Sony PCG-F801A User manual

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Sony Notebook
Computer
User Guide
PCG-F801
© 2000 by Sony Corporation.

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Notice to Users
©2000 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. This manual and the software described herein, in whole or
in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written
approval.
Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information
contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall
Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort,
contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information
contained herein or to use thereof.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained
herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user
license agreement.
Sony, DVgate, i.LINKTM, Mavica, PictureGear, Visual Flow, Smart Capture, Smart Connect, Smart Connect
Monitor, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
Windows and the Windows 98 logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for
energy efficiency.
The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes
energy saving through the use of computers and their office equipment. The program backs the
development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It
is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office
equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are
uniform among participating nations.
ENERGY STAR is an U.S. registered mark.

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Safety Information
Owner’s Record
The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony notebook computer. Record
the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call VAIO-
Link.
Serial number:________________________
Model number:
o PCG-F801
WARNINGS
General
 Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.
 To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
 To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO notebook computer to rain or moisture.
 Avoid using the modem during an electrical storm.
 Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
CD-ROM
 The use of the optical instruments intalled in your notebook computer will cause eye hazard. As the
laser beam used in this product is harmful to eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet. For
servicing, refer to qualified personnel only.
Audio/Video
 Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any
equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.
Connectivity
 Never install modem or telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
 Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations
 Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

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 Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from
mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
 Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
 Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected
at the network interface.

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Regulatory Information
This product conforms to the following European Directives:
73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive)
89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC Directives)
93/68/EEC (CE Marking Directive)
1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive)
This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 50082-1 for use in following areas: residential,
commercial and light-industrial.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using
connection cables shorter than 3 metres (9.8 feet)
The CD-ROM is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety
Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians. Improper repairs and
use can create safety hazards.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
TO EN 60825-1

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Disposal of Lithum Ion battery
!Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly.
!Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions (see
below).
!The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not
disassemble, heat above 100°C (212°F) or incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly.
!Keep away from children.
!Your notebook is equipped with an internal backup memory battery. For changing this battery, please contact
VAIO-Link.
 Disposal of Lithium ion
batteries
 Dispose of properly at end-of-
life.
 In some areas the disposal of
lithium ion batteries in
household or business waste
may be prohibited.
 Please use the public collection
system.

Welcome
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Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO notebook computer. Sony has combined
leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide
you with state-of-the-art personal computing.
Here are just some of the features your VAIO notebook computer has to offer (read the
details in the Specifications chapter of this guide).
 Exceptional performance - Your PC includes a fast processor, a fast CD-ROM and
an internal modem.
 Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC
power.
 Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take
advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and
entertainment software.
 Multimedia features - Enjoy the speaker(s) to listen to audio and video CDs.
 Windows®- Your system includes the latest operating system from Microsoft.
 Communications -Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails,
browse the Internet...
 Excellent customer support - If you have any problem with your computer, you
can contact VAIO-Link by Internet and e-mail (see your Customer Service Guide
for addresses). Before contacting VAIO-Link, you may try to solve the problem by
reading your User Guide (troubleshooting chapter) or the manuals and Help files
for the peripherals or software.

Welcome
About the User Guides
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About the User Guides
Your Documentation Pack contains paper and online user guides on a Documentation
CD-ROM:
Printed Documentation:
 ASetting Up poster in colour and a Getting Started brochure; a Customer Guide,
where you will find all the basic information to start using your notebook
computer;
 A complete Regulatory and safety information poster;
 AModem Regulations Flyer applying to the internal modem;
 AModem Configuration Flyer explaining the modem configuration before use.
 Your Sony Guarantee conditions.
Online Documentation:
1This User Guide:
 Using Your Sony Notebook Computer shows you how to use the standard
components of your system.
 Connecting Peripheral Devices explains how you can add functionality by
connecting various peripherals.
 Getting Help explains the support options available to you, and offers basic
troubleshooting tips.
 Notes on Use provides facts and advice about using your notebook computer.
 Specifications provides details on your computer, drivers and accessories.

Welcome
About the User Guides
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2Refer to your Software Guide for information on the bundled software and the
Sony applications.
 About the Software is a short description of the features of the software pre-
installed on your system.
 Using the Product Recovery CD-ROM explains how to perform a System and an
Application Recovery.
3Consult the Online Help files of the software you're using for detailed information
on features and troubleshooting.
4Refer to the Microsoft Getting started manual for more information on Windows®
98 Second Edition.

Welcome
Unpacking Your Notebook Computer
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Unpacking Your Notebook Computer
Remove the following hardware items from the box:
 *Depending on the type of
Sony notebook computer you
have purchased, some
accessories may be optional.
However, you need to have
these peripherals to enjoy
some of the features described
in this manual.
Phone cable
Rechargeable
battery pack Weight Saver
(installed at factory)
Product Recovery
CD-ROMs
CD-ROM drive
(installed at factory)
AC adapter
Power cord
Phone plug (country specific)
Main unit
Documentation Pack

Welcome
Ergonomic Considerations
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Ergonomic Considerations
You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of
environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the
following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments:
 Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you as you
work. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable
position while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper
arms hang naturally at your sides. Take breaks during sessions with your
computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.
Computer positioned directly
in front of you
Arms at desk level
Wrists relaxed and flat

Welcome
Ergonomic Considerations
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 Furniture and posture – Sitinachairwithgoodbacksupport.Adjustthelevelof
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.
 Viewing angle of the computer’s display – Usethedisplay’stiltingfeaturetofind
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 setting of the display
as well.
 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.
 Placement of 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.
 Tilt stands – You use the tilt stands to place the computer at an angle that allows
comfortable typing.

Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Using Your Notebook Computer
This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your
computer’s internal devices, such as the touchpad, the disk drive and the battery...
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Right
Power button (page 24) Floppy Disk bay (page 40)
CD-ROM drive (page 34)
1 3
2

Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Left
S400 i.LINKTM connector (page 57) PC card slots (page 53)
iHeadphone connector (page 61) Battery bay (page 20)
mMicrophone connector (page 62)
 AC adapter mains connector
and power cord: hazardous
voltage, according to
EN 60950.
All other connectors for this
notebook are SELV (Safety Extra
Low Voltage), according to
EN 60950.
 This notebook only contains one
battery bay. This means that
only one battery can be used at
the time.
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3

Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Front
LCD screen (page 31) Left/right buttons (page 32) Num Lock indicator (page 30)
Speakers (page 31) Power indicator (page 24) Caps Lock indicator (page 30)
Keyboard (page 27) Battery indicator (page 30) Scroll Lock indicator (page 30)
Touchpad (page 32) Hard disk drive indicator (page 30)
!
159
2610
3 7 11
48

Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Back
Phone Line jack (page 36) a Monitor connector (page 50)
Mouse connector (page 59) USB connectors (page 60)
Serial connector DC In (page 19)
Printer (page 48)
Cover
 There is a ventilation slot
located near the USB connector.
Do not cover the ventilation slot
when your computer is on.
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37
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Bottom
Port replicator connector cover Tilt stands
Release levers
13
2

Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
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Connecting a Power Source
You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.
Using the AC Adapter
1Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the
computer.
2Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.
3Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
 Use your notebook only with
the supplied AC adapter.
To disconnect your notebook
completely from mains
voltage, unplug the AC
adapter.
Please make sure that the
socket outlet is easily
accessible.
 See the Compatibility table to
verify which peripheral
devices are compatible with
your notebook.
1
3
2
SELV according to EN 60950
Power cord (hazardous voltage
according to EN 60950)
(supplied)
Notebook computer
AC adapter
(supplied)
DC in

Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
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Using Battery Power
You can use one battery as a source of power.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of
purchase. Follow the steps below to insert and charge the battery pack.
To insert the battery pack
1Open the cover of the battery bay.
2Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
3Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.
Battery pack
(supplied)
Label facing down