePNA
modem) Contains information on using an installed HomePNA modem with
Sony VAIO computers.
❑Specifications — Contains information on the hardware and physical
configurations of your VAIO computer.
❑Microsoft®Windows® XP Guide — Contains information on how to use
the basic features of the Windows® operating system.
Recovery CDs
❑System Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to restore the software that shipped
with your computer if it becomes corrupted or is erased. System Recovery
CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you
purchased.
❑Application Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to reinstall individual
applications if they become corrupted or are erased.
❑Driver Recovery CD — Enables you to restore device drivers if they
become corrupted or are erased.
Software Library
The Software Library contains the Microsoft software license agreement and the
Sony end-user license agreement.

To Choose an Ergonomic Location for Your Computer
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To Choose an Ergonomic Location for Your
Computer
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. 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.

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Setting Up Your
VAIO Digital Studio Computer
Your computer has many new and exciting features. This section contains
information on setting up your computer and peripheral devices.
To Set Up Your Computer
Your computer may not be equipped with the same hardware features shown in
this section. See the Specifications sheet for your system's configuration.
Connecting a display (monitor)
1Plug the display cable into the Monitor port.
2If necessary, plug the display cable into the rear of the display.
Connecting 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
1Plug the cable attached to the left speaker into the L Out jack on the back of
the right speaker.
2Plug the cable attached to the right speaker into the Headphones jack.
3Plug 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.
Connecting the speakers
i.LINK
S400
HEADPHONES
MIC
LINE IN
SERIAL

Setting Up Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer
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Connecting the keyboard and mouse
1Plug the keyboard cable into the Keyboard port on the back of the computer.
2Plug the mouse cable into the Mouse port.
Connecting the keyboard and mouse
PRINTER
i.LINK
S400
KEYBOARD MOUSE
USB NETWORK
ACT
LINK

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Connecting the modem cable
1Unplug your telephone from the wall jack.
2Plug 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.
Connecting 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.
4
3
2
1
LINE
TELEPHONE
MONITOR

Setting Up Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer
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Connecting the power cords
1Plug the power cord into the back of the computer.
2Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a
power strip.
Connecting the power cords
KEYBOARD MOUSE
PRINTER
HEADPHONES
LINE IN
USB NETWORK
ACT
LINK
i.LINK
S400
SERIAL

VAIO Digital Studio QuickStart
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To Turn on Your Computer
Turning on your computer
1Press the power switch on the computer to turn on the power.
2Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power.
3Press the power switch on the right speaker to turn on the power.
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 asks you to restart your computer. Please
respond to this request immediately.

To Register Your Computer
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To Register 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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To Set Up Your Dial-up Connection
The first time you turn your computer on, follow these steps to set up your dial-
up connection:
1Click Start from the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.
2Point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click New
Connection Wizard. The Location Information window appears.
Location Information window