Sony VGC-RA840G VAIO User manual

Welcome
Thank you for purchasing a 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
programs included with your computer.
View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.
Go to the Sony online support Web site, to view the VAIO®Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's
hardware specifications and preinstalled software information.
You are prompted to register your computer the first time you turn on the computer. Follow the on-screen
instructions to complete the registration process. If you are not able to register your computer during the first
session, you can register your computer online at the Sony VAIO PC Registration Web site. Go to
http://www.sony.com/vaioregistration.
For information about the Sony software preinstalled on your computer, click Start in the Windows®taskbar, click All
Programs, and then click VAIO Control Center. Click the Categories tab, click the System Information folder, then
click Software Information.
Page 1

Getting Started
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO®computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines
state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio, video and information technology features.
Unpacking Your Computer
Planning an Ergonomic Work Space
Page 2

Unpacking Your Computer
Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the computer configuration purchased.
For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, see the online Specifications sheet.
Your VAIO®computer is not supplied with System or Application Recovery CDs. Use the VAIO Recovery Wizard utility to
recover your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.
Computer and supplied accessories
* T his accessory is available with c ertain c omputer models or may vary in appearanc e.
Not supplied with all V A IO ®c omputer models . See your c omputer's s pecification sheet for details on your c omputer's s upplied accessories.
Manuals
VAIO®Computer Safety Information —Provides safety/legal guidelines and owner information.
VAIO®Computer Welcome—Provides information about supplied accessories and your computer's hardware
configuration.
RAID Systems—Provides an overview of RAID systems and the various RAID levels (or types) that can be
configured with your Sony VAIO®computer. It lists detailed procedures for using the RAID Recovery program to
configure the hard disk drives, change your computer's RAID array, or to remove the RAID configuration. Additional
procedures are also provided for using the VAIO®Recovery Wizard and the Intel Storage Utility programs.
Online Documentation
VAIO®Computer User Guide —Contains features and specifications of your computer. It also includes information
on the Microsoft®Windows®XP Media Center Edition operating system, the software programs included with your
computer, and solving common problems.
To access the online User Guide:
1. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar, click All Programs, then click VAIO Control Center.
2. From the VAIO Control Center menu, click the Categories tab, then click the Documentation folder.
3. Click VAIO User Guide. Page 3

Specifications —The online specifications sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO
computer.
To view the online specifications sheet:
1. Connect to the Internet.
2. Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://esupport.sony.com.
3. Click the Documentation button and follow the on-screen instructions to locate your model's
specifications sheet.
Creating CDs or DVDs with Sony software
4. Create picture & video with:
DVDs with Click to DVD software —Make picture or personal video DVDs. Use JPEG, BMP, or TIFF files for
slide shows; import MPEG, AVI, or Microsoft®DVR-MS files for video, or capture footage from an i.LINK / IEEE
1394 camera or analog source.
5. Create music CDs with:
SonicStage software —Burn music CDs from MP3, WMA, WAV, and OpenMG files; create ATRAC CDs for
your Sony ATRAC CD Walkman; or make backup copies of your CDs.
SonicStage Mastering Studio software —Burn music CDs of your collection of vinyl records or cassette
tapes.
Sonic RecordNow!®software —Burn music CDs from MP3, WMA, WAV, and CDA files, or make backup copies
of your CDs.
6. Back up your data with:
Sonic RecordNow!®software —Drag-and-drop to make custom data CDs or DVDs, or make backup copies
of your CDs and DVDs.
For more information about using the Sony software programs preinstalled on your computer, visit VAIO Control
Center.
To access this software information:
7. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar, click All Programs, then click VAIO Control Center.
8. From the VAIO Control Center menu, click the Categories tab, then click the System Information folder.
9. Click Software Information.
Hard Disk Drive Recovery
Your computer is equipped with the VAIO Recovery Wizard utility program that recovers your computer's operating system
and preinstalled software.
For online information about hard disk drive recovery:
1. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar, click All Programs, then click VAIO Control Center.
2. From the VAIO Control Center menu, click the Categories tab, then click the Documentation folder.
3. Click Recovery Guide.
You can create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit using CD-R, single layer DVD+R, or single layer DVD-R media on VAIO
computers equipped with the appropriate optical drive (a CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW drive).
DVD+RW, DVD-RW, double layer DVD+R, and double layer DVD-R media (when it becomes available) cannot be used to
create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit.
Page 4

Planning an Ergonomic Work Space
Before you set up your new computer, find the best location for your new computer and plan your work space. There are
several ergonomic factors to consider when you arrange 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 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.
Page 5

Locating Controls And Ports
This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports, and jacks on your computer and supplied accessories.
Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features or accessories. 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
computer, see the online Specifications sheet.
About the Front Panel
About the Back Panel
About the Keyboard
About the Wireless Mouse
About the Remote Control
About the i.LINK Port
Page 6

About the Front Panel
The front panel of your VAIO®Computer enables access to drives, memory card readers, ports and jacks that enable you to
connect compatible peripheral devices.
Page 7

Front panel
Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features or accessories. The location of the controls, ports,
and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section.
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.
4xD-Picture Card memory card reader
Reads and writes data from and to xD-Picture Card media.
5CompactFlash®and Microdrive memory card reader
Reads and writes data from and to CompactFlash and Microdrive media.
Page 8

6Optical drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives.
7Hard disk drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk.
8Headphones/Line In jack |
Connection for the supplied speakers, optional headphones, or audio device.
Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone (optional).
S-video In jack
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
Composite video In jack
Connection for a video cable (optional).
Composite audio L In jack
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
Composite audio R In jack
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
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 Floppy disk eject button
Ejects a floppy disk from the floppy disk drive.
12 Memory Stick®memory card reader
Reads and writes data from and to Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro , and Memory Stick Duo media. Page 9

13 Secure Digital (SD)/MultiMediaCard (MMC) slot
Reads and writes data from and to a Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC).
14 Media access indicator1
Light is amber when reading or writing data
15 Power button and power indicator
Press the button to turn the computer on and off. The power indicator light is green when the computer is on and is amber
when the computer is in Stand by mode. The power indicator is off when the computer is turned off.
16 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (3)
Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
17 i.LINK (4-pin) S400 port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
1T he media access indicator lights when reading or writing data with the Sec ure Digital (SD), Memory Stick®, xD-Picture C ard , or C ompac tFlash®
/M icrodrive s lots.
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 programs, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products
with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
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 computer, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
To open and close the optical disc drive doors
Your computer is equipped with one or more optical disc drives that have a drive eject button located on the drive door.
After pressing the eject button, wait for the drive to stop reading the CD. It may take a few moments for the drive
tray to eject.
Gently push the drive tray in, when closing the optical drive door. Do not force the door or handle roughly.
After closing the drive door, wait a few moments for the drive to begin reading the CD.
To open the upper and lower front panel covers
The front of your computer is equipped with panels that cover drives, media card slots, jacks and ports. Do not force the
panel covers or handle roughly.
Opening the front panel covers
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Page 11

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 on your computer.
Page 12

Back panel
The location of certain ports and jacks may vary from the illustration, based on the computer model 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.
4i.LINK 6-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394)
Connection and power for a compatible digital device, such as a Sony Digital Handycam®camcorder.
5Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (4)
Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
Page 13

6Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone (optional).
Front/Headphones jack
Connection for the supplied speakers (2-channel), front speakers (5.1 speaker system1), or optional headphones.
Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
Woofer/Center jack2
Connection for a Sub-woofer3, control module, or center speaker (5.1 speaker system*)
Rear jack
Connection for rear speakers (5.1 speaker system*)
7Monitor port
Connection for standard (VGA) monitor.
TV Out (S-video/video) jack
Connection for an S-video cable.
DVI-D monitor port
Connection for a DVI monitor.
8Modem line jack4
Connection for an RJ-11 telephone cable (optional).
9AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
10 S/PDIF Optical Out port
Connection for a digital audio or optical device.
11 Ethernet port
Page 14

Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T Ethernet.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
12 Speaker DC Out jack
Connection for the speaker power cable (2-channel speakers).
13 Composite audio R In jack
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
Composite audio L In jack
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
Composite video In jack
Connection for a video cable (optional).
S-video In jack
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
14 VHF/UHF port
Connection for a TV coaxial cable (supplied).
1C ertain V A IO c omputer models may be supplied with a 5.1 s peaker system. See your computer's s pecifications s heet for details on s upplied accessories.
2Speaker system c onnections vary by model and manufacturer. See the information supplied with your s peaker s ystem for s etup details.
3A Sub-woofer is available with certain V A IO c omputer models . See your c omputer's s pecific ation sheet for details about s upplied accessories.
4A n optional "1-to-2" jack adapter device (s plitter) is required to c onnect both a telephone and modem line to your computer.
Page 15

About the Keyboard
This section describes the special and standard functions available for your keyboard. A wireless or PS/2®1keyboard may be
supplied with your VAIO®computer, based on the computer model purchased. See your computer's specifications sheet for
details on your computer's supplied accessories.
1A P S/2®keyboard is equipped with a P S/2 type c onnec tor that plugs into the bac k panel of your V A I O ®c omputer.
Page 16

About the wireless keyboard
Set up your wireless keyboard and insert the batteries before attempting to establish communication between the
keyboard and the computer. For instructions, see the section, Connecting a Wireless Keyboard.
Wireless keyboard (bottom)
1Keyboard feet
Extend the feet to adjust the keyboard height.
2CONNECT button
Press to enable the wireless keyboard to communicate with the computer.
3Battery compartment
Compartment for the supplied AA batteries.
Identifying keys and functions
Your keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.
Wireless keyboard
Page 17

KEY DESCRIPTION
Function The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform certain tasks. The task associated
with each function key may vary between software programs.
Numeric keypad Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations. Press the Num
Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (The Num Lock indicator lights.) Press the Num Lock key again to deactivate the
numeric keypad.
Directional Arrows The up, down, left, and right arrow keys move the pointer on the screen.
Applications
The Applications key displays a shortcut menu in certain software programs. Pressing this key is equivalent to
clicking the right mouse button.
Windows
The key with the Microsoft®Windows®logo, displays the Start menu. Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking Start
on the taskbar.
BUTTON DESCRIPTION
Volume Control Increases (+) and decreases (-) the volume.
Mute Turns the sound off. Press again to restore sound.
Standby Places the computer in Standby mode to reduce power consumption. Press any key briefly to resume normal
operation.
To set up a wireless keyboard
Insert two AA batteries (supplied) into the wireless keyboard as shown. You can check your keyboard's battery power level
by clicking (wireless keyboard icon), located in the Windows®taskbar notification area. A warning message may also
appear on the screen when the keyboard's battery power becomes low.
Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless keyboard. Always use
the same type and manufacture of battery. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used/new batteries can damage
the keyboard.
Inserting batteries into the wireless keyboard
If your wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. When your wireless
keyboard is not being used for extended periods of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery
leakage.
Page 18

About the keyboard (wired)
Your VAIO®keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.
VAIO keyboard
KEY DESCRIPTION
Function The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform certain tasks. The task
associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next.
Volume Control Press a button to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume of the speakers.
Mute Press the button to turn off the speaker sound. Press the Mute button again to restore sound.
Standby Press the button to place the computer in Standby mode. Press the Power button or any key
briefly, to resume normal operation.
Numeric keypad Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations. Press the
Num Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (The Num Lock indicator lights.) Press the Num Lock key again to deactivate
the numeric keypad.
Directional Arrows The Up, Down, Left, and Right arrow keys move the pointer on the screen.
Applications
The Applications key displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications. Pressing this key
is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button.
Windows
The key with the Microsoft®Windows®logo, displays the Start menu. Pressing this key is
equivalent to clicking Start on the taskbar.
INDICATORS FUNCTION
Num Lock The Num Lock indicator lights when the numeric keypad is activated. When the indicator is off, the directional
arrow and correction keys on the numeric keypad area are active.
Caps Lock The Caps Lock indicator lights up to advise you that the keyboard is set to type letters in uppercase. When
the indicator is off, the letters appear in lower case as you type.
Scroll Lock The Scroll Lock indicator lights up to advise you that your screen's scrolling pattern has changed. When the
indicator is off, the screen scrolls normally. This function is not available with all software applications. Page 19

About the Wireless Mouse
Your VAIO®computer may be supplied with a wireless optical mouse1. Before attempting to use the wireless optical mouse
with your computer, see the section, Connecting the Wireless Optical Mouse.
Wireless mouse (top)
1Left mouse button
Press to perform specific mouse functions.
2Wheel
Rotate the wheel to scroll up or down on the LCD screen.
3Right mouse button
Press to perform specific mouse functions.
Wireless mouse (Side and bottom)
1Power switch
Slide power switch to turn the mouse on or off.
2CONNECT button
Press to enable communication between your VAIO®computer and the wireless mouse.
1See your computer's s pecifications s heet for details about supplied accessories.
Page 20