Sony VAIO MX PCV-MXS10 User manual

VAIO® MX Computer
QuickStart
PCV-MXS10

3
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® MX computer! Your
new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines state-of-the-art
computer functionality with the latest audio, video and information
technology features.
Features
MiniDisc Drive
Your MiniDisc drive can perform several audio functions. Use the MiniDisc drive
to:
❑play music from your favorite MiniDisc.
❑record to a MiniDisc media.
❑integrate seamlessly with the other installed audio devices, using MiniDisc
media and SonicStage™ Premium software.
Additionally, your MiniDisc uses Net MD technology, which enables:
❑Secure, high-speed music data transfers.
❑Support of the MagicGate™ copyright protection technology.
❑Recording of copyright-protected music from the Internet or audio CDs,
to your own MiniDisc.
SonicStage™ Premium software
SonicStage Premium software is a special jukebox application that supports high
quality digital audio playback and recording using a variety of devices and
media. You can record from the built-in equipment, such as the FM tuner or
optical disc drive, and from external analog and digital audio devices, such as
portable audio devices. SonicStage Premium software also includes several
standard jukebox features, including a Music Visualizer, audio CD-burning
component, and a parametric equalizer for fine-tuning your audio playback.

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Giga Pocket™Personal Video Recorder
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder is an interactive collection of audio/video
hardware and software. The unique and versatile Giga Pocket features provide a
wide array of television/video viewing, recording and playback capabilities.
DVD-RW drive
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 700MB of data on a single
CD-R/CD-RW media. Save your personal movies, videos, and still images to
share with family and friends.
Sony MagicGate™Memory Stick®media slot
The next generation of digital storage media is smaller than a stick of gum. Easily
deliver information from one Memory Stick media-equipped electronic device to
another, so you can transfer images, sounds, data and text between cameras,
computers, and more.
VAIO®AV Applications
This suite of Sony original applications includes PictureGear™, Smart Capture,
DVgate™, Digital Print, 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.

Features
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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®keyboard
The innovative palm rest converts to a keyboard cover for a sleek look when your
keyboard is not in use. There are four programmable keys on the keyboard that
enable you to launch your favorite applications with the push of a button.
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.
✍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.

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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.

Unpacking Your Computer
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Unpacking Your Computer
Computer and basic accessories
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder accessories
Power Cord
Modem Cable
Mouse
System Unit
Speakers
Remote Control
Keyboard
FM Antenna
Adapter
Speaker Wires (2)
FM Antenna Wire
AA Batteries (2)
FM Coaxial
Cable
Palmrest
Audio Cable (1) Video Cable (1)
Coaxial Cable (1)
Video Cable Adapter (2)

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Manuals
❑VAIO®MX Computer QuickStart — Contains information on unpacking
and setting up your computer, supplementary updates, and software
information.
❑VAIO®MX Computer User Guide — Contains features and specifications
of your computer. It also includes information on the applications included
with your system, how to contact software vendors, and solve common
problems.
❑VAIO® MX Computer Getting Started Guide — Contains information on
setting up and using the audio and video functions of the VAIO MX
computer and accessories, SonicStage™Premium software application, and
Giga Pocket™Personal Video Recorder equipment and software
applications.
This guide also has information about the Internet Electronic Program Guide
(iEPG) service. You can use this new Internet-based Sony technology to
locate, record and set up timer recordings of your favorite TV programs.
❑Frequently Asked Questions about DVD Recording — Contains the
answers to questions about using DVDit!™for VAIO®and RecordNow™
DX software applications for audio or video recording.
❑Safety Information — Provides safety and legal information about your
VAIO computer.
❑Specifications — Describes the hardware and physical configurations of
your VAIO computer.
❑Microsoft® Windows® XP guide — Explains how to use the basic features
of this latest Windows operating system.

Unpacking Your Computer
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Recovery CDs
❑System Recovery CD(s) —Enables you to restore the software that shipped
with your computer if they become corrupted or are 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.
Other
Packet containing special product offers.
Software Library
The Software Library contains the Microsoft software license agreement and
Sony end-user license agreement.

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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 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 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
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
Connecting a display (monitor)
1Plug the display cable into the Monitor port.
2If necessary, plug the display cable into the rear of the display.
✍Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an
emergency.
Connecting a display
SERIAL
MONITOR DVI
SP
------ VIDEO OUTPUT ------
VHF/UHF
------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------
S VIDEO/VIDEOS VIDEO/VIDEO AUDIOAUDIO

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Connecting a DVI (LCD) display
1Plug the display cable into the DVI monitor port.
2If necessary, plug the display cable into the rear of the display.
Connecting a DVI display
✍Do not attempt to connect a CRT and an LCD display to your computer at the same
time. Your VAIO® MX computer does not support the simultaneous use of two
different monitors.
SERIAL
LINE
IN
LINE
OUT
MONITOR DVI
R L
SPEAKER
------ VIDEO OUTPUT ------
VHF/UHF
------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------
S VIDEO/VIDEOS VIDEO/VIDEO AUDIOAUDIO

To Set Up Your Computer
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Connecting the stereo speakers
Your computer system is supplied with speaker wires (2) to connect the stereo
speakers to the terminals on the system unit. At the ends of each speaker wire are
two wire leads, one with black-line color-coding to identify the proper
compatibility with the speaker terminals on the system unit.
To connect the speaker wires to the computer
1Press and hold the black tab on the lower left-side speaker terminal, located
on your computer’s back panel.
2Insert the black-line lead into the lower left-side speaker terminal on the
computer. Release the black tab and gently pull on the speaker wire to set the
lead firmly.
3Press and hold the red tab on the upper left-side speaker terminal, located on
your computer’s back panel.
Connecting the speakers to the computer
IN
LINE
OUT
DVI
SPEAKER
VHF/UHF
-----
EO
Black-line
color coding

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4Using the same speaker wire, insert the other lead into the upper left-side
speaker terminal. Release the red tab and gently pull on the wire to set the
lead firmly.
5Repeat the above steps to connect the left speaker to the computer.
To connect the speaker cables to the speakers
1Press and hold the left, black tab on the back of the speaker. Insert the
black-line lead of the speaker wire into the terminal. Release the black tab
and gently pull on the wire to set the lead firmly.
2Press and hold the right, red tab on the back of the speaker. Insert the
other lead of the same speaker wire into the terminal. Release the red tab and
gently pull on the wire to set the lead firmly.
3Repeat the above steps to connect the second speaker wire to the other
speaker.
Connecting the speaker cable to the speakers
Black-line
color coding

To Set Up Your 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
KEYBOARD MOUSE
USB NETWORK
ACT
LINK
i.LINK
S400
PRINTER

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Connecting the phone and modem cables
1Unplug your phone’s cable from the wall jack, and plug it into the Telephone
jack on the computer.
2Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Line jack on the computer, and
then plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack.
Connecting the phone and modem cables
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.
LINE
IN
LINE
OUT
MONITOR DVI
R L
SPEAKER
------ VID EO O UTP UT ------
VHF/UHF
------ V IDE O 1 IN P UT ------
S VIDEO/VIDEOS VIDEO/VIDEO AUDIOAUDIO

To Set Up Your 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
✍When you plug the AC power cord into the wall outlet, the power indicators on the
computer may light up momentarily, and the fan may turn on briefly. This is not a
system malfunction.
After you connect the power cord to the wall outlet, wait five seconds before pressing
the power button to start the computer.
IN OUT
K
T
K

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To Turn On Your Computer
1Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power.
2Press the power switch on the computer to turn on the power.
To Register Your Computer
Take advantage of the Sony 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.
✍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 turn on your computer
✍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.

To Set Up Your Dial-up Connection
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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.
3Enter in your information as requested. Click OK.
The Phone and Modem Options window appears.
Location Information window
Phone and Modem Options window

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4Click to select your dialing location and then click OK.
The New Connection Wizard appears.
5Follow the onscreen instructions to finish setting up your Internet
connection.
New Connection Wizard window