Sony VAIO PCG31211L User manual

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User Guide
Personal Computer
VPCYBSeries

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Contents
Before Use..........................................................................4
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer....................5
Ergonomic Considerations............................................8
Getting Started..................................................................10
Locating Controls and Ports........................................11
About the Indicator Lights ...........................................13
Connecting a Power Source .......................................14
Using the Battery Pack................................................16
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................23
Using the Power Saving Modes..................................24
Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition..........27
Using Your VAIO Computer..............................................30
Using the Keyboard.....................................................31
Using the Touch Pad...................................................33
Using the Special-function Button...............................34
Using the Built-in Camera...........................................35
Using "Memory Stick"..................................................36
Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................42
Using the Internet........................................................46
Using the Network (LAN) ............................................47
Using the Wireless LAN..............................................48
Using the Bluetooth Function......................................53
Using Peripheral Devices..................................................58
Connecting an Optical Disc Drive................................59
Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........61
Connecting an External Display ..................................62
Selecting Display Modes .............................................67
Connecting an External Microphone ...........................68
Connecting a USB Device...........................................69
Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................71
Setting the Password...................................................72
Using Intel(R) VT.........................................................79
Using the VAIO Control Center ...................................80
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer.......................................81
Adding and Removing Memory ...................................82

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Precautions.......................................................................88
Safety Information.......................................................89
Care and Maintenance Information.............................91
Handling Your Computer.............................................92
Handling the LCD Screen ...........................................94
Using the Power Source .............................................95
Handling the Built-in Camera......................................96
Handling Discs............................................................97
Using the Battery Pack................................................98
Handling "Memory Stick".............................................99
Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................100
Troubleshooting..............................................................101
Computer Operations................................................103
System Update / Security..........................................109
Recovery...................................................................110
Battery Pack..............................................................112
Built-in Camera .........................................................114
Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN)...............................116
Bluetooth Technology ...............................................119
Optical Discs.............................................................123
Display ......................................................................124
Printing......................................................................128
Microphone ...............................................................129
Speakers...................................................................130
Touch Pad .................................................................132
Keyboard ...................................................................133
Floppy Disks..............................................................134
Audio/Video ...............................................................135
"Memory Stick" ..........................................................137
Peripherals ................................................................138
Trademarks.....................................................................139
Notice..............................................................................141

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Before Use >
Before Use
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO®computer and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has
combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with a state-of-the-art
computing experience.
!
External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.
How to find specifications
Some features, options, and supplied items may not be available on your computer.
To find out about the configuration of your computer, visit the web site at http://www.sony-asia.com/.

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Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer
This section provides support information about your VAIO computer.
1. Printed Documentation
❑Quick Start Guide — An overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.
❑Recovery, Backup and Troubleshooting Guide
❑Safety Regulations, etc.
✍
Before activating the wireless functions such as the wireless LAN and Bluetooth technology, read the Safety Regulations carefully.

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Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer
2. On-screen Documentation
❑VAIO User Guide — General information of your VAIO computer including support and troubleshooting information.
To access VAIO User Guide, click Start , All Programs, and VAIO Manual.
❑WindowsHelp and Support — A comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you
learn to use your computer.
To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support, or press and hold the Microsoft Windows
key and press the F1 key.

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Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer
3. Support Web Sites
❑Sony online support web site
The Sony online support web site provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems:
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/vaio/onlinesupport
❑Online registration
You can register your computer online at the following URL:
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/vaio/registration
❑Contact information
You can contact us at the following URL:
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/vaio/contactus
❑For other Sony products, visit the web site at http://www.sony-asia.com/.

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Before Use >
Ergonomic Considerations
Ergonomic Considerations
You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt
to take account of the following ergonomic considerations for both stationary and portable environments:
❑Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists
in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard or the pointing device. Let your upper arms hang naturally at
your sides. Take frequent breaks while using your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain eyes, muscles, or
tendons.
❑Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. 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 and avoid slouching forward or leaning
far backwards.

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Before Use >
Ergonomic Considerations
❑Viewing angle of the computer display – Use the display tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye
strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness levelof the display
as well.
❑Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not cause glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect
lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.
❑Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance.
Make sure the display screen is at or slightly below eye level when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

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Getting Started >
Getting Started
This section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.
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Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Upon completion,
connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturer's instructions.
❑Locating Controls and Ports (page 11)
❑About the Indicator Lights (page 13)
❑Connecting a Power Source (page 14)
❑Using the Battery Pack (page 16)
❑Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 23)
❑Using the Power Saving Modes (page 24)
❑Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition (page 27)

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Locating Controls and Ports
Take a moment and see the following reference lists to identify the controls and ports on your computer.
!
The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications.
Control and Port Mark List
Control/port mark Control/port name
MOTION EYE Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 35)
WIRELESS WIRELESS switch (page 48), (page 53)
"Memory Stick Duo" slot (page 36)
Your computer supports only Duo-size "Memory Stick".
SD SD memory card slot (page 42)
1Power button
ASSIST ASSIST button (page 34)
USB port (page 69)
Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard.
Network (LAN) port (page 47)
aMonitor port (page 62)
HDMI HDMI output port (page 65)
mMicrophone jack (page 68)
iHeadphones jack (page 61)

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Location List of Controls and Ports without Marks
Control/port name Location
Built-in microphone (monaural) Located on the left side of the built-in MOTION EYE camera.
Media Access indicator (page 13) Located on the right side of the "Memory Stick Duo" slot.
Security slot Located between the USB port and the Network (LAN) port.
DC IN port Located on the left side of the monitor port.
Memory module compartment cover (page 82) Located on the bottom of the computer.

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Getting Started >
About the Indicator Lights
About the Indicator Lights
Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:
Indicator Functions
Power 1Illuminates in green whilethe computer is in Normal mode, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep
mode, and turns off when the computer is turned off or enters Hibernate mode.
Charge Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 19) for more information.
Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in camera is in use.
Media Access Illuminates while data access to a memory card, such as "Memory Stick" and an SD memory card, is in
progress. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.) When the
indicator light is unlit, the memory card is not in use.
Disc drive Illuminates while data access to the built-in storage device is in progress. Do not place the computer into Sleep
mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.
Num lock Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad.
The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator light is unlit.
Caps lock Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
while the indicator light is lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator light. Normal typing resumes
when the Caps lock indicator light is turned off.
Scroll lock Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
indicator light is turned off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and
does not work with all programs.
WIRELESS Illuminates while one or more wireless options are enabled.

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Getting Started >
Connecting a Power Source
Connecting a Power Source
You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplying power to your computer.
Using the AC Adapter
While your computer is directly connected to an AC power source and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the
AC outlet.
✍
Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.
To use the AC adapter
1Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3).
2Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2).
3Plug the cable from the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.
!
The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.

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Getting Started >
Connecting a Power Source
✍
To disconnect your computer completely from an AC power source, unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet.
Make sure that an AC outlet is easily accessible.
If you do not intend to use your computer for an extended period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page
26).

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Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
Using the Battery Pack
The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.
Installing/Removing the Battery Pack
To install the battery pack
1Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2Slide the battery LOCK switch to the unlock position.
3Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (1) on either side of the battery
compartment fits into the cut (2) on either side of the battery pack.

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Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
4Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.
5Slide the battery LOCK switch to the LOCK position to secure the battery pack on the computer.

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Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
To remove the battery pack
!
You will lose all unsaved data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter.
1Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2Slide the battery LOCK switch to the unlock position.
3Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch, put your fingertip underneath the tab on the battery pack, and lift the battery
pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.
!
For your safety, it is highly recommended that you use genuine Sony rechargeable battery packs and AC adapters that meet the quality assurance
standard, supplied by Sony for your VAIO computer. Some VAIO computers may only function with a genuine Sony battery pack.

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Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
Charging the Battery Pack
The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.
To charge the battery pack
1Install the battery pack.
2Connect the computer to a power source with the AC adapter.
The charge indicator light is on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the maximum
charge level you selected, the charge indicator turns off.
!
Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.
Charge indicator status Meaning
Lit in orange The battery pack is charging.
Blinks along with the green
power indicator The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal mode)
Blinks along with the orange
power indicator The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)
Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery
pack or an unlocked battery pack.

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Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
✍
Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to an AC power source. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using
the computer.
When the battery pack is running out of power and both the charge and power indicator lights blink, you should either connect the AC adapter to
recharge the battery pack or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery pack.
Your computer is supplied with a lithium ion battery pack and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery pack does not affect
the life of battery.
While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when the remaining battery life
becomes short. To avoid loss of data while the computer is running on the battery, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power
management mode, such as Sleep or Hibernate.
If the battery pack runs out of power while the computer is in Sleep mode, you will lose all unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is
impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.