Sony VGN-A160 VAIO User Guide (primary manual) User manual

Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO®computer, and welcome to the online VAIO®Computer User Guide.
This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to
preinstalled software programs.
In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this
main window.
View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.
Go to the Sony Computing Support Web site to view the VAIO®Computer Specifications, which list your computer's
hardware specifications and preinstalled software information.
For Sony software information, click Start and select Welcome to VAIO life.
Page 1

Ergonomics and Caring for Your Computer
This section provides information on how to safely use your Sony computer.
Applying Ergonomics
Storing Your Computer
Cleaning Your Computer
Handling the LCD Screen
Page 2

Applying Ergonomics
Your computer is a portable device and can be used in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should apply the
following ergonomic considerations:
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, touch pad, 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.
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 in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid
slouching forward or leaning far backward.
Viewing angle of the computer's display —Tilt the display to find the best viewing angle. Also try adjusting the
brightness setting of the display. Following these suggestions can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue.
Lighting —Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare or reflection on the display. Use indirect
lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can 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.
Page 3

Storing Your Computer
Do not use or store your computer in a location subject to:
Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts
Direct sunlight
Excessive dust
Moisture or rain
Mechanical vibration or shock
Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded
Ambient temperature higher than 95ºF (35ºC) or less than 40ºF (5ºC)
High humidity
Do not place electronic equipment near your computer. When running, the computer's electromagnetic field may
cause other electronic equipment in close proximity to malfunction.
Provide adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat buildup. Do not place your computer on porous surfaces
such as rugs or blankets, or near materials such as curtains or draperies that may block ventilation. Leave a space
of at least 8 inches (20 cm) behind the back of the computer.
If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may condense inside your computer.
In this case, allow at least one hour before turning on your computer. If any problems occur, unplug your computer,
and contact your Sony Service Center.
The computer uses high-frequency radio signals and may interfere with radio or TV reception. Should this occur,
move the computer a suitable distance away from the radio or TV.
Do not drop the computer or place heavy objects on top of the computer.
Page 4

Using Cables and Connections
Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables.
Do not use cut or damaged connection cables.
If the telephone company makes a service call to your home or office and determines that your computer is
responsible for a problem, the telephone company may bill you for the service call. Also, if you do not disconnect
your computer when it is adversely affecting a telephone line, the telephone company has the right to disconnect
your service until you correct the problem.
Page 5

Cleaning Your Computer
Clean the computer with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use
any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent such as alcohol or benzine, as these may damage the finish
of your computer. You can use canned compressed air specifically for computers to remove dust.
If a solid object falls onto the computer or a liquid leaks into the computer, immediately turn off and unplug the
computer. It is best to have the computer checked by qualified personnel before you use it again.
Avoid rubbing the LCD screen as this can damage the screen. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the LCD screen or
canned compressed air.
Always disconnect the power cord before cleaning the computer.
Page 6

Handling the LCD Screen
Direct sunlight can damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a window.
Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on it. This can cause a malfunction.
Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual image on the screen. This is not a
malfunction. When the computer returns to normal temperature, the screen returns to normal.
The screen becomes warm during operation. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
The LCD is manufactured using high-precision technology. You may, however, see tiny black points and/or bright
points (red, blue, or green) that continuously appear on the LCD. This is a normal result of the manufacturing
process and does not indicate a malfunction.
Page 7

Locating Controls and Ports
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony®VAIO®computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio,
video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing.
Front
1LCD screen 10 Memory Stick®media indicator
2Mute button 11 Wireless switch1
3Volume buttons 12 Bluetooth®indicator1
4Brightness button 13 Wireless indicator1
5Magnify screen button 14 Power indicator
6S1 button 15 Battery indicator
7Keyboard 16 Hard disk drive indicator
8Touch pad 17 Optical drive indicator
9Memory Stick®media slot2
1Wireless LAN and Bluetooth functionality available on selected models only.
2Y our computer supports M emory Stick Duo media and Memory Stick PRO high speed and high capacity capabilities.
Do not insert more than one Memory Stick media into the Memory Stick media slot as it may damage the
computer.
Insert the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing up and toward the slot. Inserting the media improperly may
damage the computer.
Front
Page 8

1Speakers 5Brightness sensor
2Num lock indicator16Power button
3Caps lock indicator17Left and right buttons
4Scroll lock indicator1
1Indicator appears on the top or right corner of the keyboard depending on the model that you purchased.
Back
1DC In port 4AV Out jack
2USB 2.0 ports15Monitor (VGA) port
3Network (Ethernet) port 6Air vent
Page 9

1Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
Only connect 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-TX cables to the Network (Ethernet) port. Do not
connect any other type of network cable or any telephone line to this port. Connecting cables other than those listed
above may result in an electric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port.
To connect the unit to a network, refer to your on-screen VAIO®Computer User Guide or contact your network
administrator.
Only selected models support a 1000BASE-TX connection.
Left
1Air vent 5USB 2.0 port1
2Microphone jack 6PC Card slot
3Headphone jack 7PC Card eject button
4i.LINK®(IEEE 1394) S400 port
1Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
Right
Page 10