Sony Vgn-s3vp User manual

User Guide

VGN-S series / VGN-T series

Contents

Read this first............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Notice................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

ENERGY STAR ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Owner's record .................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Welcome .................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Documentation pack ............................................................................................................................................................ 8

Ergonomic considerations ................................................................................................................................................. 11

Using your VAIO computer ...................................................................................................................................................... 13

Connecting a power source............................................................................................................................................... 14

Using the battery pack ....................................................................................................................................................... 15

Setting the password ......................................................................................................................................................... 21

Setting up your computer with VAIO Control Center ......................................................................................................... 23

Shutting down your computer safely.................................................................................................................................. 26

Using the keyboard............................................................................................................................................................ 27

Using the touchpad............................................................................................................................................................ 34

Using special buttons......................................................................................................................................................... 35

Using the optical disc drive ................................................................................................................................................ 37

Using PC Cards ................................................................................................................................................................. 43

Using the Memory Stick..................................................................................................................................................... 47

Using the modem............................................................................................................................................................... 50

Using the Bluetooth functionality ....................................................................................................................................... 53

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) ............................................................................................................................................. 62

Using power saving modes................................................................................................................................................ 73

Managing power with VAIO Power Management .............................................................................................................. 76

Connecting peripheral devices................................................................................................................................................. 80

Connecting a port replicator............................................................................................................................................... 81

Connecting an external display.......................................................................................................................................... 89

Selecting display modes .................................................................................................................................................... 94

Using the Multiple Monitors function.................................................................................................................................. 97

Connecting external speakers ......................................................................................................................................... 103

Connecting an external microphone................................................................................................................................ 105

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device ............................................................................................................ 108

Connecting a printer ........................................................................................................................................................ 114

Connecting an i.LINK device ........................................................................................................................................... 118

Connecting to a network (LAN)........................................................................................................................................ 122

Customising your computer ................................................................................................................................................... 123

Setting up your language with Windows XP Professional ............................................................................................... 124

Configuring your modem ................................................................................................................................................. 127

Setting a Sony wallpaper................................................................................................................................................. 129

Installing and updating applications................................................................................................................................. 130

Managing drivers ............................................................................................................................................................. 135

Upgrading your VAIO computer............................................................................................................................................. 145

Adding and removing memory* ....................................................................................................................................... 145

Getting help ........................................................................................................................................................................... 162

Sony support options....................................................................................................................................................... 162

Other sources of information ........................................................................................................................................... 162

e-Support......................................................................................................................................................................... 163

Precautions............................................................................................................................................................................ 165

On handling the hard disk................................................................................................................................................ 166

On handling the LCD screen ........................................................................................................................................... 167

On using the power source.............................................................................................................................................. 168

On handling your computer ............................................................................................................................................. 169

On handling floppy disks.................................................................................................................................................. 170

On handling discs ............................................................................................................................................................ 171

On using the battery pack................................................................................................................................................ 172

On using headphones...................................................................................................................................................... 172

On handling Memory Sticks............................................................................................................................................. 173

Trademarks............................................................................................................................................................................ 174

Read this first

Notice

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 the use thereof.

In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.

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 licence agreement.

Please note that the illustrations in this manual may not necessarily apply to your model. Please see the printed

Specifications sheet for the specific configuration of your VAIO computer.

Read this first

ENERGY STAR

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 a U.S. registered mark.

Owner's record

The serial number, model number and product code are located on the bottom of your Sony computer. Record the numbers and refer

to them if you call VAIO-Link. See also the printed Specifications sheet.

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO 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 the main features you can enjoy:

❑Exceptional performance.

❑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 audio and video CDs/DVDs.

❑Interconnectivity – Your computer has Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB (USB2.0) and i.LINK functionalities. i.LINK is a bidirectional

digital interface for exchanging data. With the Memory Stick you can easily exchange and share digital data with compatible

products.

❑Wireless technology – Thanks to the Bluetooth* and the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g) technology, you can communicate

freely, without cables or wires.

❑Windows – Your system includes Microsoft's Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 operating system.

❑Communications – Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet.

❑Excellent customer support – If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check the VAIO-Link website for

a possible solution:

http://www.vaio-link.com

Before contacting VAIO-Link, please try to solve the problem by reading this guide, the printed Troubleshooting Guide, or the

manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

Welcome

Documentation pack

Your documentation pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.

Guides are provided in PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.

The My Info Centre portal is a perfect starting point to using your VAIO computer - a comprehensive collection of everything you need

to get the most from your computer.

The user guides are collected under My Documentation, which can be shown as follows:

1Go to Start and click the My Info Centre icon* .

2From the pictures at the top of the window click My Documentation .

3Select your language from the drop-down box.

4Select the guide you want to read.

* The My Info Centre icon is only visible after you have performed the Prepare your VAIO setup. The My Info Centre icon is also available in Start/All Programs and

can be used before you have performed the Prepare your VAIO setup.

✍

You can manually browse to the user guides by going to My Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > My Documentation > Documentation and opening the folder

for your language.

You may have a separate disc for the documentation of bundled accessories.

Welcome

Printed documentation

❑A Specifications sheet, containing a table of specifications, a list of bundled software, an overview of all connectors and, on the

reverse side, a guide to setting up your VAIO computer.

❑Troubleshooting Guide, where you will find solutions to common problems.

❑Recovery Guide, where you will find an explanation of how to recover your computer's system if you need to.

❑Guarantee and End User Software License Agreement

❑Regulatory Booklet

❑Wireless Regulations Guide

Non-printed documentation

My Documentation contains the following VAIO user guides:

❑The User Guide (this guide) explains the features of your VAIO computer in detail, how to use these features confidently and

safely, connect peripheral devices, upgrade your computer, and more.

❑The VAIO Zone guide explains the valuable features of VAIO's multimedia portal. If your computer has TV tuner functionalities,

this is where you will find information about watching/recording TV on your VAIO computer.

My Documentation also gives you:

❑Help files about reading the guides.

❑Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.

Welcome

In My Info Centre you can also find:

Further sources

1Go to Start > Help and Support for VAIO support information as well as tips and tricks.

2Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.

3Go to www.club-vaio.com to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software.

My Software

Feeling creative? Click this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options.

My VAIO essentials

Want to expand the capabilities of your VAIO computer? Click this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories.

My Websites

Click this icon and check out our most popular websites.

My ISP

Click this icon to find out about the preferential offers from our partners and access the world of the internet.

Welcome

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 to 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, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally

at your sides. Have 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. 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.

❑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 setting of the display as well.

Welcome

❑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.

❑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.

Using your VAIO computer

Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Specifications sheet, you can start using your computer safely and

confidently.

Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.

❑Connecting a power source (page 14)

❑Setting the password (page 21)

❑Setting up your computer with VAIO Control Center (page 23)

❑Shutting down your computer safely (page 26)

❑Using the keyboard (page 27)

❑Using the touchpad (page 34)

❑Using special buttons (page 35)

❑Using the optical disc drive (page 37)

❑Using PC Cards (page 43)

❑Using the Memory Stick (page 47)

❑Using the modem (page 50)

❑Using the Bluetooth functionality (page 53)

❑Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 62)

❑Using the power saving modes (page 73)

❑Managing power with VAIO Power Management (page 76)

Using your VAIO computer

Connecting a power source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.

Using the AC adapter

To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows:

1Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter.

2Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2).

3Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC In connector (4) on the computer.

The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.

✍

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.

Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use the AC adapter for a long period of time, put your computer into Hibernate mode. This power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down

in the normal way.

Using your VAIO computer

Using the battery pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.

Installing the battery pack

VGN-S series

To install the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1Turn off your computer and close the LCD.

2Slide the lock lever (1) to the UNLOCK position.

3Slide the battery pack into the compartment until it clicks into place.

4Slide the lock lever (1) to the LOCK position to secure the battery pack on the computer.

Using your VAIO computer

VGN-T series

To install the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1Turn off your computer and close the LCD.

2Slide the battery pack into the compartment until it clicks into place.

✍

When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

Using your VAIO computer

Charging the battery pack

To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges).

Battery indicator status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power.

Single blink The battery is running out of power.

Double blink The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

Using your VAIO computer

✍

When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink.

Keep the battery pack installed in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery

pack.

The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery pack does not affect

battery life.

The battery indicator is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When the battery life is nearly depleted, both the battery and power indicators start

flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data

when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate. If the battery

wears out when your computer enters Standby mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data,

you should save your data frequently.

When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

Using your VAIO computer

Removing the battery pack

VGN-S series

To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1Turn off your computer and close the LCD.

2Slide the lock lever (1) to the UNLOCK position.

3Slide and hold the release lever (2) and slide the battery pack away from the computer.

Using your VAIO computer

VGN-T series

To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1Turn off your computer and close the LCD.

2Slide and hold the release lever (1) and slide the battery pack away from the computer.

✍

You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery pack while the

computer is in Standby mode.