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.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. ® NERGY ® ® As an NERGY Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the NERGY guidelines for energy efficiency. ® The International NERGY Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and their office equipment.
Safety information Owner's record The model number and serial number are located on the back panel of your Sony VAIO desktop. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call VAIO-Link.
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There is visible and invisible radiation when the optical disc drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the laser beam. The optical disc drive 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...
Read this first Regulatory information Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the European Directive 1999/5/EC. This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in the following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial.
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Multimedia LCD display - Select the perfect viewing angle: With its unique dual-hinge pedestal, the 15” display provides twice the flexibility of other screens. Sony Memory Stick™ media slot – The next generation in digital storage allows you to easily transfer images, sounds, data and text between cameras, computers, and more.
Online documentation Preinstalled on your desktop are the following guides: The Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide: Using your VAIO desktop shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this part of the manual you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™.
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About the Software is a short description of the features of the software pre-installed on your system. Using Video software explains how to use Sony video software: DVgate, MovieShaker and Smart Capture. Managing audio files with SonicStage describes how to convert your existing MP3, WMA and WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.
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Welcome Your Sony VAIO desktop and its accessories The following hardware items are in the box: main unit LCD monitor power cable phone cable and plug* palm rest *The phone cable is used to connect the internal modem. Please make sure the phone plug attached to the cable is specific to the country you are in.
Welcome Ergonomic considerations Whenever possible, try and take into account the following ergonomic considerations when using your new computer, whether at home or in the office: Position of the keyboard and mouse – Place the keyboard directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (2) while using the keyboard or mouse –...
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Welcome Position and viewing angle of the monitor – Set the display at a comfortable viewing distance (3). Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower. 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.
Using your VAIO desktop Using your VAIO desktop This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and external devices. Locating controls and connectors Front panel OPEN/CLOSE MEMORY STICK DISC CD-RW/DVD-ROM eject OPEN/CLOSE button CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive Memory Stick™...
Using your VAIO desktop LCD overview Your VAIO desktop is delivered with a 15” LCD (XGA TFT) monitor. power indicator (page 16) information LED brightness control volume control mouse connector (page 24) USB connector (page 50) keyboard connector (page 18)
Using your VAIO desktop Adjusting the viewing angle To adjust the height and viewing angle of the display, proceed as follows: Hold both sides of the display, pull the display out towards you, and upwards. Set the display height so it does not touch the keyboard, and adjust the viewing angle approximately 27 degrees from eye level to the center of the screen.
Using your VAIO desktop Starting your computer To start your computer the first time, you can either: Press the power button on the system unit until the green power indicator light turns on (1). Press the Standby button (2) above the numbered PPKs on the keyboard until the green power indicator light on the main unit turns on.
Using your VAIO desktop Shutting down your computer It is important that you shut down your computer properly so as not to lose unsaved data. To shut down your computer, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows Click Turn Off Computer.
Using your VAIO desktop Using the keyboard This section describes the features of the VAIO convertible keyboard. Caps Lock Ctrl Caps Lock Ctrl £ PgUp Alt Gr Ctrl Home PgDn £ PgUp Alt Gr Ctrl Home PgDn Prt Scr Pause Delete Insert Num Lock...
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Using your VAIO desktop Keys Escape key (1) Function keys (2) Correction keys (3) Print Screen key (4) Standby button (5) Programmable Power Keys (PPK) (6) Numeric keypad area (7) Navigation keys (8) Application key Descriptions The <Esc> (Escape) key is used to cancel commands. The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform designated tasks.
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Using your VAIO desktop Keys Operator keys (10) ® Windows (11) Lock keys (12) Indicator LEDs (13) Fn combination keys (14) Fn key (15) Descriptions Several keys are used in combination with at least one other key: <Ctrl>, <Alt> and <Shift>. When held down at the same time as another key, the <Ctrl>...
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Using your VAIO desktop Combinations and functions with the Windows Combinations + F1 + Tab + Ctrl + F Shift + Function ® Displays Windows Help and Support. Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays Windows Explorer. Displays the Search Results window to find a file or folder.
Using your VAIO desktop Combinations and functions with the Fn key Combinations/ Functions Feature Fn + Moves the view to the next page up. PgUp Fn + Moves the view to the next page down. PgDn Fn + Home Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line. Fn + Moves the cursor to the end of the line.
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If you want to, you can use VAIO Action Setup to change the functions of the PPKs. The default settings for the PPK buttons are: P1: Starts Microsoft P2: Connects you to the Club VAIO website P3: Starts Sony’s PictureGear P4: Starts VAIO Help These functions may vary. ®...
Using your VAIO desktop Using the mouse The VAIO wheel mouse allows you to control the cursor in a number of ways. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the buttons and the wheel. Function Action point...
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Using your VAIO desktop Using the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive Your computer is equipped with a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. To insert a disc, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Press the eject button to open the drive. The tray slides out.
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Using your VAIO desktop Place a CD-RW/DVD-ROM/CD-R/CD-ROM disc in the left-hand side of the tray with the label side facing outwards. Use the small hinges to secure the disc. Close the tray by pushing it gently. When the computer is in Standby or Hibernate mode, you cannot insert or remove a disc. Make sure you seat the disc firmly under the drive hub hinges.
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Using your VAIO desktop Using the CD-RW function Your computer is equipped with a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. To burn CDs, you can use CD-RW and CD-R discs: The CD-RW (CD-ReWritable) disc is a data memory medium that can be used to write, erase and rewrite a program or other data.
Using your VAIO desktop Using the DVD function To achieve optimum performance when playing DVD-ROM discs, you should follow these recommendations. You can play DVDs using the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive and the MediaBar DVD Player software. Close all open applications before playing a DVD-ROM movie. Do not switch power saving modes while playing a DVD video.
Using your VAIO desktop Using PC Cards Your VAIO computer has a PC Card slot that supports Type I or Type II PC Cards. PC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices. Inserting a PC Card To insert a PC Card, proceed as follows: Slide the front panel cover in the direction of the arrow to open it.
Using your VAIO desktop Removing a PC Card Follow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, your system may not work. If you want to remove a PC Card when your computer is off, you can go straight to step 5.
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Using your VAIO desktop If you unplug the PC Card from the computer when the power is still on without following these steps, your system might crash and unsaved data may be lost. You may not be able to use some PC Cards or some functions within the PC Card with this computer. Close all the applications that use the PC Card before removing the card.
There are currently two different types of Memory Stick™: The generic Memory Stick™, coloured blue. The MagicGate Memory Stick™, coloured white. You can purchase Memory Sticks™ from the Sony Style website www. sony style europe, or from your local Sony dealer.
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Using your VAIO desktop Why Memory Stick™? Sony's vision is to expand the world of communication, promoting the portability of digital data. The Memory Stick™ is the resulting medium, through which digital devices can be instantly connected. With it, you can download data from any compatible device, then transfer it to another in a single and instant transfer.
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Using your VAIO desktop Generic Memory Stick™ The original Memory Stick™, blue in colour, can be used to record image data taken with digital still cameras, etc. or data from the PC. With it, you can record, play back and transfer various kinds of data at any given time.
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Using your VAIO desktop MagicGate Memory Stick™ As your LX2 computer is not designed to support this type of Memory Stick™, this section is for your interest only. The MagicGate Memory Stick™, white in colour, records PC and image data just like its blue counterpart; the difference is it uses the MagicGate copyright protection technology.
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MagicGate is a copyright protection technology that complies with the standards set by SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative, an organization working to draw up industry standard specifications in order to protect copyrights of digital music). logo indicates the copyright protection system devised by Sony. It is not meant to guarantee compatibility with other media. MagicGate MagicGate refers to the copyright protection technology used by the MagicGate Memory Stick™...
(SDMI) to study technology for protecting copyrights during the electronic distribution of music. Sony offers the MagicGate Memory Stick™ and Memory Stick™ Walkman with a copyright protection function that complies with SDMI standards, thereby providing an environment where individuals can record and enjoy third-party music data without worrying about copyright infringement.
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Using your VAIO desktop Other: VAIO notebooks VAIO desktops CLIE Handheld Entertainment Organiser Sony mobile phones Digital printers AIBO the Sony Entertainment Robot To find out more about the products available in your country, go to: http://www.sonystyle-europe.com...
Using your VAIO desktop Inserting a Memory Stick™ To insert a Memory Stick™, proceed as follows: Slide the front panel in the direction of the arrow to open it. Once you have stored your data from your digital device, insert the Memory Stick™ into the Memory Stick™...
Using your VAIO desktop Removing a Memory Stick™ To remove a Memory Stick™, proceed as follows: Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar. The dialog box Safely Remove Hardware appears. Select the hardware you want to unplug. Click Stop. In the Stop a Hardware Device dialog box, confirm that the device can be safely removed from the system.
Using your VAIO desktop Write-protecting a Memory Stick™ Memory Sticks™ are designed with an erasure prevention switch to protect valuable data from accidental erasure or overwriting. Move the tab to the right or left to set or release write-protection. On the 128 MB Memory Stick™, move the tab up or down.
Using your VAIO desktop Using Standby mode If you plan to stop using your computer for a short period of time (not overnight), you can put it into Standby mode instead of turning it off completely. Putting the computer into Standby mode saves energy and allows a quick return to normal computer use.
Using your VAIO desktop You can leave Windows If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch off automatically. When the computer is in Standby mode, you cannot insert a disc. Standby requires less time than Hibernate. Standby uses more power than Hibernate.
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Using your VAIO desktop Use the power button: Quickly press the power button on the front of the main unit. The computer goes into Hibernate mode, the computer turns off. To return to Normal mode, choose from the following: Press the Standby button on the keyboard. Operation returns to the same state as before.
Using your VAIO desktop Using the modem Your VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal modem. You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet, to register your computer and software online, and to contact VAIO-Link.
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Using your VAIO desktop Using the correct phone plug In the box you will find two phone plugs. Make sure you use the correct one for the country you are in, as follows: Use the plug already attached to the phone cable. The connector can be identified by its cuboid shape and flat pins: Netherlands: Take the supplied plug adapter with the protruding pins and attach it to the phone cable:...
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting peripheral devices You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of these peripherals. Connecting external speakers (page 48) Connecting an external microphone (page 49) Connecting a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device (page 50) Connecting an i.LINK™ device (page 51) Connecting to a network (LAN) (page 54)
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting external speakers You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. To connect external speakers, proceed as follows: Plug the speaker cable into the headphones connector on the back of the main unit, identified by the symbol.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting an external microphone Your VAIO desktop does not contain an internal microphone. If you need to use a sound input device, for example to chat on the Internet, you need to plug in an external microphone. To connect an external microphone, proceed as follows: Plug the microphone cable into the connector marked with the Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device Use the USB ports to connect USB devices, such as a floppy disk drive or a printer. Connecting a USB printer To connect a printer using the USB connector, proceed as follows: Plug a USB printer cable into one of the USB connectors on your computer (1).
An i.LINK™ connection with other compatible devices is not fully guaranteed. You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK™ cables, as using other brands may cause problems with the i.LINK™ devices. The i.LINK™ connection varies depending on the software applications, operating system and i.LINK™ compatible devices you use. Refer to the documentation that came with your software for more information.
On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labelled DV Out, DV In/Out or i.LINK™ are i.LINK™-compatible. The Sony digital video camera recorder is an example; your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently. If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick™ slot, you can copy images from it to your computer via a Memory Stick™. To do so,...
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Connecting peripheral devices Connecting two VAIO computers You can connect your VAIO desktop to another VAIO computer using an i.LINK™ cable (not supplied). You can also print a document on a printer connected to another VAIO computer. To connect your VAIO desktop to another VAIO computer, proceed as follows: Insert one end of the i.LINK™...
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting to a network (LAN) Your computer comes with a preinstalled Ethernet interface. To connect to a network, proceed as follows: Right-click on My Computer in the Start menu and select Properties. Click the Hardware tab and select Device Manager. The Device Manager window appears, listing the devices.
Getting help Getting help This section describes how to get help and support from Sony, as well as troubleshooting tips for your computer. Sony's support options Sony provides several support options for your computer. Printed documentation supplied with your VAIO desktop...
This section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO desktop. Many problems have simple solutions. Please try these suggestions before contacting VAIO-Link or your local Sony dealer. About the computer and software About the display...
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To initialize the BIOS, proceed as follows: Turn off the computer. Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer. Turn on the computer and press <F2> when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Use the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
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Getting help Press <F9> or use the arrow keys to select Get Default Values. The message Load default configuration now? appears. Make sure that Yes is selected and then press <Enter>. Press <F10> to exit, or use the arrow keys to select Exit (Save Changes). The message Save configuration changes and exit now? appears.
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Getting help My system is running slowly The system response time varies, depending on the number of applications that are open and running. Close any application that you are not currently using. Increasing the system memory may also help. The computer has two memory slots. For memory upgrades, use only 3.3V PC-133 CL3 168pin SDRAM DIMM modules.
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Getting help My computer or software program is not responding To end the application that has stopped responding, proceed as follows: Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete>. If you have not changed the default settings, the Task Manager appears. Scroll down until you locate the comment Not responding next to an application.
Getting help ® Windows locks up during shutdown There are many reasons why the Windows incompatible or conflicting drivers, damaged files, or non-responsive hardware. To search Windows From the Start menu, select Help and Support. Click Troubleshooting. Click the subject on which you want the information, and then answer the questions that refer to your problem.
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Getting help I cannot find the Windows Check that the taskbar is not hidden or minimized. Move the cursor to each edge of the screen to retrieve the taskbar. To change the default view of the taskbar and the start menu, proceed as follows: Click Start, and select Control Panel.
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Getting help About CDs and floppy disks My CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive tray does not open To open the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive, proceed as follows: With the eject button: Make sure the power is turned on. Press the eject button on the disc drive. With the My Computer icon: Double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows Right-click the Compact Disc icon.
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Getting help I cannot play a DVD-ROM If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player, it could be that the DVD-ROM you are trying to play is incompatible with the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive on your VAIO desktop. The region code is listed on the packaging of the disc.
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Check that the floppy disk is properly inserted into the USB drive. The USB floppy disk drive is an optional accessory and can be purchased from your Sony dealer. When I double-click an application icon, a message such as 'You must insert the application CD into your drive' appears and the software does not start Some titles require specific files that are located on the application CD-ROM.
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Getting help About sound My speakers are not producing sound If you are using an application that has its own volume control, check that the volume is turned up. Check the volume controls in Windows If you are using external speakers, check that the speakers are plugged into the headphones connector and the volume is turned up.
Getting help Reduce the microphone level by moving the slider control. In the Options menu, select Advanced Controls, and then click the Advanced button under Microphone - Balance. The Advanced Controls for Microphone dialog box appears. Deselect the Microphone Boost check box, and then click Close. Close the Recording Control dialog box.
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If this is the case, turn off all connected devices and disconnect unused devices. Check the connection and then turn on the power again. You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK™ cables, as using other brands may cause problems with the i.LINK™ devices.
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Getting help I cannot print Check that all the cables of the printer are properly connected. Check that your printer is correctly configured and that you have up-to-date drivers. If necessary, contact your dealer. My connected printer does not print after the computer resumes from a power saving mode To reset the printer connection, proceed as follows: Right-click My Computer in the Start menu, then select Properties.
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Getting help To clean the mouse, proceed as follows: Turn off the computer and turn the mouse upside down. Remove the mouse ball cover by turning the ring clockwise as indicated by the arrows. Turn the mouse upright and drop the mouse ball into your hand. Using a piece of sticky tape, remove any dirt or dust on the mouse ball and inside the ball socket.
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The connected i.LINK™ device is not recognised Disconnect the i.LINK™ device, then connect it again. You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK™ cables, as using other brands may cause problems with the i.LINK™ devices. My i.LINK™ device does not appear on the desktop To see the i.LINK™...
Precautions Precautions This section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage. Your VAIO desktop and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors technology. To avoid the invalidation of your guarantee by mishandling, it is recommended that: You contact your dealer to install a new memory module.
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Precautions Disconnect the system from its power source and from any telecommunication links, networks, or modems before you open the system. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or equipment damage. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage memory modules and other components. Install the memory module only at an ESD workstation.
Precautions Removing a memory module If you are not familiar with upgrading memory on a computer, we highly recommend that you contact your dealer. To remove a memory module, proceed as follows: Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. Unplug the computer from the mains.
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Precautions Be sure to dispose of the memory module properly.
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Precautions Adding or changing a memory module If you are not familiar with upgrading memory on a computer, we highly recommend that you contact your dealer. To add or change a memory module, proceed as follows: Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. Unplug the computer from the mains.
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Precautions There is only one correct way to insert the memory module. Make sure the rivets of the module are lined up with the connector. Viewing the amount of memory To view the amount of memory, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, then VAIO System Information, and click VAIO System Information again.
Precautions Other precautions On handling the hard disk The hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily damaged by mechanical vibration, shock or dust. Although the hard disk has the internal safety device to prevent losing data due to mechanical vibration, shock or dust, you should be careful when handling your computer.
Precautions 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 spots (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.
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Precautions Do not place 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 An ambient temperature of more than 35ºC or less than 10ºC High humidity.
Precautions On handling floppy disks Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk. Keep floppy disks away from magnets. Keep floppy disks away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. On handling compact discs Do not touch the surface of the disc.
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Precautions On handling the Memory Stick™ Do not touch the Memory Stick™ connector with your finger or metallic objects. Use only the label supplied with the Memory Stick™ as a label. Do not bend, drop, or apply heavy shock to the Memory Stick™. Do not disassemble or modify Memory Sticks™.
Specifications Specifications Model PCV-LX2 ® ® Operating system Microsoft Windows XP Professional ® Processor Intel® Pentium 4 1.70 GHz Hard disk drive 80 GB Standard RAM 256 MB Maximum RAM 1 GB Cache 256 KB LCD screen 15" LCD XGA (1024x768) TFT MPEG MPEG 2 Digital Video Supports full-screen playback Graphics...
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Specifications Model Connection capabilities (LCD display) Supplied accessories Power requirement Power management Dimensions Width x height x depth Weight Operating temperature Storage temperature Operating humidity Storage humidity Specifications are subject to change without notice. PCV-LX2 ® ® PS/2 Mouse port, PS/2 keyboard port, USB port VAIO wheel mouse, VAIO convertible keyboard and palmrest, power cord, phone cord...
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Glossary Glossary This section refers to terms used in this manual. These terms and definitions have been compiled to provide you with a better understanding of your VAIO computer. Term <F1> key 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX ACPI Application recovery Application recovery CD-ROM BIOS CardBus Definition The <F1>...
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Glossary Term CD-ROM CD-RW DC In Docking station Driver DVD-ROM Ethernet EULA Definition Abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. A high-capacity optical disc, usually 650 MB in size, capable of being read from but not written to. Short for Compact Disc-ReWriteable. Compact Disc that can be used to write or rewrite data to it.
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MAPI Definition i.LINK™ is Sony’s version of the IEEE 1394 standard for high-speed digital serial interface. The standard is regarded in the audio/video and IT industries as the most suitable interface for connecting computers and digital audio/video devices (such as digital cameras etc.).
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Glossary Term maximum RAM Motherboard MPEG Operating system Partition PC Card Definition The maximum amount of RAM that your computer can contain. Once this amount is reached, you can no longer add additional RAM to your computer. The motherboard is the main circuit board inside your computer. It holds the CPU, the BIOS, the memory and so on.
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Glossary Term PCMCIA Pixel Port replicator Processor Product recovery CD-ROM PS/2 PSTN Definition PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) is the name of the group that produced the specification for the credit card-sized plug-in boards for laptop computers. The cards used to be called PCMCIA cards, but as this was rather unpronounceable, these cards are now termed PC cards.
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Glossary Term Resolution RGB signal cable SDRAM Standard RAM System recovery System recovery CD-ROM Definition The degree of sharpness and clarity of an image. Resolution is expressed in pixels. Frequent computer screen resolutions are 640 x 480 pixels (VGA resolution; appropriate for a 14-inch screen), 800 x 600 (appropriate for a 15-inch screen), 1,024 by 768 (appropriate for a 17-inch screen), and 1,280 by 1,024.
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Term VAIO Definition Short for Video Audio Integrated Operation. Brand name covering Sony's PC products, peripherals, accessories and software. VAIO-branded items are all designed to make the best use of Sony's Audio-Video (AV) and Information Technology (IT) skills. WAN (Wide Area Network) is a computer network connected together and covering a relatively large geographical area.