Sony MicroTower manual

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Usually it results from the lack of time and certainty about functionalities of purchased items. Unfortunately, networking and start-up of Sony MicroTower alone are not enough. An instruction contains a number of clues concerning respective functionalities, safety rules, maintenance methods (what means should be used), eventual defects of Sony MicroTower, and methods of problem resolution. Eventually, when one still can't find the answer to his problems, he will be directed to the Sony service. Lately animated manuals and instructional videos are quite popular among customers. These kinds of user manuals are effective; they assure that a customer will familiarize himself with the whole material, and won't skip complicated, technical information of Sony MicroTower.

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    i V AIO Micr o T ower User Guide ® ®[...]

  • Page 2

    Notice to Users © 1998 Sony Elect r onics Inc. Rep r oduction in whole or in part without writ ten permission is p r ohibited. All rights r eserved. This man ual and the soft wa r e described he r ein, in whole or in part, may not be r ep r oduced, trans lated, or r educed to any machine- r ead able form without prior written app r oval. SONY ELEC[...]

  • Page 3

    Regulatory Information This equipmen t has been tested an d found to comply with the limits for a C l as s B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provi de reaso nab le protectio n against harmful interfer ence in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency[...]

  • Page 4

    This equipment cannot be used on telephone-company-provided coin service. Connection to Party Line Service is subject to state tariffs. Repair of the m odem should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent. For the Sony Service Center near est you, call 1-888-4SONY -P C (1-888-476-69 72). T elephone Consumer Protection Act of 1[...]

  • Page 5

    v Contents Welcome ............................................................................... 1 About the User Guide ..................................................................... 1 Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower .................................... 3 Choosing a Location for Your Computer ..................................... 3 Connect[...]

  • Page 6

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide vi Getting Started With VAIO Space ......................................................................... 27 Starting VAIO Space ...................................................................... 27 VAIO Space Centers....................................................................... 28 Navigating through VA[...]

  • Page 7

    Contents vi i Computer Basics ................................................................. 71 Using the Keyboard ....................................................................... 71 Changing the Function of the Programmable Buttons ................. 73 Using the Mouse ......................................................................[...]

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    viii[...]

  • Page 9

    1 W elcome Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony V AIO ® MicroT ower Computer . Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing. About the User Guide The User Guide of fers a quick intr oduction and refer ence to your Sony computer . ❑ Setting[...]

  • Page 10

    2[...]

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    3 Setting Up Y our V AIO MicroT ower Y our V AIO MicroT ower comes with the software titles pr einstalled on your hard disk drive. Just follow these simple steps to connect the cables and turn on the computer , and your V AIO MicroT ower is ready to use. Choosing a Location for Y our Computer Before you get started, find the best location for your [...]

  • Page 12

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 4 ❑ Furniture and posture— Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet ar e flat on the floor . A footr e st may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture—avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwar d. ❑ V iewing angl e of the display— P[...]

  • Page 13

    Setting Up Y o ur VAIO MicroT ower 5 Connecting the Sony Multimedia Computer Display The Sony Multimedia Computer Display (sold separately) is an integrated audio/video unit with built-in speakers and a micr ophone. Follow these steps to connect it to your computer . 1 Use the blue symbol to locate the MONIT OR (display) connector . Plug the blue d[...]

  • Page 14

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 6 Connecting a Display , Speakers, and a Microphone If you did not pur chase the Sony Multimedia Computer Display , you need speakers and a micr ophone to use the computer ’s audio featur es. 1 Use the blue symbol to locate the MONITOR (display) connector . Plug the display cable into this connector , and then tighte[...]

  • Page 15

    Setting Up Y o ur VAIO MicroT ower 7 Connecting the Optional Palmrest The keyboar d that comes with your computer is equipped with an optional palmrest that you can attach to your keyboar d. Follow these steps to connect the palmr est. 1 Place the keyboar d and palmrest upside down o n a flat surface. 2 Insert the latching posts on the palmr est in[...]

  • Page 16

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 8 Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse Follow these steps to connect the keyboard and mouse. 1 Use the dark gr ey symbol to locate the USB connector . Plug the purple keyboard cable into this connector . 2 Use the blue-gre en symbol to locate the MOUSE connector and insert the blue-gre en mouse cable into this connector .[...]

  • Page 17

    Setting Up Y o ur VAIO MicroT ower 9 Connecting the Phone Line and Ph one Y ou need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services, the Internet, and faxing. T o use Sony Online Support (SOS), you must also connect a phone. There ar e two phone jacks on the back panel. Follow these steps to connect your phone line and phone. 1 Unplug [...]

  • Page 18

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 10 Connecting the Pow er Cords Follow these steps to connect the power cords. 1 Plug the power cord into the connector on the computer . 2 If necessary , plug the display power cord into the d isplay . 3 Plug both the display and power cor ds into a grounded AC wall outlet, power strip, or Uninterruptible Power Supply [...]

  • Page 19

    Setting Up Y our V AIO Micro T ower 11 Connecting Peripherals Y ou can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of the following peripheral s. * Some models of the VA IO MicroTower may not include this feature. Connecting Enabl es Y ou T o For Details T elevisio n Send audio and video f r om the computer to the T V . Allows you to play [...]

  • Page 20

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 12 Connecting a T elevision (Audio/Video Out ) Connecting a television to your computer enables you to send audio and video from the computer to the television. (Y ou will be able to watch video and hear audio on both the computer and the television.) If your system includes the Sony Multimedia Computer Display: 1 Use [...]

  • Page 21

    Setting Up Y o ur VAIO MicroT ower 13 3 Plug the green audio plug fr om the display cable into the connector on the audio splitter cable . Then use the r ed symbol to locate the MIC connector on the computer . Plug the r ed microphone cable from the display cable into this connector . If your system does not include the Sony Multimedia Computer D i[...]

  • Page 22

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 14 3 Plug the speaker cable into the connector on the audio splitter cable . C A B C Back of TV Cable from Display Audio splitter not included[...]

  • Page 23

    Setting Up Y o ur VAIO MicroT ower 15 Connecting a Printer Y ou can connect a printer to your computer to print docum ents from your computer . 1 Use the dark grey symbol to locate the PRINTER connector . Plug the printer cable into this connector . 2 If necessary , plug one end of the printer power cor d into the printer , and the other end into a[...]

  • Page 24

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 16 Connecting a Joystick or MIDI Instrument Y ou can connect a joystick or MIDI instrument to your computer . Y ou can also pur chase an adapter to connect additional devices. ❑ Use the dark gr ey symbol to locate the GAME connector . Plug the joystick or MIDI cable into this connector . ✍ Y our MIDI instrument may[...]

  • Page 25

    Setting Up Y o ur VAIO MicroT ower 17 Connecting an i.LINK  (IEEE-1394) Equipped Devi ce Some models of the V AIO MicroT ower include i.LINK (IEEE-1394) connectors. See Read Me First for information on your specific model. i.LINK connectors may be located on the fr ont, back, or both the front and back of your system. T o connect an i.LINK (IEEE[...]

  • Page 26

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 18 Connecting an S / PDIF Equipped Digital Audio Device Some models of the V AIO MicroT ower include an S / PDIF (Sony / Phillips Digital Interface) Optical Digital Audio Output connector . See Read Me First for information on your specific model. T o connect an S / PDIF device ❑ Locate the S / PDIF (Optical Digital [...]

  • Page 27

    Setting Up Y o ur VAIO MicroT ower 19 Connecting an S-Link (Control A1) Equipped Device Some models of the V AIO MicroT ower include an S-Link (Control A1) connector . Control A1 connections pr ovide a path for the transmission of control signals, thus enabling automatic operation and control featur es that ar e usually associated with integrate[...]

  • Page 28

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 20 Connecting a Universal Serial Bus Device Y ou can connect Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices to your computer . There is one USB connection on the front of your computer and another one on the back. ❑ Use the dark gr ey symbol to locate the USB connector . Plug the USB cable into this connector . ✍ See the manua[...]

  • Page 29

    Setting Up Y o ur VAIO MicroT ower 21 Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Peripheral Y ou can connect other computer peripherals, such as Sony’s digital still camera, to the computer ’s serial port. ❑ Plug the serial cable fr om the digital camera into the serial port. ✍ See the manual that came with your digital camer a for m[...]

  • Page 30

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 22 Starting Y our Computer After you connect all the cables and accessories to your computer , you are ready to turn on the computer . 1 Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power . 2 Press the power switch on the front pane l of the computer to turn on the power . ✍ See Using the Standby Mode o[...]

  • Page 31

    Setting Up Y o ur VAIO MicroT ower 23 Registering Windows ® 98 The first time you turn on your computer , you need to complete a few steps to register and configure the W indows software that is already installed on your computer . Y ou do not need to r epeat the se steps each time you turn on your computer . The on-scr een instructions guide you [...]

  • Page 32

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 24 Registering Y our Computer T ake advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by r e gi st ering your computer: ❑ Sony Online Support —T alk to a Support Representative to troubleshoot pr oblems you may be having with your computer . ❑ Limited warranty —Protect your[...]

  • Page 33

    Setting Up Y o ur VAIO MicroT ower 25 Using the Standby Mode When you are done using your computer , you can put it in standby mode rather than turn it of f completely . Putting the computer in standby mode allows you to r eturn quickly to normal computer use. T o put the computer in standby mode 1 Save your work and close any applications that ar [...]

  • Page 34

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 26 Shutting Down Y our Computer When you’re ready to turn of f your computer for an extended period of time, use the following pr ocedure to shut down the computer . T o shut down your computer 1 Click the Start button on the W indows taskbar to open the Start menu. 2 Click Shut Down to display the Shut Down W indows[...]

  • Page 35

    27 Getting Started With V AIO Space V AIO Space is Sony’s original utility that or ganizes the pr einstalled applications on your V AIO MicroT ower , making it easier for you to find and launch the applications on your computer , use the Sony audio and video players, connect to the Internet, and mor e. Starting V AIO Space T o start VAIO Space ?[...]

  • Page 36

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 28 V AIO Space Centers There ar e five centers within V AIO Space, as follows: Center Name and Icon Contains Description Softwar e Center Applications Accesso ries Contains icons for preinstalled applications and accessories. See“Using the Softwar e Cente r” on page 31 for details. Audio- V ideo Center Vi d e o Aud[...]

  • Page 37

    Getting Started With V AIO Space 29 Navigating through V AIO Space T o go to a center within V A IO Space 1 Move the mouse pointer over an icon on the V AIO Launcher . Categories for each center appear . 2 Click the category text (such as A pplications ) to open the V A IO scr een. ✍ Y our application screen may appear diff erent from the one sho[...]

  • Page 38

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 30 V AIO Space Controls Button Function Goes to the pr evious scr een or page in a sequence. Unavailable until you go to another scr een. Goes to the next scr een or page in a sequence. Unavailable on the last scr een in a sequence. Stops loading the current page (used for web pages). Refreshes the current page (used f[...]

  • Page 39

    Getting Started With V AIO Space 31 Using the Software Center T o launch the Software Center 1 Move the mouse pointer over the Softwar e Center icon on the V AIO Launcher . 2 Click the text of the category ( Applications or Accessories ) to open the V AIO screen. 3 T o start an application, click the icon. Other Software Center Functions Action Pro[...]

  • Page 40

    V AIO Micro T ower User Guide 32 Using the Audio- V ideo Center The Audio- V ideo Center includes the following p r ograms: For details on using the application, see the application’s on-line he lp. Program Description V ideo Plays MPEG (.mpg), MPEG2 (.vob, .mpg) and A VI (.avi) video files. Audio Includes the fol lowing players: ❏ Mixe r , whi[...]

  • Page 41

    Getting Started With V AIO Space 33 Using the Online C enter T o launch the Online Center 1 Move the mouse pointer over the Online Center icon on the V AIO Launcher . 2 Click the text of the category as described below . Category Description Easy Internet Provides an intuitive interface to do almost everything on the Internet: browsing, e-mail, nav[...]

  • Page 42

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 34 Using the T o ol Center Using T ool Center T ools 1 Move the mouse pointer over the T ool Center icon on the V AIO Launcher . 2 Click the text of the category as described below . Category Description V AIO Find One-button searche s for pictur e files, movies, sound files, text document s, or Microsoft W orks files.[...]

  • Page 43

    Getting Started With V AIO Space 35 Using the Help Center T o launch the Help Center: 1 Move the mouse pointer over the Help Center icon on the V A IO Launcher . 2 Click H elp Center to open the V AIO scr een. 3 Follow the on-scr een instructions to find the appropriate sour ce of help for the problem you are having. Exiting V AIO Space T o exit V [...]

  • Page 44

    36[...]

  • Page 45

    37 Getting Help Sony pr ovides several support options for your Sony computer . When you have questions about your computer and the preinstalled software, check these sour ces for answers, in the f ollowing sequence: 1 V AIO MicroT ower Read Me First Contains a complete list of the items that ship with your computer , product specifications, softwa[...]

  • Page 46

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 38 7 Sony Fax-on- Demand This service provides you with answers to c ommonly asked questions. Y ou can use this automated service to re quest a list of available topics a nd then select the topics that you want to receive. T o contact the Sony fax-on-demand service, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888- 476-6972). (Requir es a fa[...]

  • Page 47

    Getting Help 39 Calling SOS The SOS application enables you to exchange information with a Sony Customer Support Repr esentative (CSR). Here’s how it works: ❑ T ype your name, phone number , and the pr oblem details in the SOS window . ❑ Dial the SOS hotline with a single click of the mouse. ❑ Specify the access l evel for the CSR. ❑ The [...]

  • Page 48

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 40 customer support r epresentative until you give the CSR access to your computer . 4 Click the Call SOS button. The confirmation scr een appears. 5 Click the OK button. The Dialer scr een appears. 6 Pick up the handset and click the Dial button as instructed. Y our modem dials the toll-fr ee number and connects you t[...]

  • Page 49

    Getting Help 41 T roubleshooting This section describes how to solve common pr oblems you may encounter when using your computer . Many problems have simple solutions, so try thes e suggestions befor e you call Sony Online Support. For more advanced troubleshootin g information, see the VA I O MicroT ower Reference Manual . Y ou can download this e[...]

  • Page 50

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 42 My DVD-ROM drive tray wont open ❑ Make sur e the computer is turned on. ❑ Press the Eject button on the drive. ❑ Double-click the My Computer icon on the W indows desktop. Right- click the CD-ROM icon. Select the Eject option fr om the pop-up menu. ❑ If the Eject button does not work, you can open the tra[...]

  • Page 51

    Getting Help 43 When I double-click an application icon, a message such as Y ou must insert the application CD into your CD-ROM drive appears and the software does not start ❑ Some titles re quire specific files that are located on the application’s CD-ROM disc. Insert the disc and try starting the pr ogram again. ❑ Check to make sur e [...]

  • Page 52

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 44 My modem connec tion is slow The computer ’s modem uses K56flex™ technology/V .90. Many factors influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment (such as fax machines or other modems). If you think your mod em is not connecting pr operly to other PC-based[...]

  • Page 53

    Getting Help 45 My microphone is too sensi tive to background noise If you find there is too much background noise when you recor d sound, you should adjust the microphone gain by following these steps: 1 Right-click the speaker icon (V olume) in the lower right W indows task tray . 2 Click Open V olume Controls. The V olume Control scr een appears[...]

  • Page 54

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 46 My keyboard doesn t work Check that the keyboar d is plugged into the USB connector . See “Connecting the Keyboar d and Mouse” on page 8 for details. I cant find the Windows taskbar ❑ Check that the taskbar is not hidden or shrunken. ❑ Use the mouse to point to the le ft, right, top, and bottom edges o[...]

  • Page 55

    Getting Help 47 Using the System Recovery CD(s) Y ou can reinstall software titles that shipped with your computer if they are cor rupted or accidentally erased. Y ou may not need to recover the entire contents of your har d drive. If you experience a pr oblem with your computer , r einstalling an individual device driver or softwar e title may cor[...]

  • Page 56

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 48 T o use the System Recovery CD(s) 1 Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM drive. 2 Shut down your computer as described on “Shutting Down Y our Computer” on page 26. 3 W ait 30 seconds and turn on your computer . 4 Click OK to signify you have r ead and ac cept the Micr osoft En d-User License Agreem[...]

  • Page 57

    Getting Help 49 Using the Application Recovery CD(s) The Application Recovery CD(s) allows you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are c orrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual devic e driver or software title may corre ct a problem you ar e experiencing with your computer , and you may not need to re[...]

  • Page 58

    50[...]

  • Page 59

    51 Upgrading and Maintaining Y our V AIO MicroT ower In the futur e you may want to install additional boards to expand the functionality of your computer . This section describes ho w to open your computer and insert add-in boar ds, add memory , replace the lithium battery , and install an additional hard disk drive. For m ore information on upgra[...]

  • Page 60

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 52 Inserting an Add-in Board Y ou can add up to two additional PCI board s to the system. T o insert an add-in board 1 Shut down your computer and turn of f all peripheral de vices, such as your printer , display , and speakers. 2 Unplug your computer and any peripheral devices. 3 Remove the left-side panel as describe[...]

  • Page 61

    Upgrading and Maintaining Y our V AIO MicroT ower 53 6 Install the add-in boar d by plugging it into the expansion slot on the system board. Attach any internal cables that the boar d requir es (see the manual for the add-in boar d). 7 Replace the left-side panel as described on page 70.[...]

  • Page 62

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 54 Adding Memory In order to increase your computer's memory , you may need to remove one of the factory-installed DIMMs and r eplace it with one of gr eater capacity . For details, see the V AIO Micr oT ower Reference Manual , which is available at Sony’s website at http://www .sony .com/pcsupport. For memory u[...]

  • Page 63

    Upgrading and Maintaining Y our V AIO MicroT ower 55 8 Align the DIMM over the socket. 9 Firmly insert the bottom edge of the DIMM into the socket. 10 Press evenly against the DIMM’s upper corners. The end latches snap into position au tomatically . 11 Reinstall any add-in cards or components you r emoved. 12 Replace the diskette drive and cover [...]

  • Page 64

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 56 Replacing th e Lithium Battery After several years, when the lithium battery starts to weaken, the system settings stored in CMOS RAM, such as the date and time, may be wrong. When this occurs, you need to r eplace the lithium battery . T o replace the lithium ba ttery 1 T o run the Setup utility , press F3 when you[...]

  • Page 65

    Upgrading and Maintaining Y our V AIO MicroT ower 57 6 Replace the bottom and left-side panels, as described on pages 68 and 70, respectively . 7 T o run the Setup utility , press F3 when your computer is starting up. Then pre ss F1 to run the BI OS setup utility . 8 Change the default values to the values you wr ote down in step 2. 9 Save your Set[...]

  • Page 66

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 58 Installing an Internal Hard Disk Drive Y our V AIO MicroT ower comes with an available bay to hold an additional hard disk drive. The drive you install must not r equire fr ont panel access. The h ard disk drive access light blinks when either internal drive is active. 1 Configure the jumpers on the new drive as a s[...]

  • Page 67

    Upgrading and Maintaining Y our V AIO MicroT ower 59 7 Slide the drive holder forwar d and then out. 8 Place the drive holder upside down on top of the power supply .[...]

  • Page 68

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 60 9 Slide the new drive into the drive holder and align the hole s on each side of the drive bay . 10 Secur e the drive to the drive holder using any two of the thr ee holes on each side of the drive holder (scr ews are pr ovided with the new drive). Do not overtighten the scr ews. 11 Connect the second drive connecto[...]

  • Page 69

    Upgrading and Maintaining Y our V AIO MicroT ower 61 13 Place the drive holder against the inside of the fr ont chassis and slide it back. Be sure to align the slots on the drive holder with the tabs on the inside of the chassis. Be sur e to slide the drive holder back so that the tabs slip into the notch at the bottom of the slot. 14 Replace the t[...]

  • Page 70

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 62 Y our computer automatically recognizes the new drive and configur es itself accordin gly when you turn it on. Format and partition the new drive following the instru ctions provided with the drive.[...]

  • Page 71

    Upgrading and Maintaining Y our V AIO MicroT ower 63 Removing the Left-Side Panel T o remove the left-s ide panel 1 Remove the two scr ews that secure the panel to the chassis. 2 Slide the panel back until it stops. 3 Pull the panel straight out to remove it.[...]

  • Page 72

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 64 Removing the Bottom Panel T o remove the bot tom panel 1 Remove the screw that secures the bottom panel to the chassis. 2 Pull the bottom panel straight out to remove i t.[...]

  • Page 73

    Upgrading and Maintaining Y our V AIO MicroT ower 65 Removing the Front Panel T o remove the fr ont panel 1 Open the CD tray by inserting a thin, pointed object into the emerg ency eject opening. 2 Slide the CD tray forwar d. 3 Remove the fr ont cover of the CD tray by lifting it upwar ds. 4 Press down on each of the two tabs on the bottom of the f[...]

  • Page 74

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 66 Detaching the Diskette Drive T o detach the disket te drive 1 Remove the front panel, as described on page 65. 2 Remove the two scr ews that secure the diskette drive to the fr ont of the chassis. 3 Pull the diskette drive forwar d. ✍ If you are adding memory , you do not need to completel y remove the disk ette d[...]

  • Page 75

    Upgrading and Maintaining Y our V AIO MicroT ower 67 Replacing the Diskette Drive T o replace the diskette drive 1 Push the diskette drive straight into the drive slo t. 2 Replace the two scr ews that secure the diske tte drive to the fr ont of the chassis. 3 Replace the fr ont panel, as described on page 69.[...]

  • Page 76

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 68 Replacing the Bo ttom Panel T o replace the bottom panel 1 Align the bottom panel with the scr ew hole on the bottom of the chassis. 2 Replace the scr ew that secures the bottom panel to the chassis.[...]

  • Page 77

    Upgrading and Maintaining Y our V AIO MicroT ower 69 Replacing the Front Panel T o replace the front pa nel 1 Push the front panel straight onto the fr ont of the chassis until it clicks into place. 2 Replace the fr ont cover of the CD tray by sliding it down onto the front of the open tray . 3 Close the CD tray .[...]

  • Page 78

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 70 Replacing the Left-Side Panel T o replace the left-side pan el 1 Slide the panel forward until it stops. 2 Replace the two scr ews that secure the panel to the chassis.[...]

  • Page 79

    71 Computer Basics Using the Keyboard Y our keyboar d is very simila r to a typewriter ’s, but the keyboar d has additional buttons that perform specific computer -related tasks. Key Description Programmable buttons The six programmable buttons along the top of the keyboard ar e prepr o grammed to perform specific functions. T o change the functi[...]

  • Page 80

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 72 Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator . Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction. Note that you must press NUM LOCK to activate the num eric keypad. (When you do so, the Num Lock light will be on.) Navigation keys Several[...]

  • Page 81

    Computer Basics 73 The keyboar d also has three lights: Changing the Function of the Programmable Buttons Y ou can change the function of the pr ogrammable buttons as follows: 1 Click the Start button on the W indows taskbar to open the Start menu. 2 Point to Programs and click V AIO Smart  Keyboard. 3 Click the on-screen button that r epresents[...]

  • Page 82

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 74 Using the Mo use Using a mouse may be difficult at first, but after you become comfortable using it, you can save a lot of time. The following terms are commonly used to describe actions you perform with a mouse. T erm Description Point Place the mouse pointer on an item o r object. Click Press and r elease the left[...]

  • Page 83

    Computer Basics 75 Setting Up the Mouse for Left-Hand Use Y ou can control the mouse with your right or left hand. When you use the mouse with your left-hand, yo u may find it easier to r everse the button functions. When the functions ar e reversed, the right mouse button is used for normal clicking and dragging, and the left button is for display[...]

  • Page 84

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 76 Using the DVD-ROM Drive T o use the drive 1 Press the Eject button on the front panel of the computer . The tray slides out. 2 Place the disc in the tray . 3 Close the tray by pushing it gently or by pr essing the Eject button on the front panel. ✍ Place CD-ROM discs in the tr ay with the label side facing up. F o[...]

  • Page 85

    Computer Basics 77 Using the Diskette Drive Most diskettes contain a write-protect tab. The write-protect tab pr events accidental changes to a diskette. When the hole is open, the diskette is write-protected—you can’t delete, copy , or save information on the diskette. When the hole is close d, you may write to or modify the diskette contents.[...]

  • Page 86

    78[...]

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    79 Other Information Notes on Use On the Power Source ❑ Y our computer operates on 100–120 V AC 50/60 Hz for North American countries. ❑ The total power draw of installe d add-in car ds must not exceed the specifications for the power supply . Do not overload the system by installing add-in car d s that draw excessive current. The system is d[...]

  • Page 88

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 80 ❑ If you live in an ar ea that experiences fre quent power fluctuations, you may want to purchase a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply). This device contains both a sur ge pro tector and a battery backup. The surge protector pr events damage to your computer caused by power surges. The battery backup safeguar ds your[...]

  • Page 89

    Other Info rmation 81 On Handling ❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild deter gent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder , or solvent such as alcohol or benzine, as it may damage the finish of your Sony computer . ❑ Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabine[...]

  • Page 90

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 82 ❑ Y our computer , keyboard, and mouse consist of high-pr ecision electronic parts. Do not dr op them or bump them against other objects. ❑ Y our Sony computer will not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange[...]

  • Page 91

    Other Info rmation 83 ❑ When removing a slot cover , be care ful not to damage components on the system boar d or add-in cards. Y ou may need to temporarily remove add-in cards that ar e next to the slot cover you want to remove. On Using the Hard Disk Drive ❑ Do not place the computer in a location that is subject to vibration or shock. ❑ Do[...]

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    84[...]

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    85 Limited W arranty Statement The limited warranty on your V AIO Micr oT ower covers parts and labor against defects in material or workmanship for a period of three months from the original date of purchase. Y ou can extend the warranty period for an additional nine months by r egistering your computer . See “Registering Y our Computer” on pa[...]

  • Page 94

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 86 If you do not qualify for on-site warranty service or choose not to take advantage of any applicable on- site warranty service, you must take the Product, or deliver the Pr odu ct freight pr epaid, in either its original package or packaging providin g the Pr oduct with a degr ee of pr ote ction equivalent to that o[...]

  • Page 95

    87 Index A accessing onli ne support 24 add-in boards 52  53 adding additional hardware 11  21 add-in boards 52  53 precaution 80 adding additional software problems with 41 adding me mo ry 54  55 adding printers 11 adjusting speaker volume 43 adjusting voltage settings 79 air circulation 81 Alt keys 72 Application Recovery CD 49 applic[...]

  • Page 96

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 88 shutting down 26 , 80 starting 22 problems with 41 upgrading 51 , 82 connectors additio nal com ponents 11  21 keyboard 8 mouse 8 Multimedia Computer Dis play 5 nonstandard equipment 6 phone 9 power cords 79 precautions 81 Control A1 devices, connecting 19 correction keys (described) 72 Ctrl keys 72 cursor-moveme[...]

  • Page 97

    Index 89 indicator lights keyboard 73 input devices iii setting up 3 INSERT key 72 inserting diskettes into drive 77 installing additional h ardware 11  21 add-in boards 52  53 precaution 80 installing additional m emory 54  55 installing an internal hard disk drive 58  62 installing additional software problems with 41 interference iii[...]

  • Page 98

    V A IO MicroT ower User Guide 90 connecting 9 service precautions 82 playing CDs 42 point (defined) 74 power cords 79 disconnecting 80 power fluctuations or loss 79 power source, precautions 79  80 power switch 22 Print Screen key 72 PRINTER connector 15 printer, connecting 15 printers 11 problem solving 41 problems, analyzing and fixing 34 prog[...]

  • Page 99

    Index 91 Tool Center,using 34 troubleshooting 41 turning off your computer 26 , 80 turning on your computer 22 problems with 41 TV interference iii , 81 U Universal Serial Bus devic es, connecting 20 upgrading your computer 51 , 82 UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) 80 V VAIO MicroTower online re gistration 24 VAIO MicroTower Reference Manual 37 VAIO[...]

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    92[...]