Sony VGC-LS20 User Manual

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGC-LS20 Series

10nNGetting StartedLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.FrontA Built-in speakers (

100nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerIf the computer is not used for more than 25 minutes, it will enter Sleep mode. To avoid this, you can change the S

101nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerYour VAIO computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connec

102nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAdding and Removing MemoryIf you want to expand the functionality of your computer, you can increase the memory by in

103nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer❑ Use the special bag delivered with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminum foil to protect it from electro

104nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerRemoving and Installing a Memory ModuleTo change or add a memory module1 Shut down the computer and turn off all peri

105nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer4 Unscrew the screw (2) and remove the memory module compartment cover (3).5 Touch a metal object (such as the chassi

106nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer7 Remove the new memory module from its packaging.8 Slide the memory module into the memory module slot and push it i

107nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerViewing the Amount of MemoryTo view the amount of memory1 Turn on the computer.2 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO

108nNPrecautionsPrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your VAIO computer from potential damage.❑ On

109nNPrecautionsOn Handling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD screen facing the sun. This could damage the LCD screen. Be careful when using your c

11nNGetting StartedBackA Back panel coverRemove the back panel cover to access the ports and jacks behind it (page 16).!Before removing the cover, be

110nNPrecautionsOn Using the Power Source❑ See the online Specifications to check the power operation of your model.❑ Do not share the AC outlet with

111nNPrecautionsOn Handling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do n

112nNPrecautions❑ Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables; otherwise, problems may occur.❑ Do not use cut or damaged connection c

113nNPrecautionsOn Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera❑ Do not touch the front mirror plate over the lens of the built-in MOTION EYE camera, as it ma

114nNPrecautionsOn Handling Discs❑ Do not touch the surface of the disc.❑ Do not drop or bend the disc.❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a dis

115nNPrecautions❑ An 8cm disc adapter exclusively designed for your model is provided for use of 8cm discs on your computer.❑ Be sure to attach the ad

116nNPrecautionsOn Using HeadphonesPreventing hearing damage – Avoid using headphones at high volume. Hearing experts advise against continuous, loud

117nNPrecautionsOn Handling the Hard DiskThe hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily

118nNTroubleshootingTroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO computer. Many problem

119nNTroubleshooting❑ Memory Stick Media (page 149)❑ Peripherals (page 150)

12nNGetting StartedACapture angle adjuster (page 34)B AUDIO INPUT (L/R) jacks*1 (page 54)C VIDEO INPUT (S VIDEO/VIDEO) port*1 (page 54)D VHF/UHF port*

120nNTroubleshootingComputerWhat should I do if my computer does not start?❑ Make sure your computer is securely plugged into a power source and turne

121nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a BIOS error appears when I turn on my computer?If the message "Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to

122nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the power indicator (Green) lights but my computer screen stays blank?❑ If the orange MONITOR OFF indicator is

123nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my computer enter Sleep mode?Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed before the comput

124nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if my game software does not work or it keeps crashing?❑ Check the Web site of the game if there are any patches

125nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot boot my computer from the USB floppy disk drive connected to the computer?To boot your computer from

126nNTroubleshootingSystem SecurityThis section provides information about keeping your computer operating smoothly and protecting against potential t

127nNTroubleshootingBuilt-in MOTION EYE CameraWhy does the viewer window show no images or poor-quality images?❑ The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot

128nNTroubleshootingWhy do the images captured by the built-in MOTION EYE camera flicker?This problem occurs when you use the camera under fluorescent

129nNTroubleshootingWhy can't I use the built-in MOTION EYE camera?❑ The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot be shared by more than one software ap

13nNGetting StartedRightA Optical disc drive (page 35)B Optical disc drive indicator (page 15)C Drive eject button (page 37)

130nNTroubleshootingInternetWhat should I do if my modem does not work?❑ Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the modem port on your

131nNTroubleshootingWhy is my modem connection slow?Your computer is equipped with a V.92/ V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem con

132nNTroubleshootingNetworkingWhat should I do if my computer cannot connect to a wireless LAN access point?❑ Connection availability is affected by d

133nNTroubleshootingWhy is the data transfer speed slow?❑ The wireless LAN data transfer speed is affected by distance and obstructions between device

134nNTroubleshootingWhat are channels?❑ Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN acces

135nNTroubleshootingOptical DiscsWhy does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc?The disc that your computer is trying to read may be dirty or d

136nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot play a CD or DVD properly on my computer?❑ Make sure the disc is inserted into the optical disc drive

137nNTroubleshooting6 Double-click the desired drive.You can confirm the driver software by selecting the Driver tab, and clicking Driver Details.7 Cl

138nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot write data to CD media?❑ Make sure you neither launch any software application nor allow any to launc

139nNTroubleshootingDisplayWhy did my computer screen go blank?❑ Your computer screen may go blank if the computer has entered Sleep mode. If the comp

14nNGetting StartedLeft A PC Card slot (page 63)B PC Card release button (page 65)C SD memory card slot (page 77)D Headphones jackConnect external hea

140nNTroubleshootingPrintingWhat should I do if I cannot print a document?❑ Make sure your printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected

141nNTroubleshootingMicrophoneWhat should I do if my microphone does not work?❑ If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is t

142nNTroubleshootingMouseWhat should I do if my computer does not recognize my mouse?❑ Make sure the power switch on the bottom of the wireless mouse

143nNTroubleshootingSpeakersWhat should I do if I cannot hear sound from my speakers?❑ If you are using a program that has its own volume control, mak

144nNTroubleshootingKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?The language layout of the wireless keyboard is labeled on the pac

145nNTroubleshootingFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected?Your computer does

146nNTroubleshootingPC CardsWhat should I do if my PC Card does not work?❑ Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting a PC Card (page 6

147nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my computer recognize attached devices?For some PC Cards, if you alternate between Normal mode and Sleep mode whi

148nNTroubleshootingAudio/VideoWhat should I do if I cannot use my DV camcorder?If the message appears to indicate DV equipment seems to be disconnect

149nNTroubleshootingMemory Stick MediaWhat should I do if I cannot use Memory Stick media, which were formatted on a VAIO computer, on other devices?Y

15nNGetting StartedAbout the Indicator LightsYour computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.✍You can change the brightness of the indic

150nNTroubleshootingPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is turned on and using its own

151nNSupport OptionsSupport OptionsThe section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your VAIO computer and the preinstal

152nNSupport Options5 VAIO UpdateWhen your computer is connected to the Internet, VAIO Update automatically notifies you when critical software and se

153nNSupport OptionsFor users in Latin American countries or areasCustomer Information CenterIf you do not find the information you are looking for at

154nNSupport OptionsIn order to contact a Sony technical support representative, please call the following numbers:❑ In Argentina:(011) 6770-SONY (766

155nNSupport OptionsProgram Support InformationDepending on the computer model and particular configuration you purchased, your computer may not inclu

156nNSupport OptionsAmerica Online® (Dial-Up)America Online, Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb site http://www.aol.com AOL® Music NowAmerica Online

157nNSupport OptionsAOL® Instant Messenger™America Online, Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb site http://www.aim.com Ask Search AssistantIAC Search

158nNSupport OptionsClick to DVD® softwareSony Electronics Inc.At the touch of a button, Click to DVD software allows you to automatically burn DVDs f

159nNSupport OptionsImage Converter 2 PlusSony Electronics Inc.Image Converter 2 Plus allows you to easily convert movie and picture files on your com

16nNGetting StartedConnecting a Power SourceYou need an AC adapter as a power source for your computer.Before Accessing the DC IN PortYou need to remo

160nNSupport Options60-Day Trial Version of Microsoft® Office!The Microsoft Office 60-Day Trial software included with this computer system is intende

161nNSupport OptionsNetscape® BrowserAmerica Online, Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb site http://browser.netscape.com Norton Internet Security™Sy

162nNSupport OptionsQuicken® New User EditionIntuit Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb site http://www.intuit.com/support/quicken/ Roxio® Easy Media

163nNSupport OptionsSonicStage® softwareSony Electronics Inc.The SonicStage jukebox software program gives you all the tools you need to manage music

164nNSupport OptionsUlead BD DiscRecorder for VAIO® computersUlead Systems, Inc.For questions and technical assistance, please check the help and the

165nNSupport OptionsVAIO® CentralSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Central provides a central location that gathers resources to configure your VAIO computer

166nNSupport OptionsVAIO Media™ softwareSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Media™ software brings multimedia to your network, enabling you to share music, vide

167nNSupport OptionsVAIO® UpdateSony Electronics Inc.The VAIO Update utility helps you keep your VAIO® computer up to date by regularly checking the S

© 2007 Sony Corporationn

17nNGetting StartedUsing the AC Adapter✍Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.To use the AC adapter1 Plug one end of the power cord (1)

18nNGetting Started✍You can bundle the AC adapter cable along with other cables to keep them tidy. Snap open the cable bundler, route the cables throu

19nNGetting StartedShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.To

2nNContentsBefore Use ...

20nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.❑ Using the Keyboard (p

21nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the KeyboardA wireless keyboard is supplied with your computer.The wireless keyboard uses a standard key arrangement

22nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Wireless KeyboardA Function keysPerform certain tasks. The task associated with each function key varies among s

23nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerEStandby buttonProvides for the lower level of power consumption.For details on power management, see Using the Power Savi

24nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerA Keyboard feetFlip open to adjust the keyboard angle.B CONNECT buttonPress to enable the wireless keyboard to communicate

25nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore you use the keyboardFour AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless keyboard. Be

26nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the wireless keyboard!To connect your wireless keyboard, it must be located within a range of approximately 11.

27nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍You can check the battery indicator ( or ) in the indicator window on the wireless keyboard for its battery power level

28nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the MouseA wireless mouse is supplied with your computer.Using the Wireless MouseThe wireless optical mouse has no c

29nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore you use the mouseTwo AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless mouse. Before at

3nNUsing Peripheral Devices...

30nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the wireless mouse!To connect the wireless mouse, it must be located within a range of approximately 11.8 inche

31nNUsing Your VAIO Computer4 Turn over the mouse, slide the power switch to the ON position, and press the CONNECT button.Communication between the m

32nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerAdjusting the Mouse Functions1 Click Start and Control Panel.2 Click Mouse under Hardware and Sound.The Mouse Properties w

33nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Built-in MOTION EYE CameraYour computer is equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera.The built-in MOTION EYE ca

34nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot be shared by more than one software application. If another software application is

35nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Optical Disc DriveYour computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.To insert a disc!Be sure to attach the 8c

36nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍In Sleep mode, inserting a disc will automatically launch Windows and may display a window for selecting your preferred s

37nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo remove a disc!The drive eject button is disabled when your computer is turned off.Do not remove the optical disc when y

38nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerReading and Writing Optical DiscsYour computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check

39nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!This product is designed to playback discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD Sta

4nNTroubleshooting ...

40nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍8cm disc writing is not supported.Except the Blu-ray Disc drive, all other optical disc drives are capable of reading 8cm

41nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on writing data to a disc❑ Use only Sony Value-added software when writing to CD/DVD media. (e.g. Click to DVD) Othe

42nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on playing discsTo achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.❑ Close al

43nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying CDsTo play an audio CD1 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive. 2 If nothing appears on the desktop, then click

44nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying DVDsTo play a DVD1 Close all running software applications.2 Insert a DVD into the optical disc drive.3 If nothing

45nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the TV FunctionYour computer may have a TV tuner board installed along with Windows Media Center to enhance your com

46nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up TV ConnectionsThe best method of connecting your computer system, TV monitor or display, and cable service acce

47nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerConnecting to standard cable access (CATV)To connect in CATV mode (Option 1)1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1)

48nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in CATV mode (Option 2)1 Connect the two metal hooks on a 75-ohm/300-ohm RCA transformer cable (1) (not supplie

49nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerConnecting to a standard antennaYou can connect your computer to an indoor/outdoor antenna system, using Option 1 or Optio

5nNBefore UseBefore UseCongratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leadin

50nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in terrestrial mode (Option 1)1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (not supplied) to your antenna outlet

51nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in terrestrial mode (Option 2)1 Connect one end of a 300-ohm twin lead cable (1) (not supplied) to the screw-ty

52nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerConnecting with a cable or satellite set-top box (STB)You can connect your computer to cable service access that uses a se

53nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in STB mode (Option 1)1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (not supplied) to your cable service access (

54nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in STB mode (Option 2)1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (supplied) to your cable service access (wall

55nNUsing Your VAIO Computer

56nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Remote CommanderA remote commander is supplied with your computer for using Media Center features, including TV

57nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerAPause X buttonPress to pause media playback. Press again to resume playback.Stop x buttonPress to stop media playback or

58nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerEGuide buttonPress to view the TV program guide for your area.F Alphanumeric buttonsPress to select specific channels or e

59nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore you use the remote commanderBefore using the remote commander, you need to insert the supplied AA manganese batteri

6nNBefore UseNon-printed Documentation❑ User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software

60nNUsing Your VAIO Computer3 Insert the supplied two AA batteries into the remote commander.4 Put the battery cover back on the remote commander and

61nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the remote sensor1 Choose the USB port (1) you prefer to use.2 Plug the remote sensor cable (2) into the USB

62nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the remote sensor control1 Plug the cable from the remote sensor control (1) into either jack (1 or 2) on the b

63nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing PC CardsPC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices to your computer.Inserting a PC Card!Some PC Cards o

64nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍Some devices may not function properly if you continually switch to Normal mode from Sleep mode. For some PC Cards, if yo

65nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a PC CardFollow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, y

66nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the ExpressCard ModuleYour computer is equipped with either a Universal ExpressCard slot* or an ExpressCard™/34 slot

67nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting an ExpressCard Module!Your computer is delivered with a slot protector in the ExpressCard slot. Remove the slot

68nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!Insert the ExpressCard slot protector to protect against debris entering the slot when not using an ExpressCard module. B

69nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving an ExpressCard ModuleFollow the steps below to remove the ExpressCard module while your computer is on. If it is

7nNBefore UseErgonomic ConsiderationsWhenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations:❑ Stable work sur

70nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Memory Stick MediaYour computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and

71nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory Stick MediaTo insert a Memory Stick media1 Locate the Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot (page 14).2 Hold

72nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!Be sure to hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you insert it into the slot. T

73nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo format a Memory Stick mediaThe Memory Stick media has been formatted in the factory default setting and is ready for us

74nNUsing Your VAIO Computer6 At the confirmation prompt, click OK.The formatting process starts.!It may take time to format the Memory Stick media de

75nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Stick MediaTo remove a Memory Stick media1 Check that the Media Access indicator light is off.2 Push the

76nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Other Memory CardsIn addition to the Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot, your computer is equipped with an SD memory ca

77nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory CardTo insert a memory card1 Locate the SD memory card slot (page 14).2 Hold the memory card with the a

78nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Card!Do not remove a memory card while the Media Access indicator light is on. The card or its data may

79nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the InternetSetting Up a Dial-up Internet ConnectionBefore you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your

8nNBefore Use❑ 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 foot

80nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Wireless LAN (WLAN)Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality com

81nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerThe 2.4 GHz bandwidth used by wireless LAN compatible devices is also used by other various devices. Although technologies

82nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)An ad-hoc network is a network in which a local network is created only by t

83nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo communicate without an access point (ad-hoc)!You cannot select the 5 GHz bandwidth, which is used for the IEEE 802.11a

84nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired l

85nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect to a wireless network1 Make sure an access point is set up.See the manual that came with your access point for

86nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑ Conne

87nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceTo prevent your computer and/or USB devices from damage, avoid any shock or

88nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting a USB floppy disk driveYou can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when your computer is on or off. Disconnec

89nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a Printer

9nNGetting StartedGetting StartedThis section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer.!Before starting your computer for the first

90nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an i.LINK DeviceNotes on connecting i.LINK devices❑ Your computer is equipped with an i.LINK port, which you ca

91nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Digital Video CamcorderTo connect a digital video camcorder1 Plug one end of an i.LINK cable (1) (not supplie

92nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to a Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks with an Ethernet network c

93nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO computer.

94nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting the PasswordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the password, you will have

95nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo add the power-on password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo appears.The BIOS setup scre

96nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerChanging/Removing the Power-on PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F

97nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up Your Computer with VAIO CentralThe VAIO Central utility allows you to consult system information and spec

98nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Power Saving ModesIn addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices,

99nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Sleep ModeSleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the hard disk and the CPU into a low power consumptio