Sony VAIO PCG-F250 Mounting instructions

About the
Software
on your Sony Notebook Computer

3
NOTICE
This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third
parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of
license agreements enclosed with this product. Software specifications are
subject to change without notice and may not necessarily be identical to
current retail versions.
Updates and additions to software may require an additional charge.
Subscriptions to online service providers may require a fee and credit
card information. Financial services may require prior arrangements with
participating financial institutions.
© 1999 Sony Corporation All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Sony, DVgate, i.LINKTM, Mavica, PictureGear, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo,
VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windows and the
Windows 98 logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel, MMX, Celeron and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
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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Contents
About the Software on Your Notebook Computer
Sony software....................................................................................5
Operating System and other pre-installed software ...................8
Communication software..............................................................10
Customizing Your Notebook Computer
Sony Notebook Setup ....................................................................13
PowerPanel......................................................................................15
Displaying Battery Information ...................................................20
Starting Your Favorite Software With PPK Setup....................24
Selecting the Display Mode ..........................................................26
Using the Dual Display Function.................................................30
Using Smart Capture ......................................................... 33
About the Partitions of your Hard Disk Drive.................. 41

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About the Software on Your
Notebook Computer
Your Sony notebook computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and
communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section gives you an
overview of the activities you can perform with your software titles.
For general information and technical assistance, please refer to your
Customer Service Guide.
Sony software
PictureGear
Sony Electronics
Create your own environment with the Digital Image Library (photos,
backgrounds, wallpapers, slide shows, etc). PictureGear is your assistant for
creating and implementing personal screen savers... You can even animate your
preferred gifs with Gif Animation Tools or create labels for all your medias with
PictureGear Label Maker.
For details, please read the PictureGear Help file.
PPK Setup
Sony Electronics
PPK Setup sets the Programmable Power Keys . The settings enable you to start
any application you want, to establish a dialup connection or read an e-mail by
simply pressing a Programmable Power Key in combination with other control
keys. See the chapter “Starting Your Favorite Software With PPK Setup” on
page 24 and the PPK Setup Help file for details.
DVgate Still
Sony Electronics
Attaching a DV device to the i.LINKTM connector enables you to transfer the
images you have captured to your hard drive. DVgate Still displays digital video
images sent from a digital video cassette recorder or a digital video camera
recorder, and captures them as still pictures on your notebook computer.
For details, please read the DVgate Still Help file.

About the Software on your Sony Notebook Computer
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DVgate Motion *
Sony Electronics
DVgate Motion is a kit of 4 complementary applications: DVgate Motion, DVgate
Assemble, DVgate Scan and DVgate Clip.
Edit the rushes you have shot with your digital video camera recorder using this
video-capture application, specially tuned for high-quality numeric movies.
When connected to your camera via i.LINKTM, your computer operates as an
editing desk that can preview, cut and assemble your selection and save the
sequences in AVI format. For details, please refer to the Help file of DVgate
Motion.
*Depending on the model
Media Bar (DVD Player* / MD Player)
Sony Electronics
The Media Bar allows you to play audio and video CDs and DVD videos* in the
DVD-ROM / CD-ROM drive or play audio or video files in various formats on
your hard drive.Video images are displayed in a separate Movie window, which
you can move and resize (to full screen).
When you connect a Sony MD deck that includes a CONTROL A1 or CONTROL
A1II jack to your computer, you can use MD Player to operate the MD deck from
the computer.
In addition to the normal MD playback operations, you can edit MiniDiscs® while
viewing the computer's display and input disc names and track names using the
computer's keyboard.
If you connect a Sony CD Player that includes a CONTROL A1 or CONTROL
A1II jack to the MD deck, you can also operate the CD player (playback) from the
computer and carry out drag-and-drop recording from a CD to an MD.
For details, please read the Media Bar Help file.
* Depending on the model.
Smart Capture
Sony Electronics
Connect a digital camera to your computer to shoot still images and video clips,
which you can view or send by e-mail. The Smart Capture Finder displays images
from the camera and allows you to adjust the settings or create effects.
Smart Capture enables you to capture images via i.LINK™ compatible devices or
create a panorama picture the panorama assist function.
See “Using Smart Capture” on page 33 for more details or refer to the on-line help
files.

About the Software on Your Notebook Computer
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Smart Connect
Sony Electronics
With Smart Connect you can copy, edit or delete files on another VAIO computer
(equipped with Smart Connect) connected to your computer with an i.LINK™
cable.
You can also print a document on a printer connected to another VAIO computer.
See the online user guide of Smart Connect for more information.
BatteryScope
Sony Electronics
BatteryScope is a flexible battery management system that gathers critical
information from the battery in your notebook computer, processes it, and
displays the information on the screen in a way that is easy to understand. For
details, please read the chapter “Displaying Battery Information” on page 20 or
the BatteryScope Help file.
PowerPanel
Sony Electronics
The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your notebook
computer and provides key information about system activity and battery life.
Automatic power management selects the most appropriate profile, depending
on the application you’re working with and the conditions of use.
See the chapter “Controlling Power Management” on page 15 for more
information. PowerPanel Help also provides futher details.
Sony Notebook Setup
Sony Electronics
Use the Sony Notebook Setup to confirm system information, specify preferences
for system behavior, and change hardware settings for your Sony Notebook
computer.
For more information, refer to the chapter “Sony Notebook Setup” on page 13 or
click Help on the Notebook Setup screen to display the help file.
Product Recovery CD-ROM
Sony ITE
The Product Recovery CD-ROM allows you to reinstall individual applications
and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. It also allows you
to restore the software titles that were shipped with your computer if they become
corrupted or are erased accidentally. Reinstalling an individual device driver or
software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer,
and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive.
!You can only use this Recovery CD-ROM on the Sony notebook you purchased and not on
any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC.

About the Software on your Sony Notebook Computer
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Operating System and other pre-installed
software
Windows®98
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft®Windows®98 makes your computer work better by integrating tightly
with the Internet and providing better system performance and easier system
diagnostics and maintenance. With Windows®98, your system plays better as
well with support for the latest graphics, sound, and multimedia technologies,
easy addition and removal of peripheral devices, and the convergence of the TV
and PC in your home. This exciting new operating system builds on the
groundbreaking features introduced with Windows®95. At the same time,
Windows®98 maintains the best support for older Windows-based applications
and technologies. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:
http://www.microsoft.com/support/
Internet Explorer 4.01
Microsoft Corporation
Internet Explorer is the Internet browser of Microsoft.The Setup Wizard
configures your computer to connect automatically to the service provider of your
choice. A full e-mail package enables you to send and receive mail—including
attached files—across the Internet. NetMeeting, Outlook Express and Microsoft
Chat are just some of the components bundled with Internet Explorer 4.01. A
complete online tutorial helps new users become comfortable using the Internet.
For questions and technical assistance, go online to:
http://www.microsoft.com/support/
Premiere LE *
Adobe Systems Incorporated
Synchronized with DVgate Motion, Microsoft video and Quicktime software,
Adobe Premiere lets you capture, record, create and play movies with video,
sound, animations, photographs, drawings, text and other material by using
nothing more than your computer.
A set of windows allows you to plan a construction, import clips, edit and build
your own movie with preset or your own special effects. Different tools help you
to prepare your images for editing on tape or CD-ROM.
When re-installing, please enter the serial number : MSM420B7147938-145
For questions and technical assistance, go online at
http://www.adobe.com
*Depending on the model

About the Software on Your Notebook Computer
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Adobe®Acrobat®Reader 3.01
Adobe Systems Incorporated
Acrobat Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic
documents in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), an open file format that is
intended to preserve the fidelity of documents created on all major computer
platforms. Once Acrobat Reader is installed, you can open and view PDF files
from within your Web browser by clicking on a PDF file embedded in a HTML
file. You quickly see the first page while the rest of the document is being
downloaded. Use the Acrobat Reader to read the Sony Notebook Computer User
Guide online. For questions and technical assistance, go online at
http://www.adobe.com
QuickTime 3.0
Apple
QuickTime is the Apple technology that makes video, sound, music, 3D and
virtual reality come alive for your Internet browser and Windows.
With QuickTime VR, rotate objects, zoom in or out, look in any direction and
navigate from one scene to another.
For further information, see the web site at:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/
VirusScan
McAfee (Network Associates)
VirusScan is McAfee's powerful and advanced anti-virus solution.
If a virus is detected, VirusScan can attempt to remove it from the infected file,
move the file to a quarantine location, or delete the infected file.
VirusScan is an important element of a comprehensive security program that
includes a variety of safety measures such as regular backups, meaningful
password protection, training, and awareness. For details, please refer to the on-
line help files or for technical support, go to
http://www.mcafee.com

About the Software on your Sony Notebook Computer
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Communication software
Phone Tools
BVRP Software
PhoneTools is a powerful communication tool which provides a full range of
features: fax, dialer, telephone directory through an user-friendly interface. In
addition, PhoneTools allows complete management of GSM cellular phone:
phone directories and short messages. Online manual and contextual help are
provided with PhoneTools.
COM One Platinium Card Loader
COM One Company
The Platinium Card loader allows users to upgrade or change the functionnalities
of the PC card modem (the firmware of the card is changed).
The Platinium Card is delivered with PSTN V.90, ISDN*, LAN* and GSM Sony
CMD-Z1* functionnalities.
Please read the online Platinum Card Manuals.
The upgrade or change can be made by selecting a new firmware (card
programming) in the list provided with the Loader software or by accessing the
COM-ONE Web site:
http://www.com1.fr
✍*See your retailer for ISDN, LAN and GSM kits.

About the Software on Your Notebook Computer
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Features offered by PhoneTools with your Platinium PC card*:
Fax transmission:
Via PSTN:
Your notebook is delivered with PhoneTools and the PC card configured for fax
transmission.
Via GSM:
If you own a Sony GSM CMD-Z1 or CMD-Z1 Plus, you can purchase a cable to
connect your phone to the PC card: without modifying the settings, PhoneTools
will allow you to send and receive faxes through your mobile phone.
Connection cables for Sony GSM CM-DX1000 and CMD-X2000 are also available.
In order to use this GSM, you must update:
- the PC card settings ,by using the COM1 Platinium Loader program
(select the settings matching your mobile phone)
- the PhoneTools driver (see Configuration/Hardware Configuration/
Select modem): select the MC220 + ISDN + the mobile phone you are
using.
With other brands of GSM phones, the set of functions offered by Phonetools may
be limited.
Via ISDN:
You can purchase an ISDN kit from COM1 company or VAIO Direct.
It will allow you to send and receive faxes via ISDN.
GSM Special Features:
If you own a Sony GSM CMD-Z1 or CMD-Z1 Plus or CMD-X2000,
PhoneTools allows you to:
- send and receive SMS (this depends on your GSM subscription)
- manage your GSM Phone Book for an easy update of your GSM telephone
directories.
Dialer function:
When a telephone is connected to the same line as your notebook modem (PSTN),
the dialer function allows you to dial from the Phonetools telephone directory.
However, the actual telephone conversation will be conducted via your regular
telephone.
Data transmission:
Microsoft HyperTerminal provided with Windows®98 allows you to transmit
data via PSTN, ISDN and GSM networks.
*Depending on the model, could be optional.

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Customizing Your Notebook
Computer
You can customize the settings of your notebook computer. The following
sections briefly describe how to change your computer’s settings. You can
also refer to the Help files of the software for more detailed information.
In addition, you can select the display modes via NeoMagic®and enjoy
the benefits of displaying your desktop on two screens.
Sony Notebook Setup
To display the Sony Notebook Setup screen:
1Click the Start button on the Windows®98 taskbar.
2In Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup. The “Basic” window will
appear; you can then enhance the features by clicking the
“Advanced” tab.
3Select the tab for the item you want to change.
4After you finish, click OK.

About the Software on your Sony Notebook Computer
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Notebook Setup Tabs
Tab Description
About This Computer Display system information, including
memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS
version.
Printer Select printer port mode settings.
Power On Device
Sequence
Select the drive and device order you wish
to use for loading the operating system.
You can specify the hard drive as well as
other drives inserted into your computer.
Touchpad You can disable your touchpad by
connecting an optional mouse to your
computer’s mouse port (PS/2®or USB).
You can also customize the settings of your
mouse using the mouse utility.
Power On Password Set the password to secure your computer.
Audio Change the volume when loading the
operating system.
Enable Ports Disabling ports releases resources to the
system. To change the serial, infrared
settings, click Advanced on the Basic/
Advanced tab.
Basic/Advanced Toggle between Advanced mode
(additional screens with advanced settings)
and Basic mode of display. Advanced mode
includes Serial, Infrared and View
Resources tabs.
✍For more information about each option, click Help on the Notebook Setup screen to display
the help file.

Customizing Your Notebook Computer
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PowerPanel
Controlling Power Management
The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your notebook
computer and provides key information about system activity and
battery life. In combination with BatteryScope, the automatic power
management selects the most advantageous profiles, or lets you
customize the profiles you choose, according to your own needs, with the
goal of extended battery life.
PowerPanel main features
❑Automatic Profile Selection (APS) based on the currently active
application
❑Ability to select special Power Profiles manually from the menu
❑Ability to edit and create new profiles
❑A toolbar shared with BatteryScope
❑Works in harmony with Windows settings.
To activate PowerPanel
When you start the computer, the PowerPanel icon appears by
default.
❑When pointing on the PowerPanel icon, you will see a tooltip with
the active Power Management profile.
❑You can select a power profile from the menu or a Power
Management profile by right-clicking this icon.
❑You can use the PowerPanel’s toolbar as well:
1Right click the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
2Select Toolbars from the pop-up menu, then click PowerPanel.
The PowerPanel will appear on the task bar ( you can change it into a
floating window by dragging and dropping it on your desktop).
3Click the button you want to set.
The appropriate Power Management command will be activated.
✍When you use the battery pack as power source, your system selects the Maximum Battery
Life power management profile by default. If you select a different power management
profile while using battery power, the same profile will be automatically selected the next
time you use the battery pack to power your computer.

About the Software on your Sony Notebook Computer
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Power Management Profiles
PowerPanel provides several predefined power management profiles.
Each profile consists of a group of specific power management settings
that are designed to meet specific power management goals, ranging
from maximum power management to no power management.
Main preset profiles
Icon Description
Maximum Battery Life – Provides power saving features to
give you maximum battery life and good performance. It
reduces the brightness of the display and puts it into System
Suspend mode after a specified time period.
Maximum Performance – Provides the best system
performance while still conserving power.
AC Profile – The power management state when AC power
is in use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting.
PowerPanel automatically loads the AC profile unless you
disable this feature.
Power Management Off – Turns off all power management
features such as System Idle, System Suspend and
Hibernation modes.

Customizing Your Notebook Computer
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Power Management Commands
PowerPanel provides power management commands that you can use to
activate specific power management functions and to control power for a
specific device. You might use these commands when you want to
override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action, such as putting
the system into Video Standby mode before the Video Standby timer
expires.
Automatic Profiles Selection (APS)
A Power Profile is a set of timer values for a variety of system devices.
PowerPanel automatically selects the profile associated with the
application you’re using and changes profiles as you switch between
applications.
The Power Management lets your system enter energy saving modes by
levelling some energy consuming parameters, such as LCD brightness, or
hard disk activity.
Icon Description
System Idle - This mode is convenient if you don’t need to use
your computer for a short period. The hard disk and the video
display enter a low power state and the CPU clock and processor
stop. To return the system to the active state, press any key or the
power switch on your computer.
System Suspend – Puts the system into System Suspend mode, a
power management state that saves the state of the system and
peripheral devices in memory (RAM). Power consumption reduces
to a minimum, and the system remains on. To return the system to
the active state, press any key or the power switch on your
computer.
System Hibernation – Provides for the lowest level of power
consumption. The system writes the state of the system and
peripheral devices to the hard disk and turns off the system power.
To return the system to the original state, use the power switch to
turn on power. The system saves the data in the Save to Disk
Partition on the hard drive.
LCD (Video) Standby – Turns off the LCD to save power. If you
turn off the Video Standby timer, the display remains active except
when the system enters System Suspend mode. The video display
system is one of the largest consumers of power in the system.

About the Software on your Sony Notebook Computer
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Choosing Automatic Profiles
By clicking the button on the left of your PowerPanel taskbar, you can
indicate the kind of application you’re using: this automatically enables
PowerPanel set the power management settings:
Icon Description
Automatic Profile Selection – Analyses the performance of each
application you choose and matches the profiles to its needs.
Word Processing – Optimizes power management with longer
timeouts on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish
settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and System
Suspend to optimize power management for your system.
Spreadsheet – Reduces the LCD brightness to “medium”, as
your software doesn’t require higher performance. The sleep
timer is activated.
Presentation – Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves
power. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can
establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and
System Suspend to optimize power management for your system.
Communications – Extends battery life by initiating a quick display
time-out. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby,
Hard Disk Standby, and System Suspend to optimize power
management for your system.
Games – Disables the display and the Hard Disk Spindle Down
timer.

Customizing Your Notebook Computer
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Customizing PowerPanel
You can customize the PowerPanel toolbar to suit your portable
computing needs. You can edit the pre-defined Power Management
settings or create new profiles. Please refer to PowerPanel Help for more
information.

About the Software on your Sony Notebook Computer
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Displaying Battery Information
You can display detailed information for the batteries used in your
computer. The following sections briefly describe how to display your
computer’s general battery information. You can also refer to the
BatteryScope Help for more detailed information.
Activating BatteryScope
To activate BatteryScope
When you start your computer, the BatteryScope toolbar appears on the
taskbar by default. If the toolbar does not appear, right click the taskbar at
the bottom of the screen. Select toolbar from the pop-up menu, then click
BatteryScope. The BatteryScope appears on the task bar, or:
1Click the Start button on the Windows®98 taskbar.
2In Programs, click BatteryScope.
When you move the pointer over the battery icon on the task tray, a
tooltip appears indicating the total capacity remaining in the battery and
the estimated time until the battery fully discharges.
You can also view battery gauges on the shared PowerPanel and
BatteryScope toolbar.
❑Percentage indicator
Displays the percentage of the remaining capacity.
❑Time indicator
Displays estimated time (hours/minutes) remaining before the
battery fully drains, also referred to as the time-to-empty.

Customizing Your Notebook Computer
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Battery Icon Descriptions
Battery icon Battery status
Discharging
Fully charged
Charging
Not in use
No battery

About the Software on your Sony Notebook Computer
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Displaying Detailed Battery Information
You can obtain detailed information about the batteries.
❑Double-click the battery icon on the task tray to display the
BatteryScope window.
The screen appears displaying the General tab, which contains
information such as the estimated time-to-empty and charging time.
To display information on individual batteries
1Click the Primary battery tab to display information for the battery in
the bay on the left side.
2Click the Secondary battery tab to display information for the battery
in the bay on the right side.
You can display the information about each battery, such as estimated
time-to-empty or product information.