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Related Manuals for Sony VGC-RA104
Summary of Contents for Sony VGC-RA104
- Page 1 Hardware Guide V G C - R A s e r i e s ( P C V - 1 1 5 6 )
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Page 2: Read This First
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. -
Page 3: Environmental Information
Cushions formed by corrugated board used in packaging. Owner's record The serial number, model number and product key are located on the back of your Sony desktop. Record the numbers and refer to them if you call VAIO-Link. See also the printed Specifications document. -
Page 4: Safety Information
Hardware Guide Safety information 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 desktop to rain or moisture. - Page 5 Hardware Guide Connectivity ❑ Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm. ❑ Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations. ❑ Take care when installing or modifying telephone lines. ❑...
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Page 6: Regulatory Information
Hardware Guide Read this first Regulatory information Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive). Declaration of Conformity The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This effort has resulted in several EU Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards. - Page 7 Disposing of the internal memory backup battery ❑ Your Sony VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal back-up memory battery (motherboard battery) that should not have to be replaced during the lifetime of the product. If you want to replace the battery, please contact VAIO-Link: ❑...
- Page 8 Dual drives – Enjoy the freedom of two optical disc drives. ❑ Sony audio and video quality – The advanced graphics card and high-quality external stereo speakers enable you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software. You can link up your PC to your Home Cinema equipment and enjoy surround sound.
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Page 9: Printed Documentation
A Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System, where you will find solutions to common problems, an explanation of how to recover your computer’s system if you need to, and VAIO-Link information; ❑ Your Sony Guarantee conditions; ❑ A Safety Regulations leaflet;... - Page 10 The Giga Pocket manual explains how to watch and record TV and video on your PC. My Documentation also gives you: ❑ A direct link to the VAIO-Link website, Sony’s service centre. This will give you troubleshooting hints, downloads, contact details, and everything else you need for the smooth operation of your VAIO. ❑...
- Page 11 Hardware Guide My Info Centre also gives you: My Software Feeling creative? Click on 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? Click on this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories. My Websites Click on this icon and check out our most popular websites.
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Page 12: Ergonomic Considerations
Hardware Guide 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:... - Page 13 Hardware Guide ❑ 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 – not at an angle. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.
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Page 14: Table Of Contents
Hardware Guide Using your VAIO computer Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Getting Started guide and Specifications sheet, you can start using your computer safely and confidently. Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer. ❑... -
Page 15: Shutting Down Your Computer Safely
Hardware Guide Shutting down your computer safely It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data. To shut down your computer, proceed as follows: Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer. Click the Start button. -
Page 16: Using The Keyboard
Hardware Guide Using the keyboard Your computer is delivered with a VAIO keyboard. The features are much the same a standard keyboard, plus some additional functions. For information on the standard keys and shortcuts, please go to the Windows Help and Support Center. The VAIO-Link website (www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard. -
Page 17: Using The Shortcut Keys
Hardware Guide Using your VAIO computer Using the shortcut keys Along the top of your keyboard are several shortcut keys, indicated by pictures. You can use shortcut keys to start your favourite software without having to click the shortcut icon on the desktop. Use a shortcut key simply by pressing it. The shortcut keys come with the following functions: Eject - upper button : Opens or closes the top disc tray. -
Page 18: Using The Tv Function
Hardware Guide Using the TV function Your computer is equipped with a TV-tuner board. In combination with Sony's Giga Pocket software, it allows you to: ❑ Watch, record and play back analogue broadcasted cable and terrestrial TV programmes, all by remote control;... -
Page 19: Using The Mouse
Hardware Guide 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. Your computer is delivered with a VAIO PS/2 optical mouse, which uses a light-emitting diode (LED) instead of a ball. -
Page 20: Setting Up The Mouse For Left-Handed Users
Hardware Guide Setting up the mouse for left-handed users To set your mouse up for left-handed users, proceed as follows: Go to Start, select Control Panel, then click the Printers and Other Hardware option. Click the mouse icon. The Mouse Properties dialog box appears. In the Buttons tab, select the option button next to Switch primary and secondary buttons. -
Page 21: Using The Disc Drives
Hardware Guide Using the disc drives Your computer is equipped with two separate optical drives. Please see the printed Specifications sheet to see which drives your model has. For installing software and using the VAIO Recovery Disc it is recommended that you use the upper drive. ❑... - Page 22 Hardware Guide To remove a disc, proceed as follows: Make sure the disc indicator light is not on. Press the appropriate eject button to open the drive and remove the disc carefully. You can also use the Eject buttons at the top of the keyboard.
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Page 23: Playing Dvds
Hardware Guide Playing DVDs To achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations: ❑ Close all open applications before playing a DVD movie. ❑ You can play DVDs with the software WinDVD for VAIO. ❑ Do not switch power saving modes while playing a DVD. ❑... -
Page 24: Using The Floppy Disk Drive
Hardware Guide Using the floppy disk drive Your VAIO desktop is equipped with a floppy disk drive. To insert a floppy disk, proceed as follows: Pull out and slide down the front cover, as shown. Hold the floppy disk with the label side facing up and gently push the disk into the floppy disk drive until it clicks into place. -
Page 25: Using The Modem
Hardware Guide Troubleshooting floppy disks My floppy disk drive cannot write to a floppy disk ❑ The floppy disk is write-protected. Disable the write-protect feature or use a floppy disk that is not write-protected. ❑ Check that the disk is properly inserted into the floppy disk drive. ❑... -
Page 26: Using Power Modes
Hardware Guide Using power modes The colour of the power indicator light on the main unit tells you which mode the computer is in. Power indicator Mode Green Computer is in Normal mode Amber Computer is in Standby mode No light Computer is turned off or in Hibernate mode ✍... -
Page 27: Using Standby Mode
Hardware Guide 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. To activate Standby mode manually, proceed as follows: Save your work, close all applications and close your Internet connection, if applicable. -
Page 28: Using Hibernate Mode
Hardware Guide Using Hibernate mode If you are interrupted and need to leave your computer suddenly, you can put it into Hibernate mode. This power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal way. When you put your computer into Hibernate mode: ❑... -
Page 29: Using The Media Slots
Using the media slots As well as the Sony Memory Stick, your VAIO computer also supports other high capacity memory card formats, such as CompactFlash, Secure Digital (SD) and xD Picture. You can exchange digital data with a number of compatible products, such as digital cameras, mobile phones or handheld devices. - Page 30 Hardware Guide Inserting a Memory Stick To insert a Memory Stick, proceed as follows: Pull and slide down the front panel cover and locate the appropriate memory stick slot. See the printed Specifications sheet for the exact location of the slots. Insert the memory stick into the slot with the arrow side pointing upwards.
- Page 31 Hardware Guide Removing a Memory Stick To remove a Memory Stick, proceed as follows: Make sure the indicator light is not on. Push the memory stick in to release it, and then pull it out. ✍ You are recommended to remove the memory stick before shutting down the computer. If an error message appears when you remove it, insert the memory stick into the slot again and press <Enter>.
- Page 32 Hardware Guide Using your VAIO computer Write-protecting Memory Sticks Some Memory Sticks are designed with an erasure prevention switch to protect valuable data from accidental erasure or overwriting. Move the tab horizontally or vertically to set or release write-protection. When the erasure prevention switch is off, data can be saved on the Memory Stick.
- Page 33 Hardware Guide About xD Picture cards Your VAIO has an xD-Picture card slot that allows you to transfer pictures between your digital camera, PC, PDA, printer and more. The xD-Picture Card is small and light, featuring high-speed transfer rates and high-volume capacity. Currently available in 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB and 256 MB versions, the card reaches high read/write speeds, and has an impressive range of compatibility.
- Page 34 Hardware Guide Removing an xD Picture card To remove an xD Picture card, proceed as follows: Make sure the indicator light is not on. Push the card in to release it, and then pull it out. ✍ You are recommended to remove the memory card before shutting down the computer. If an error message appears when you remove it, insert the memory card into the slot again and press <Enter>.
- Page 35 Hardware Guide About CompactFlash cards Your VAIO desktop has a CompactFlash slot that supports Type I or Type II cards. CompactFlash is a removable mass storage device. And is used to interconnect digital cameras, digital music players, desktop computers, handheld PCs, personal communicators, Palm PCs, digital voice recorders and photo printers.
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Page 36: Inserting A Compactflash Card
Hardware Guide Inserting a CompactFlash card Simply insert the card gently into the card slot. The card is automatically detected by your system and will appear with its own icon under My Computer. ✍ Do not force a CompactFlash card into the slot. It may damage the connector pins. If you have difficulty inserting a CompactFlash card, check that you are inserting the card in the correct direction. - Page 37 Hardware Guide About Secure Digital cards The Secure Digital (SD) card is a small, high-capacity data storage media card. ✍ The Secure digital card slot is exclusively for the use of SD cards and Multi Media cards. Please do not insert other memory cards. Inserting a Secure Digital card To insert the SD card, proceed as follows: Insert the SD card into the SD card slot.
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Page 38: About Pc Cards
Hardware Guide About PC Cards Your VAIO desktop has a PC Card slot on the front panel that supports Type I or Type II PC Cards. PC Cards allow you to interconnect with portable external devices. Inserting a PC Card To insert a PC Card proceed as follows: Open the bottom panel on the front of your VAIO. -
Page 39: Removing A Pc Card
Hardware Guide 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 crash and unsaved data may be lost. If you want to remove a PC Card when your computer is off, skip steps 1 to 5. To remove a PC Card, proceed as follows: Close any applications that are using the PC Card. -
Page 40: Expansion Capabilities
Bottom slot: PCI Express slot containing the modem card and PCMCIA interface. Empty PCI slots allow you the choice of adding to the expansion capabilities of your computer. You are strongly advised not to add hardware yourself. Please contact your local Sony dealer for advice on changing the internal hardware components. -
Page 41: Connecting Peripheral Devices
(page 48) ❑ Connecting to a network (page 49) Sony computer supplies, accessories and peripherals can be purchased from your local retailer or from the Sony website: www.sonystyle-europe.com For more information about connection compatibility, go to the VAIO-Link website: (page 45) www.vaio-link.com... -
Page 42: Connecting A Display
Hardware Guide Connecting a display You can connect multiple displays to your desktop, each using a different port on the back of your computer: ❑ an LCD screen using the DVI-D connector ❑ a TV using the S-video/video Combo output port ❑... - Page 43 Hardware Guide To change your display from VGA to DVI or vice versa, proceed as follows: Connect the display(s), as described in the printed Getting Started or in the instructions delivered with the display, if applicable. Go to Control Panel. Click Appearance and Themes then Display.
- Page 44 Hardware Guide Connecting a TV set You can connect a TV directly to your computer. In order to be able to use a TV screen, you also have to enable the TV output function. Your VAIO desktop is delivered with a video cable (or ’converter cable’), which is for use with TV sets without an S-Video port. Connecting a TV that has no S-Video port To connect a TV to your VAIO desktop with the supplied video out cable, proceed as follows: Plug one end of the video cable into the S-video/video Combo...
- Page 45 Hardware Guide Connecting a TV that has an S-Video port To connect a TV to your VAIO desktop with an S-Video cable (not supplied), proceed as follows: Plug one end of the S-Video cable into the S-video/video Combo output port on the back of your computer. Plug the other end of the S-Video cable into your TV’s S-Video port.
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Page 46: Connecting A Sound System
Hardware Guide Connecting a sound system Your new PC allows you to enjoy your DVDs and audio files with the unbeatable experience of surround sound. There are 3 audio ports on the back of the unit to make a connection to your home cinema system via your amplifier. 1 port makes a connection to the centre speakers, another port to the front (left and right) speakers and the third port to the rear (left and right) speakers. -
Page 47: Connecting A Printer
Hardware Guide Connecting a printer To connect a printer, you can use either the printer port (shown in the top picture) or a USB port (bottom picture), depending on the cable you use for your printer. Please see your printer’s documentation for details on connection and installation. Always check the printer manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers for your operating system. -
Page 48: Connecting A Digital Camera
The i.LINK device will need its own power supply. ❑ 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 may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. Not all products with an i.LINK connection may communicate with each other. -
Page 49: Connecting A Microphone
Connecting an S/PDIF device The S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) port on your computer allows you to transfer audio files to optical devices. The advantage is that is does not use the conversion to and from an analog format, which could degrade the signal quality. -
Page 50: Connecting To A Network
Hardware Guide Connecting to a network Your computer comes with a built-in Ethernet interface. To connect to a network, proceed as follows: Connect your 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet cable (not supplied) to the Ethernet port, identified by the symbol , on the back of the computer. If there is a sticker covering the Ethernet port, this is to remind customers in Germany not to insert an ISDN cable (see caution below). -
Page 51: Upgrading Your Vaio Computer
Upgrading your VAIO computer Sony recommends contacting your local dealer for upgrade or maintenance of your new computer. Your local dealer has knowledge of this specialised personal computer and familiar with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment. -
Page 52: Upgrading Memory
Hardware Guide Upgrading memory In the future, you may want to upgrade the memory installed on your VAIO by replacing / adding memory modules. However, we recommend that you do not install them yourself unless you are familiar with upgrading memory on a computer. For memory upgrades, use only those modules mentioned in the printed Specifications table. -
Page 53: Viewing The Amount Of Memory
Hardware Guide 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, Security & Utilities, then VAIO System Information, and click VAIO System Information again. You can view the amount of installed memory here. - Page 54 Hardware Guide To remove an existing memory module, release the end latches and gently lift out the module, as shown (may vary from actual configuration): To insert a new memory module, remove it from its anti-static package, handling it only by the edges. Upgrading your VAIO computer...
- Page 55 Hardware Guide Locate the notch on the bottom edge of the memory module. Align the memory module over the slot, making sure the module is facing the correct way. Press evenly against the memory module's upper corners. The end latches snap into position automatically, as shown.
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Page 56: Getting Help
Hardware Guide Getting help This section describes how to get help and support if something goes wrong with your computer. Sony offers you many support options for your computer. Sony documentation Please see the section Documentation pack computer, as well as further sources of reference. - Page 57 Hardware Guide Getting help e-Support What is e-Support? You have searched our user guides and website (www.vaio-link.com) but have not found an answer to your question/issue? e- Support is the ideal solution for you! Our e-Support Web Portal is an interactive website on which you can submit any technical query you may have regarding your VAIO and receive answers from our dedicated support team.
- Page 58 Hardware Guide Getting help Can I submit my questions at any time? Yes, you can submit your questions 24/7, but please keep in mind that our e-Support Team can only treat your queries from Monday till Friday between 8am and 6pm. Is there a cost involved for using e-Support? No, this is a complete free of charge service offered to all registered VAIO customers! How do I know when the e-Support Team has handled my query/case?
- Page 59 Hardware Guide Precautions This section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage. Please contact VAIO-Link if you need assistance. ❑ On handling the hard disk (page 59) ❑ On using the power source (page 60) ❑...
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Page 60: On Handling The Hard Disk
Hardware Guide 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. -
Page 61: On Using The Power Source
Hardware Guide On using the power source ❑ See the printed Specifications sheet to check the power operation of your VAIO. ❑ Do not share the AC outlet with other high power-consuming equipment, such as a photocopier or shredder. ❑ You can purchase a power strip with a surge protector. -
Page 62: On Handling Your Computer
Hardware Guide On handling your computer ❑ Clean the unit with a soft cloth, which is either dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent such as alcohol or benzene, as these may damage the finish of your computer. ❑... -
Page 63: On Handling Lcd Screens
Hardware Guide ❑ 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 VAIO-Link. ❑... -
Page 64: On Handling Floppy Disks
Hardware Guide 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 discs ❑... -
Page 65: On Handling Memory Sticks
Hardware Guide On handling Memory Sticks ❑ 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. ❑... - Page 66 Trademarks Sony, BlueSpace NE, DVgate Plus, Giga Pocket, HotKey Utility, Memory Stick Formatter, PictureGear Studio, SonicStage, Sony Notebook Setup, VAIO Action Setup, VAIO Edit Components, VAIO Media, VAIO Power Management, VAIO System Information, Memory Stick, the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.