Sony VGC-V517G 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.
For information about the Sony software preinstalled on your computer, click Start in the Windows®taskbar, and
then click Welcome to VAIO life.
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 system configuration purchased.
For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, go to the Sony Online Support Web site at
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport, to view the online specifications sheet.
Your VAIO®computer is not supplied with System or Application Recovery CDs. Use the VAIO Recovery Wizard utility
program to recover your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.
Computer and supplied accessories
*The VGC-V520G model is supplied with six (6) "AA" alkaline batteries for the wireless keyboard and mouse, and two (2)
"AA" manganese batteries for the remote control. The VGC-517G model is supplied with two (2) "AA" alkaline batteries for
the wireless mouse, and four (4) "AA" manganese batteries for the wireless keyboard and remote control.
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.
Online Documentation
VAIO®Computer User Guide —Contains information on the hardware and preinstalled software programs included
with your system.
To access the online User Guide:
1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide.
Specifications —The online specifications sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO
computer.
To view the online specifications sheet: Page 3

1. Connect to the Internet.
2. Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
3. Click the Documentation link and follow the on-screen instructions to locate your model's specifications
sheet.
Creating CDs or DVDs with Sony software
Create picture & video with:
DVDs with Click to DVD software —Make picture or personal video DVDs. Use JPEG, BMP, of 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.
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.
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 Life.
To access this software information:
1. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar.
2. Click Welcome to VAIO life.
Hard Disk Drive Recovery
Your computer is equipped with the VAIO Recovery Wizard, a utility program that enables you to recover your computer's
operating system and preinstalled software.
For more information about hard disk recovery
1. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO Recovery Options.
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.
Other
A software library containing the Microsoft®software and Sony®end-user license agreements.
Page 4

Unpacking Your Computer
Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the system configuration purchased.
For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, go to the Sony Online Support Web site at
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport, to view the online specifications sheet.
Your VAIO®computer is not supplied with System or Application Recovery CDs. Use the VAIO Recovery Wizard utility
program to recover your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.
Computer and supplied accessories
*The VGC-V520G model is supplied with six (6) "AA" alkaline batteries for the wireless keyboard and mouse, and two (2)
"AA" manganese batteries for the remote control. The VGC-517G model is supplied with two (2) "AA" alkaline batteries for
the wireless mouse, and four (4) "AA" manganese batteries for the wireless keyboard and remote control.
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.
Online Documentation
VAIO®Computer User Guide —Contains information on the hardware and preinstalled software programs included
with your system.
To access the online User Guide:
1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide.
Specifications —The online specifications sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO
computer.
To view the online specifications sheet: Page 5

1. Connect to the Internet.
2. Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
3. Click the Documentation link and follow the on-screen instructions to locate your model's specifications
sheet.
Creating CDs or DVDs with Sony software
Create picture & video with:
DVDs with Click to DVD software —Make picture or personal video DVDs. Use JPEG, BMP, of 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.
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.
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 Life.
To access this software information:
1. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar.
2. Click Welcome to VAIO life.
Hard Disk Drive Recovery
Your computer is equipped with the VAIO Recovery Wizard, a utility program that enables you to recover your computer's
operating system and preinstalled software.
For more information about hard disk recovery
1. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO Recovery Options.
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.
Other
A software library containing the Microsoft®software and Sony®end-user license agreements.
Page 6

Unpacking Your Computer
Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the system configuration purchased.
For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, go to the Sony Online Support Web site at
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport, to view the online specifications sheet.
Your VAIO®computer is not supplied with System or Application Recovery CDs. Use the VAIO Recovery Wizard utility
program to recover your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.
Computer and supplied accessories
*The VGC-V520G model is supplied with six (6) "AA" alkaline batteries for the wireless keyboard and mouse, and two (2)
"AA" manganese batteries for the remote control. The VGC-517G model is supplied with two (2) "AA" alkaline batteries for
the wireless mouse, and four (4) "AA" manganese batteries for the wireless keyboard and remote control.
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.
Online Documentation
VAIO®Computer User Guide —Contains information on the hardware and preinstalled software programs included
with your system.
To access the online User Guide:
1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide.
Specifications —The online specifications sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO
computer.
To view the online specifications sheet: Page 7

1. Connect to the Internet.
2. Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
3. Click the Documentation link and follow the on-screen instructions to locate your model's specifications
sheet.
Creating CDs or DVDs with Sony software
Create picture & video with:
DVDs with Click to DVD software —Make picture or personal video DVDs. Use JPEG, BMP, of 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.
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.
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 Life.
To access this software information:
1. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar.
2. Click Welcome to VAIO life.
Hard Disk Drive Recovery
Your computer is equipped with the VAIO Recovery Wizard, a utility program that enables you to recover your computer's
operating system and preinstalled software.
For more information about hard disk recovery
1. Click Start in the Windows®taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO Recovery Options.
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.
Other
A software library containing the Microsoft®software and Sony®end-user license agreements.
Page 8

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 both sides of your computer and at least 5 inches of clearance
for the back.
Placement of the mouse, keyboard, and other input devices —Place your computer, mouse, or other input devices
so that your arms and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The computer's keyboard should be directly in
front of you. Keep your wrists in a relaxed position when you are using the keyboard —not angled up or down.
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 occasional breaks during sessions with your computer, as excessive use of the mouse,
keyboard, or 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 unit so that the display is 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.
The infrared receiver, located on the front panel of your computer, communicates with the supplied wireless mouse,
keyboard, and remote control. The infrared receiver must be visible in a line-of-sight with your wireless devices to enable
them to function properly.
Page 9

Locating Controls and Ports
This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports, and jacks on your computer, wireless mouse, and
wireless keyboard. Your computer or peripheral equipment may not be equipped with all of the features described, and the
location of the controls, ports, and jacks, may vary from the illustrations shown in this section. For more information about
your computer and peripheral equipment, see the specifications sheet for your computer on the Sony Online Support Web
site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
About the Front Panel
About the Back Panel
About the Interior Panel
About the Side Panel
About the Wireless Keyboard
About the Mouse
About the Remote Control
About the i.LINK Port
About the PCI Card Slot
Page 10

About the Front Panel
The front panel of your VAIO®computer is equipped with built-in speakers and indicator lights.
Front panel
1Infrared receiver1
Enables communication with the remote control, to turn on TV, change TV channels, and raise or lower volume.
2Hard disk drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data.
3Memory Stick®media access indicator
Light is amber when the Memory Stick media slot is in use.
4Power indicator
Lights when the power is on or when the computer is in Stand by mode.
5Stereo speakers (built-in)
The stereo speakers provide sound for software, audio, and video media.
6Infrared receiver1
Enables communication with the remote control, to turn on TV, change TV channels, and raise or lower volume.
1Y our computer is equipped with a s ingle infrared receiver. The loc ation of this feature may vary, depending on the c omputer model purchased.
Handling the computer
Your VAIO®computer has an attached LCD monitor. Handle the computer carefully when adjusting the monitor's viewing
Page 11

angle or moving the computer to another location.
Adjusting the monitor viewing angle
1. Place your hands on the sides of the monitor, as shown in the picture.
2. Tilt the monitor to achieve the desired viewing angle.
To adjust monitor viewing angle
Lifting the computer
Grasp the computer on both sides, holding the bottom edges firmly.
To lift the computer
Page 12

About the Front Panel
The front panel of your VAIO®computer is equipped with built-in speakers and indicator lights.
Front panel
1Infrared receiver1
Enables communication with the remote control, to turn on TV, change TV channels, and raise or lower volume.
2Hard disk drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data.
3Memory Stick®media access indicator
Light is amber when the Memory Stick media slot is in use.
4Power indicator
Lights when the power is on or when the computer is in Stand by mode.
5Stereo speakers (built-in)
The stereo speakers provide sound for software, audio, and video media.
6Infrared receiver1
Enables communication with the remote control, to turn on TV, change TV channels, and raise or lower volume.
1Y our computer is equipped with a single infrared receiver. T he location of this feature may vary, depending on the computer model purc hased.
Handling the computer
Your VAIO®computer has an attached LCD monitor. Handle the computer carefully when adjusting the monitor's viewing
Page 13

angle or moving the computer to another location.
Adjusting the monitor viewing angle
1. Place your hands on the sides of the monitor, as shown in the picture.
2. Tilt the monitor to achieve the desired viewing angle.
To adjust monitor viewing angle
Lifting the computer
Grasp the computer on both sides, holding the bottom edges firmly.
To lift the computer
Page 14

About the Back Panel
The back panel of your VAIO®computer provides access to the memory modules. For information on replacing or increasing
your computer's memory, see the section, Installing Memory.
Back panel
1Back panel (removable)
Slide the back panel up to access the audio, video, USB, and i.LINK ports located on your computer's interior panel.
2 Back panel release tab
Press the release tab to enable lowering of the back panel.
3Cable guides
Pass the (1)TV coaxial, (2) network, and (3) modem cables through these guides to prevent accidental unplugging.
Page 15

About the Interior Panel
Your VAIO®computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features and the location of the controls, ports, and
jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section.
Interior panel
Audio, video, USB, and i.LINK®ports and jacks are located on an interior panel of your computer. The back panel slides up to
provide access to these connections.
Bottom panel
1 S-video In jack1
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
Audio In jack
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
2VHF/UHF port
Connection for a TV coaxial cable (supplied).
3i.LINK (4-pin) S400 port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
4Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (2)
Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
5Ethernet port Page 16

Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
6Modem line jack2
Connection for an RJ-11 telephone cable (optional).
7S/PDIF Optical Out port
Connection for a digital audio or optical device.
8Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
1A video cable adapter is s upplied, enabling the use of a video c able (optional).
2A n optional "1-to-2" jack adapter device (s plitter) is required to c onnect both a telephone and modem line to your computer.
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.
Page 17

About the Interior Panel
Your VAIO®computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features and the location of the controls, ports, and
jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section.
Interior panel
Audio, video, USB, and i.LINK®ports and jacks are located on an interior panel of your computer. The back panel slides up to
provide access to these connections.
Bottom panel
1 S-video In jack1
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
Audio In jack
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
2VHF/UHF port
Connection for a TV coaxial cable (supplied).
3i.LINK (4-pin) S400 port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
4Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (2)
Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
5Ethernet port Page 18

Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
6Modem line jack2
Connection for an RJ-11 telephone cable (optional).
7S/PDIF Optical Out port
Connection for a digital audio or optical device.
8Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
1A video cable adapter is s upplied, enabling the use of a video c able (optional).
2A n optional "1-to-2" jack adapter device (s plitter) is required to c onnect both a telephone and modem line to your computer.
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.
Page 19

About the Side Panel
The side panels of your computer provide the connections for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the side
panel help to locate and identify the appropriate jack or port.
Right panel
1 PC Card slot
A PC card (PCMCIA card) can be inserted into this slot to increase your computer's functional capabilities.
2Power button
Press the power button to turn the computer on and off.
3Memory Stick®media slot
Reads and writes data from and to a Memory Stick media.
4Optical drive
See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.
5Optical disc drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data.
6Optical drive eject button
Page 20