Sony VAIO VGN-Z Series Operating instructions

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Operating Instructions - Hardware Guide
Personal Computer
VGN-Z Series

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Contents
Before Use.......................................................................... 4
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer .................... 5
Ergonomic Considerations ............................................ 7
Getting Started.................................................................... 9
Locating Controls and Ports........................................ 10
About the Indicator Lights ........................................... 16
Connecting a Power Source ....................................... 17
Using the Battery Pack................................................ 19
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................ 25
Using the Power Saving Modes .................................. 26
Updating Your Computer ............................................ 28
Using Your VAIO Computer.............................................. 29
Using the Keyboard..................................................... 30
Using the Touch Pad................................................... 32
Using Special-function Buttons ................................... 33
Using the Built-in Camera ........................................... 34
Using the Optical Disc Drive ....................................... 35
Using "Memory Stick".................................................. 43
Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................ 49
Using the Internet........................................................ 55
Using the Network (LAN) ............................................ 57
Using the Wireless LAN .............................................. 58
Using the Bluetooth Function ......................................65
Using Fingerprint Authentication .................................70
Using the TPM .............................................................77
Using Peripheral Devices ..................................................84
Connecting a Docking Station .....................................85
Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........93
Connecting an External Display ..................................94
Selecting Display Modes ...........................................101
Using the Multiple Monitors Function ........................102
Connecting an External Microphone .........................104
Connecting a USB Device .........................................105
Connecting an i.LINK Device.....................................107
Customizing Your VAIO Computer..................................109
Selecting Performance Modes ..................................110
Setting the Password.................................................112
Using Intel® VT .........................................................124
Using the VAIO Control Center .................................125
Using the VAIO Power Management.........................127
Configuring Your Modem...........................................128
Protecting the Hard Disk............................................129
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer.....................................130
Adding and Removing Memory .................................131

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Precautions..................................................................... 137
Safety Information ..................................................... 138
Care and Maintenance Information........................... 141
Handling Your Computer........................................... 142
Handling the LCD Screen ......................................... 144
Using the Power Source ........................................... 145
Handling the Built-in Camera .................................... 146
Handling Discs .......................................................... 147
Using the Battery Pack.............................................. 148
Handling "Memory Stick"........................................... 149
Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................ 150
Using Fingerprint Authentication ............................... 151
Using the TPM .......................................................... 152
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 153
Computer .................................................................. 155
System Security ........................................................ 164
Battery....................................................................... 165
Built-in Camera ......................................................... 167
Internet ...................................................................... 169
Networking ................................................................ 171
Bluetooth Technology ............................................... 176
Optical Discs ............................................................. 180
Display ...................................................................... 184
Printing ...................................................................... 188
Microphone................................................................189
Speakers ...................................................................190
Touch Pad .................................................................191
Keyboard ...................................................................192
Floppy Disks ..............................................................193
Audio/Video ...............................................................194
"Memory Stick" ..........................................................197
Peripherals ................................................................198
Docking Station .........................................................199
Trademarks .....................................................................200
Notice ..............................................................................202

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Before Use >
Before Use
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO®computer, and welcome to the on-screen Hardware Guide. Sony has
combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide a state-of-the-art personal
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, see the Specifications (supplied with your computer).

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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.
❑Specifications — The hardware configurations of your VAIO computer.
❑Recovery and Troubleshooting Guide
❑Safety Regulations
2. On-screen Documentation
❑VAIO Manual — General information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer.
To access VAIO Manual, double-click VAIO Manual on the desktop.
❑Windows Help 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
If you have any problem with the computer, you can visit the following VAIO online web sites for troubleshooting:
❑http://www.sony-asia.com/support/vaio/ (English)
❑http://scs.sony.co.kr/ (Korean)
❑http://service.sony.com.tw/ (Traditional Chinese)
Before contacting VAIO Helpdesk by telephone, try to solve the problem by reading the supplied documentation and visiting
other Sony web sites.
❑For other Sony products, visit the web site at http://www.sony.net.
❑For available optional accessories, visit the following web sites:
❑http://vaio-online.sony.com/ (English)
❑http://vaio-online.sony.co.kr/ (Korean)
❑http://www.sonystyle.com.tw/vaio/ (Traditional Chinese)

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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's display – Use the display's 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 level of 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 eye level or slightly lower 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.
❑Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)
❑About the Indicator Lights (page 16)
❑Connecting a Power Source (page 17)
❑Using the Battery Pack (page 19)
❑Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 25)
❑Using the Power Saving Modes (page 26)
❑Updating Your Computer (page 28)

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Locating Controls and Ports
Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.
!
The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications. It may also vary in some
countries or areas.
Front
ABuilt-in MOTION EYE camera (page 34)
BBuilt-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 16)
CNum lock indicator (page 16)
DCaps lock indicator (page 16)
EScroll lock indicator (page 16)
FLCD screen (page 144)
GBuilt-in speakers (stereo)
HKeyboard (page 30)
ITouch pad (page 32)
JLeft button (page 32)
KFingerprint sensor (page 70)
LRight button (page 32)

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
ASTAMINA mode indicator (page 16)
BPerformance selector switch (page 110)
CSPEED mode indicator (page 16)
DS1/S2 buttons (page 33)
EDrive eject button (page 33)
FCharge indicator (page 16)
GDisc drive indicator (page 16)
HMedia Access indicator (page 16)
IWIRELESS indicator (page 16)
JSD memory card slot (page 51)
K"Memory Stick" slot*(page 43)
LWIRELESS switch (page 58), (page 65)
MBuilt-in microphone (monaural)
* Your computer supports both standard-size "Memory Stick" and Duo-size
"Memory Stick".

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Back
ABattery connector (page 19)

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Right
AOptical disc drive (page 35)
BOptical disc drive indicator (page 16)
CManual eject hole (page 180)
DSubstitute drive eject button (page 35)
EHDMI output port*1 (page 98)
FHi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port*2 (page 105)
GMonitor port*3 (page 94)
HPower button/Power indicator (page 16)
*1 Functional only while your computer is in SPEED mode.
*2 Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*3 Not accessible when your computer is attached to the docking station.

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Left
ADC IN port (page 17)
BNetwork (LAN) port (page 57)
CAir vent
DExpressCard/34 slot (page 49)
ESecurity slot
FModem port (page 55)
GHi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port*(page 105)
Hi.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 107)
IMicrophone jack (page 104)
JHeadphones jack (page 93)
* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Bottom
ADocking station connector (page 87)
BAir vents
CMemory module compartment cover (page 131)

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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 while the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and
goes out when the computer is turned off or enters Hibernate mode.
Charge Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 22) for more information.
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.
Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in camera is in use.
STAMINA mode Illuminates while the computer is in STAMINA mode to conserve battery power.
SPEED mode Illuminates while the computer is in SPEED mode to provide faster performance.
Optical disc drive Illuminates while data access to the optical disc drive is in progress. When the indicator light is unlit, the optical
disc media is not in use.
Disc drive Illuminates while data access to the built-in storage device or the optical disc drive 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 AC power 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 or on the optional docking station.
!
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 AC power, unplug the AC adapter.
Make sure that the 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
27).

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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 (1) inward.

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Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
3Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (2) on either side of the battery
compartment fits into the U-shaped cut (3) on either side of the battery pack.
4Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.
5Slide the battery LOCK switch outward to secure the battery pack on the computer.