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Welcome Sony Notebook User Guide

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO notebook. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing. Here are just some of the features your VAIO notebook has to offer:
Exceptional performance - Your PC includes a fast processor and an internal modem. 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 todays advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software. Multimedia features Enjoy audio and video CDs. Interconnectivity Your computer has MagicGate Memory Stick, Ethernet and i.LINK functionalities. Memory Stick is Sonys universal storage medium. i.LINK is a bi-directional digital interface for exchanging data. Wireless technology Thanks to the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b) technology, you can communicate freely, without cables or wires. Windows - Your system includes the Microsoft Windows XP 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, you may try to solve the problem by reading the User Guide or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

Documentation pack

Your Documentation Pack contains paper and online user guides on your computer's hard drive.

Printed documentation

A Getting Started brochure, where you find a brief description of the items in your box, some specifications of your notebook, and how to setup your notebook; A Customer Guide, where you find all the basic information you need to start using your notebook, as well as troubleshooting and VAIO-Link information; Your Sony Guarantee conditions; A Safety Regulations flyer; A Wireless Lan Regulations flyer; A Modem Regulations flyer.

Online documentation

1 The Sony Notebook User Guide:
Using your notebook 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 and how to use Wireless LAN. Connecting peripheral devices explains how you can add functionality by connecting various peripherals. Getting help explains the support options available to you, and offers basic troubleshooting tips. Precautions provides facts and advice about using your notebook. Specifications provides details on your computer, drivers and accessories. Glossary refers to terms used in this manual.

Refer to your Software Guide for information on the bundled software and the Sony applications.
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 explains how to convert your existing MP3, WMA and WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format. Using Imaging software gives you an idea what you can do with still images: creating a collection, a slide show, a screen saver or a photo album. Customizing your notebook explains how to set your system and power management. Installing and updating applications explains how to install, run or uninstall a software application. Managing drivers explains how to install, update or uninstall a driver. Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs explains how to perform a system and application recovery. Using partitioned drives tells you what you can do with partitioned drives.
Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting. Refer to the Microsoft Quick Start manual for more information on Windows. Go to http://www.club-vaio.sony-europe.com to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.
Your notebook and its accessories
The following hardware items are in the box:
main unit rechargeable battery pack product recovery CD-ROMs documentation pack AC adapter
power cord phone plug (country specific) phone cable docking station (only bundled with PCG-R600HFPKIT)

Ergonomic considerations

You will be using your notebook 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.

Using the AC adapter

To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows: 3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In connector (2) on the computer. Plug one end of the power cord (3) into the AC adapter. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. If the main unit is connected to an optional docking station, you can only use the DC In connector on the docking station. To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter. Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. Some models may be supplied with 2 power cords, respectively for a UK and for a Continental power outlet. In this case, please make sure to use the power cord, which corresponds to the type of your power outlet. If the main unit is connected to an optional docking station, you can only use the DC In connector on the docking station. To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter. Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

Using the battery pack

You can use a battery pack as a source of power. The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
Inserting the battery pack To insert the battery, proceed as follows: 1 Move the lock lever (1) on the bottom of the computer to the Unlock position.
Align the grooves (2) and tabs on the battery (3) with the tabs and notches on the back of the computer, and then slide the battery towards the computer until it clicks into place.
Slide the lock lever into the Lock position to secure the battery on the computer.
When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.
! Make sure the cover is closed before inserting the battery pack.
Charging the battery pack To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows: Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Insert the battery pack. The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is 85% full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately two and a half hours if the notebook is on. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour.

Print Screen key (3) Correction keys (4) <Fn> key (5) Navigation keys (6)
Application key (7) Numeric keypad area (8)

Operator keys (9)

Windows key (10)
Combinations and functions with the <Windows> key

Combinations

+ F1 + Tab +E +F + Ctrl + F +M Shift + +R <Fn> + + Insert +M

Functions

Displays Help and Support Center. Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays My Computer. Displays the Search Results window to find a file or folder. This is equivalent to selecting Search and then All files and folders from the Start menu. Displays the Search Results - Computers window where you can locate other computers. Minimizes all displayed windows. Returns all minimized windows to their previous size. Displays the Run window. This is equivalent to selecting Run from the Start menu. Displays the System Properties window. This is equivalent to double-clicking the System icon in the Control Panel.

Indicators

Indicator
Power on: lights green. Standby mode: flashes umber. Hibernate mode: turns off.

Battery Memory Stick

Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the computer. Turns on when the Memory Stick is in use. Turns off when the Memory Stick is no longer in use. Turns on when the docking station is in use. Turns off when the docking station is no longer in use.

Docking station

Hard disk
Data is read from or written to the hard The hard drive is not being accessed. drive. Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the computer when this indicator light is on. Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad are active. Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as you type. The <Shift> key lowers the case of typed letters when Caps Lock is on. Turns on when the screen scrolls differently (depends on the application, no effect in many applications). Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the keypad area are active. Turns off when the letters appear in lowercase as you type (unless you hold down the <Shift> key). Turns off when the information moves across the display normally.

Num Lock

Caps Lock

Scroll Lock

Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key

Combinations/ Feature

<Fn> + <Fn> + <Fn> + (ESC): Standby (F3): speaker switch Adjusts the built-in speaker volume. (F4): speaker volume To increase volume, press <Fn>+<F4> and then To decrease volume, press <Fn>+<F4> and then Adjusts the brightness of the LCD. <Fn> + (F5): brightness control To increase lightness intensity, press <Fn>+<F5> and then To decrease light intensity, press <Fn>+<F5> and then <Fn> + / (F7)*: switch to the external display or or. or or.
Puts the system into Standby mode, a power management state. To return the system to the active state, press any key. Toggles the built-in speaker on and off.
Toggles between the LCD, external display (connected to the monitor connector) and both LCD and external display. Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states of the system and of the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power switch to turn on the power.

<Fn> +

(F12): Hibernate
* First you need to connect your external display, then you turn on your notebook. When you connect your external display when the computer is already on, you cannot use the key combination <Fn>+<F7>. * This function can only be used by the first user to log in. It will not work if you have switched to another user account.

Using the touchpad

The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, your touchpad. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad.

Action

point click double-click right-click drag scroll

Description

Slide one finger on the touchpad (1) to place the pointer (4) on an item or object. Press the left button (2) once. Press the left button twice. Press the right button (3) once. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut menu. Slide one finger while pressing the left button. Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scroll vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touchpad scroll feature).

Audio systems Visual devices VAIO products CLIE handhelds Mobile phones. The generic Memory Stick, coloured blue. The MagicGate Memory Stick, coloured white.
You can purchase Memory Sticks from the Sony Style website (http://www.sonystyle-europe.com), or from your local Sony dealer.
There are currently two different types of Memory Stick:

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.
The main advantages of the Memory Stick are its:
Compactness: with dimensions of just 21.5 mm (W) x 2.8 mm (H) x 50 mm (D), compatible products can also be small, lightweight and attractive in their design. Capacity: Its data capacity far exceeds that of a floppy disk. Security: its lock option means you can protect your data from accidental erasure. Versatility: memory capacity ranges from 4MB up to 128MB (the equivalent capacity of 88 floppy disks). Reliability: by way of protecting the hardware and its contents, the number of terminals is reduced to only 10 pins. This, and the overall robust structure of the stick, gives it a longer lifespan than other storage devices. Durability: the same Memory Stick can be used tens of thousands of times. Forward compatibility: the Memory Stick's current format is designed to be compatible with future products and higher capacity Memory Sticks.
The future of Memory Stick Memory Stick's potential is virtually unlimited, with the number of compatible products increasing rapidly in both personal and professional spheres. The introduction of the 256 MB and 512 MB Memory Stick is anticipated in 2002, and a 1 gigabyte capacity Memory Stick is expected in 2003. Additionally, the native transfer speed of the Memory Stick will be increased to accommodate the increasing capacity. By the end of 2002, Memory Stick's transfer speed will be increased by eight times to a maximum of 20MB/sec.

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.
Because it is easy to remove and transport safely, you can use Memory Stick anywhere by inserting it into any compatible device to transfer and share the information you have saved. For you, this means you can expand the capabilities of your VAIO computer in the following scenarios:
With your still digital camera, share your holiday pictures instantly by e-mail. From your handycam to your VAIO, make the most of your captured moments with the VAIO's movie editing tools. Carry pictures on you by copying image files from the Internet to your VAIO to your CLIE handheld. With your voice recorder, add your voice to e-mails so your tone is never misunderstood.
The blue Memory Stick is currently available with a 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB or a 128MB memory (the equivalent capacity of 88 floppy disks).
Generic Memory Sticks cannot be used with the Memory Stick Walkman, or with data that is protected by copyright.

MagicGate Memory Stick

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.
With this type of Memory Stick, also called the MG Memory Stick, you can enjoy the following features:
32MB, 64MB and 128MB capacity versions. Storage of up to 120 minutes of audio data. Download and save:
digital music pictures movies, and more.
Combine data files to add music to your home movies, for example. Transfer and share data between several digital products. MagicGate Copyright Protection Technology. SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative) Compliance. SonicStage software.
So that you further distinguish a MagicGate Memory Stick from a generic one, look for:

logo printed on it

a protruding dot located on the back.
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). The 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 and other MagicGate Memory Stick compatible devices. The Memory Stick Walkman and MagicGate Memory Stick work together to check the data and ensure it complies with copyright protection. If no problems are detected, the data is exchanged in encrypted form; if authentication is not passed, data cannot be exchanged or played back. SonicStage SonicStage uses copyright protection technology designed to manage the digital music content downloaded to the PC from CDs, the Internet and/or other sources. Software installed on the PC records music content in encrypted form onto the hard disk. As well as allowing you to enjoy music on the PC, this technology protects against unauthorized distribution on the Internet. Since it is compatible with MagicGate, you can use SonicStage to transfer music that you have downloaded onto your PC to your MG Memory Stick, and playback on other Magic Gate-equipped devices and media.

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

Using Normal mode

This is the normal state of your computer when it is in use. The green power indicator light is on in this mode. To save power, you can turn off a specific device such as the LCD or the hard disk.

Using Standby mode

The computer saves the current state of the system in RAM and switches off power to the CPU. The umber power light flashes in this mode. To activate Standby mode, proceed as follows: Press the <Fn> and <Esc> keys simultaneously. Alternatively, 1 Click Start and then Turn Off Computer. 2 In the Turn off computer screen, press Standby. The computer enters Standby mode. To return to Normal mode, proceed as follows: Press any key.

Using Hibernate mode

The state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off. The power indicator light is off in this mode. To activate Hibernate mode, proceed as follows: Press <Fn>+<F12>. The Save to Disk Manager screen appears and the notebooks enters Hibernate mode. Alternatively, Click Start, and then Turn Off Computer. In the Turn off computer screen, hold down the <Shift>-key and press Hibernate. To return to Normal mode, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer by pressing the power button. The computer returns to its previous state.
When the computer is in Hibernate mode, you cannot insert a disc. Hibernate mode requires more time than Standby mode to be activated. It takes more time to return to normal mode from Hibernate mode than from Standby mode. Hibernate mode uses less power than Standby mode. Do not move the notebook until its power indicator turns off.
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN)
Thanks to Sonys Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality communicate freely with each other through a powerful network. A WLAN is a network in which a mobile user can connect to a local area network (LAN) through a wireless (radio) connection. So there is no need anymore to pull cables or wires through walls and ceilings. The Sony WLAN supports all normal Ethernet activities, but with the added benefits of mobility and roaming. You can still access information, internet/intranet and network resources, even in the middle of a meeting, or as you move from one place to another. You can communicate without an Access Point, this means that you can communicate between a limited number of computers (ad-hoc), or you can communicate through an Access Point, which allows you to create a full infrastructure network (infrastructure).
In some countries, using WLAN products may be restricted by the local regulations (e.g. individual license, limited number of channels). Therefore, before activating the WLAN functionality, carefully read the Wireless LAN Regulation flyer. WLAN uses the IEEE 802.11b standard, which specifies the used technology. The standard includes the encryption method: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which is a security protocol. Data encryption protects the vulnerable wireless link between clients and Access Points. Besides that, there are other typical LAN security mechanisms to ensure privacy, such as: password protection, end-to-end encryption, virtual private networks, and authentication. Wireless LAN devices using the IEEE 802.11a standard and the ones using the IEEE 802.11b standard cannot communicate because the frequencies are different. The standard access is 11 Mbps, or about 30 to 100 times faster than a standard dial up.

symbol.

Connecting an external microphone
It is possible to plug in an external microphone to your VAIO notebook. To connect an external microphone, proceed as follows: Plug the microphone cable into the microphone connector identified by the symbol.
Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use.
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) mouse
You can connect a USB device (e.g. mouse, floppy disk drive, printer) to your notebook or to your docking station. If the main unit is docked, you can only use the USB connectors on the docking station. To connect a USB mouse to the notebook, proceed as follows: Plug the USB cable (1) into one of the notebook USB connectors (2) identified by the symbol.
To connect a USB mouse to the docking station, proceed as follows: Plug the USB cable (1) into one of the docking station USB connectors (2) identified by the symbol.
You do not need to shut down the computer before connecting or disconnecting a USB peripheral. You can connect the optional Sony USB mouse (PCGA-UMS1 series). As the driver for this mouse is preinstalled on your computer, you can use the mouse by just connecting it.

Connecting a printer

You can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.
Connecting a printer using the USB connector
To connect a printer using the USB connector, proceed as follows Plug an optional USB printer cable into one of the USB connectors on your computer or your docking station. A USB connector is identified by the symbol. Plug the printer power cord into an AC outlet.
Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer settings in the Sony Notebook Setup software. Turn off your computer and the printer, unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the printer.
Connecting a printer using the printer connector
The docking station (optional) is equipped with a printer connector. To connect a printer using the printer connector, proceed as follows: Plug the printer cable (1) supplied with the printer into the docking station printer connector (2) identified by the symbol. Plug the printer power cord (3) into an AC outlet.
Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer settings in the Sony Notebook Setup software.
Connecting an i.LINK device
Your computer includes an i.LINK (IEEE1394) connector, which you can use to connect to an i.LINK device such as a digital video camera recorder or to connect two VAIO notebooks in order to copy, delete or edit files. The i.LINK connector of your notebook does not supply power to external devices generally powered by i.LINK connectors. The i.LINK connector supports transfer rates up to 400 Mbps; however, the actual transfer rate depends on the transfer rate of the external device. The i.LINK features available may vary depending on the software applications you use. Refer to the documentation that came with your software for more information. i.LINK cables compatible with your VAIO notebook include cables with the following part numbers: VMC-IL4415A (a 1.5 meter cable with a 4-pin connector at each end), VMC-IL4408Series (a 0.8 meter cable with a 4-pin connector at each end).

Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete>. If you have not changed the default settings, you will enter the Task Manager, where you can close any application that cannot close normally, and restart your system. If this does not work, press <Alt>+<F4> to get to the Turn off computer screen, from where you can shut down or restart your computer. If this does not work, press the power button and hold it for at least four seconds. This turns off the power. Unplug the computer from the AC adapter and remove the battery pack from your computer.

My computer locks up

If you suspect one application is locking your system, you can try to stop it. To do this, press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously. If you have not changed the default settings, you will enter the Task Manager. Select the application or process that is locking your system, and then click End Task. If the above method does not work or you do not know which application is locking your system, restart the computer. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, click Turn Off Computer, and then select Turn Off. If the above method does not work, press the power button and hold it for at least four seconds. This turns off the power. If your computer locks up while playing a CD-ROM, stop the CD-ROM, and shut down the computer by pressing <Alt>+<F4> and clicking Turn Off in the Turn off computer screen.
My software program locks up or crashes Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support. My touchpad interprets a single tap as a double-click Open the Mouse icon in the Control Panel and change the button assignments in the Mouse Properties dialog box. One of the buttons is assigned to the double-click action. My mouse does not work
Check that the USB mouse is plugged into the USB connector. If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse, check that the appropriate driver and mouseware are properly installed.

About the display

My LCD does not display anything
Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the computer is on. Check that the battery packs are inserted properly and that they are charged. Adjust the brightness of the LCD. The computer may be in LCD (video) standby mode. Press any key to activate the display. The display mode may be set to external display mode. Press and hold the <Fn> key while pressing <F7> several times.
The screen image on my external display is not centered or sized properly Use the controls on your external display to adjust the image. The window I have just closed continues to appear on my LCD Press the <Windows> key and <D> key twice to refresh the screen.
About CD-ROMs and diskettes
My CD-ROM drive tray does not open
Make sure the computer is turned on. Press the eject button on the optical device drive. If the eject button does not work, you can open the tray by inserting a sharp, pointed object into the hole to the right of the eject button.

Close all open applications and restart your computer. Frequent recording of images to a digital video device while using DVgate sometimes causes this error. Your DV device will need to have DV In/Out in order to be able to transfer your files to the DV device.

About i.LINK devices

I cannot establish an i.LINK connection between two VAIO computers
Disconnect then reconnect the i.LINK cable. If you still have no connection after waiting for a while, restart both computers. If either computer has just returned from a power saving mode, the connection may be affected. In this case, make sure you perform a full restart before connecting them.

About Wireless LAN

I cannot use the Wireless LAN function
Check if the Wireless switch on the front side of the machine is turned on.
The Wireless LAN Access Point and your computer cannot communicate
Check if the Wireless LAN switch on the front side of the computer is turned on. Check if the power of the Access Point is turned on.
Check if the Access Point is displayed in the Available networks window.
To check this, click Start and then Control Panel. Double-click the Network Connections icon. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon and select Properties. Select the Wireless Networks tab. Check if the Access Point is displayed in Available networks. Connection availability is affected by distance and obstructions. You may need to move your computer away from obstructions or neared to any Access Point you may be using.
The data transfer speed is slow
The maximum communication speed can vary depending on the obstacles or the distance between the communication devices, the radio waves, the operating system or the software you use. Remove the obstacle or make the distance between the Access Point and your machine smaller. It is possible that your Access Point communicates at the same time with another Access Point. Read the manual of the Access Point. If several computers communicate with the same Access Point, the concentration may be too high. Wait a few minutes and try to access again.
I cannot access the Internet
Check the settings of the Access Point. See the manual of the Access Point. Check if your computer and the Access Point are communicating. Make the distance between the Access Point and your machine smaller.
The maximum communication speed is not reached The maximum communication speed is 11 Mbps, but this can never be reached. The normal speed is 4 to 5 Mbps. The communication speed slows down when transferring MPEG2 data. The file transfer is interrupted This can happen when the file size is too big. You need to temporarily change a setting. After transferring the necessary files, you need to change the setting back to its original state. To change the setting, proceed as follows: Click Start and then Control Panel. Double-click the Network Connections icon. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon and select Properties. Select the Wireless Networks tab. Clear the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box. Click OK.

+5C to +35C (temperature gradient less than 10C/hour) -20C to +60C (temperature gradient less than 10C/hour) 20% to 80% (not condensed), provided that humidity is less than 65% at +35C (hygrometer reading of less than 29C) 10% to 90% (not condensed), provided that humidity is less than 20% at +60C (hygrometer reading of less than 35C)
IEEE802.11b standard (IBSS Ad hoc mode support)
2.4 GHz band (2.400 GHz - 2.474 GHz) Approx. 11 Mbps
Max. approx. 100 m (open space) From 1 to 11 DS-SS (IEEE802.11b standard)
Model name Length of network key (3)
See our special Guarantee extension conditions.

64, 128 bit

Specifications are subject to change without notice. (1) The maximum communication speed of the IEEE802.11b standard can vary depending on the obstacles or the distance between the communication devices, the radio waves, the operating system or the software you use. (2) This can vary depending on the obstacles between the communication devices, the radio waves, the operating system, the software you use or the surroundings (walls, etc.). (3) You can type maximum 5 letters (64 bit) and 13 letters (128 bit).
(optional) Docking station specifications Sony Notebook User Guide
(optional) Docking station specifications
Model name CD-RW/DVD Docking station (PCGA-DSM5)*
up to 24x max. CD-ROM reading speed up to 8x max. CD-R writing speed up to 4x max. CD-RW writing speed up to 8x max. DVD-ROM reading speed laser diode properties: wave length: DVD 660 nm / CD 785 nm laser output: 468 mW
DVD Docking station (PCGA-DSD5)
up to 24x max. CD-ROM reading speed up to 8x max. DVD-ROM reading speed

Optical drive

laser diode properties: wave length: DVD 640-683 nm / CD 770-815 nm laser output: 28.38 mW
Floppy disk drive Connectors Dimensions Weight
3.5 1.44 MB/720 KB i.LINK (IEEE1394) S400 connector, Ethernet (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX) network port, printer port, VGA monitor port, serial port, 2 USB ports, docking connector, DC In Approx. 279.5 mm (w) x 18.5 mm (h) (21.5 mm backside) x 235.0 mm (d) (The projecting parts are not included) 1.080 g 1.030 g
* PCG-DSM5 is bundled with PCG-R600HFPKIT. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Glossary Sony Notebook User Guide

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

Definition

The <F1> key gives you access to the online help of most software. Ethernet system providing data transfer rates of 10 Mbps (megabits per second) and 100 Mbps. The 100BASE-TX is a very direct derivative of 10BASE-T. Its 100 Mbps speed is achieved by simply sending the signal 10 times faster. Short for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, a power management specification. ACPI enables the operating system to turn peripherals on and off and to control the amount of power given to each device attached to the computer. With ACPI, a CD-ROM player can be turned off by the operating system if it is not in use. A recovery process that enables you to recover any of the applications initially available on the computer. Performing an application recovery is useful when an individual application does not run properly or to reinstall a driver when a device does not work properly. CD-ROM that enables a VAIO computer user to recover all the applications that were available when the computer was purchased. The CD-ROM is supplied with the computer. An acronym for Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS is a program that enables the computer to start when you turn it on. It monitors the data stream between the operating system and the computers hardware devices. CardBus is the commercial name for an advanced PC Card. The CardBus technology allows computer users to enjoy higher performances as far as data transfer and operating speed are concerned. See PCMCIA.

Application recovery

Application recovery CD-ROM BIOS

CardBus

119 Term CD-ROM CD-RW CPU 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. A CD-RW can be written to several times, a CD-R can only be written to once. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brains of the computer; it processes the instructions of your systems programs. The CPU is also known as the processor or microprocessor and can be found on the motherboard of your computer. The Direct Current interface to which you connect your computers AC adapter. An additional device that you can connect to your notebook. The docking station contains slots for expansion boards , bays for storage devices and ports for additional peripherals (such as printers or monitors). A driver is software enabling you to use hardware devices. For example, in order for you to be able to use a printer, you must first install its driver. Many drivers, such as the mouse driver, come with the operating system. Short for Digital Video Disc. A type of read-only CD with a minimum capacity of 4.7 GB (maximum capacity can reach 17 GB). This high storage power makes it the ideal medium for storing films. Ethernet is the most widely implemented local area network (LAN) technology. The Ethernet system called 10BASE-T provides data transfer rates of 10 Mbps (megabits per second). A more recent version of Ethernet, called 100BASE-T, provides data transfer rates of 100 Mbps. Gigabit Ethernet supports data rates of 1 gigabit (1,000 megabits) per second.

DC In Docking station

Driver

DVD-ROM

Ethernet

120 Term EULA Definition

EULA (End-User License Agreement) is the name given to a license governing the software on your computer. The EULA can be found in the Read this first section at the beginning of the software guide or directly on the VAIO desktop. i.LINK is Sonys 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.). An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a company which provides you with a user name, password and telephone number in order to connect to the Internet. Cache memory is RAM-like memory that enables quick access to data that has already been read by the computer. L1 and L2 are levels of cache memory in a computer. A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers connected together within a limited geographical area. It enables users to share devices (such as printers) and information using one processor or server. Short for Liquid Crystal Display. Flat notebook display technology using liquid crystals (and light polarisation) to provide sharp, flicker-free images on a screen comprised of millions of tiny cells. Color can be produced by two basic techniques. Passive matrix is the less expensive of the two technologies. The active matrix technology (or TFT) produces better quality but is also more expensive. Short for Light-Emitting Diode. A semiconductor device that lights up when electricity passes through it. A lithium-ion battery uses lithium cobalt oxide and carbon as electrodes and ions move from one electrode to the other during charge and discharge. Lithium-ion batteries are the first choice for notebooks because of their light weight, high energy density and because they have no memory effect. In addition they do not use heavy metals like lead, mercury or cadmium.