Sony VGN-P21S/W User manual

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User Guide
Personal Computer
VGN-P 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 ........................................... 15
Connecting a Power Source ....................................... 16
Using the Battery Pack................................................ 17
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................ 24
Updating Your Computer ............................................ 25
Using Your VAIO Computer.............................................. 26
Using the Keyboard..................................................... 27
Using the Pointing Device ........................................... 29
Using Special-function Buttons ................................... 31
Using the Instant Mode ............................................... 32
Using the Built-in Camera ........................................... 33
Using the Memory Stick .............................................. 34
Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................ 39
Using the Internet........................................................ 43
Using the Network (LAN) ............................................ 44
Using the Wireless LAN .............................................. 46
Using the Wireless WAN............................................. 53
Using the Bluetooth Function ......................................57
Using the GPS Function ..............................................62
Using Peripheral Devices ..................................................64
Using the Noise Canceling Headphones.....................65
Connecting a Display/LAN Adapter .............................71
Connecting an Optical Disc Drive ................................73
Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........75
Connecting an External Display ..................................76
Selecting Display Modes .............................................78
Using the Multiple Monitors Function ..........................80
Connecting a USB Device ...........................................83
Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................85
Setting the Password...................................................86
Using the VAIO Control Center ...................................96
Using the Power Saving Modes ..................................97
Using the VAIO Power Management.........................102
Protecting the Hard Disk............................................104

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Precautions..................................................................... 105
Handling the LCD Screen ......................................... 106
Using the Power Source ........................................... 107
Handling Your Computer........................................... 108
Handling the Built-in Camera .................................... 111
Handling Discs .......................................................... 112
Using the Battery Pack.............................................. 113
Using Headphones.................................................... 114
Handling the Memory Stick ....................................... 115
Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................ 116
Handling the Display/LAN Adapter............................ 117
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 118
Computer .................................................................. 120
System Security ........................................................ 129
Battery....................................................................... 130
Instant Mode ............................................................. 132
Built-in Camera ......................................................... 134
Networking ................................................................ 136
Bluetooth Technology ............................................... 141
GPS........................................................................... 145
Display ...................................................................... 146
Printing ...................................................................... 149
Microphone ............................................................... 150
Speakers ................................................................... 151
Pointing Device..........................................................152
Keyboard ...................................................................153
Floppy Disks ..............................................................154
Audio/Video ...............................................................155
Memory Cards ...........................................................157
Peripherals ................................................................158
Trademarks .....................................................................159
Notice ..............................................................................161

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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 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, visit the VAIO Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.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.
❑Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide
❑Regulations, Guarantee, EULA and Service Support
2. On-screen Documentation
❑User Guide (This manual) — Features of your computer and information about solving common problems.
To view this on-screen guide:
1Double-click the VAIO User Guide icon on the desktop.
2Open the folder for your language.
3Select the guide you want to read.
✍
You can manually browse to the user guides by going to Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > Documentation > Documentation and opening the
folder for your language.
❑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 VAIO-Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com for
troubleshooting.
Before contacting VAIO-Link by telephone, try to solve the problem by reading the supplied documentation and visiting other
Sony web sites.
❑For more about VAIO and becoming part of the growing VAIO community, visit the web site at http://www.club-vaio.com.
❑For online purchases, visit the web site at http://www.sonystyle-europe.com.
❑For other Sony products, visit the web site at http://www.sony.net.
When you contact VAIO-Link by telephone, have the serial number of your VAIO computer ready at hand. The serial number
is located on the bottom, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment of your VAIO computer.

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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 (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your
wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) 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 15)
❑Connecting a Power Source (page 16)
❑Using the Battery Pack (page 17)
❑Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 24)
❑Updating Your Computer (page 25)

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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.
Front
AWIRELESS switch (page 46), (page 53), (page 57)
BWIRELESS indicator (page 15)
CSD memory card slot (page 39)
DMedia Access indicator (page 15)
EMemory Stick slot*(page 34)
FBuilt-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 15)
GBuilt-in MOTION EYE camera (page 33)
HLCD screen (page 106)
IBuilt-in microphone (monaural)
JKeyboard (page 27)
KPower switch
LPower indicator (page 15)
MCharge indicator (page 15)
NDisc drive indicator (page 15)
* Your computer supports only the Duo-size Memory Stick.

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
ABuilt-in speakers (stereo)
BPointing stick (page 29)
CLeft button (page 29)
DCenter button (page 29)
ERight button (page 29)
FWindow arrangement button (S2 button) (page 31)
GXMB (Xross Media Bar) button (S1 button) (page 31)
HNum lock indicator (page 15)
ICaps lock indicator (page 15)
JScroll lock indicator (page 15)

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Back
ASIM card slot (page 53)
BBattery connector (page 17)

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Right
AHi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port*(page 83)
BI/O port (page 72)
* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Left
ADC IN port (page 16)
BHi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port*(page 83)
CHeadphones jack (page 65), (page 75)
* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

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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 when the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and
turns off when the computer is off or in 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 is being read from or written to a memory card, such as the Memory Stick and the SD
memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the
indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.
Disc drive Illuminates while the built-in storage device is running to read or write data.
Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.
Num lock Press the Fn+Num Lk keys to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric
keypad. The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator 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 is lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
Caps lock indicator is unlit.
Scroll lock Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
indicator is unlit. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not
work with all programs.
WIRELESS Illuminates when 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
✍
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 connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.
✍
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 a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 100).

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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 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
3Fit the battery pack into the battery compartment.
The battery pack should be level with the bottom of the computer.
4Slide the battery pack toward the front of the computer until it clicks into place.
5Slide the battery LOCK switch outward to secure the battery pack on the computer.
✍
When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.
!
Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this computer only functions with genuine Sony
battery packs designed for this model. If an unauthorized battery pack is installed, the battery will not be charged and the computer will not function.

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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 turns on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the
maximum charge level you selected with the battery charge functions, the charge indicator turns off. To select your desired
maximum charge level, see Using the Battery Charge Functions (page 21).
!
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 AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the
computer.
If the battery charge level falls below 10%, 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
is short. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such
as Sleep or Hibernate.
If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters 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.
When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.