™ VAIO Slimtop Computer/ VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide PCV-L400/PCV-L600/PCV-L600S ® i
© 1999 Sony Electronics Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval. Sony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Slimtop, Ergo-Angle, AutoAlert, VAIO Smart, Memory Stick, Digital Media Park, Mavica, and PictureGear are trademarks of Sony.
Contents Features ............................................................................................. 4 Unpacking Your Computer............................................................ 6 Locating Controls and Connectors................................................ 8 Attaching the Stand to the System Unit ..................................... 14 Registering Windows® 98 ............................................................ 15 Registering Your Computer ..................................
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Features ✍ For a complete description of the specifications of your Sony computer, see “Specifications” on page 43. ❑ Exceptional performance: Your computer includes a fast Intel® processor and a V.90 compatible data/fax modem.* ❑ Ergo-Angle™ Multimedia LCD display†: The exclusive dual-hinge pedestal provides twice the flexibility of other LCD displays. Select the perfect viewing angle and enjoy the built-in stereo speakers.
Features 5 ❑ 100 free hours of Internet access: Use the Internet for up to 100 free hours when you sign up with GTE (no credit card required). Free access expires 100 hours or 60 days after signing up—whichever occurs first. ❑ Preinstalled software titles: All the software on your computer is preinstalled, configured, and ready for you to use right out of the box. ❑ Windows® 98: Your system includes the latest operating system from Microsoft.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Unpacking Your Computer Computer and Supplied Accessories
Unpacking Your Computer 7 Manuals ❑ Read Me First contains last-minute supplementary information and software support numbers. ❑ The VAIO Slimtop Computer/VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide (this manual) contains features and specifications of your computer. It also includes information on the applications included with your system and how to contact software vendors, get started with your computer, and solve common problems.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Locating Controls and Connectors Front Panel FD CD HD 1 Power switch and indicator light Turns on/off the computer and the display. The indicator light is green while the power is on. 2 Floppy disk drive Reads/writes data from/to the 3.5 inch floppy disk. 3 Floppy disk eject button Ejects the floppy disk. 4 CD-ROM drive Reads data from the CD-ROM. 5 CD-ROM eject button Ejects the CD-ROM.
Locating Controls and Connectors FD CD 9 HD 7 FD (Floppy disk drive) access indicator light Lights in green while reading/writing data from/to the floppy disk. 8 CD (CD-ROM drive) access indicator light Lights in amber while reading data from the CD-ROM. 9 HD (Hard disk drive) access indicator light Lights in green while reading/writing data from/to the hard disk. 0 MIC (Microphone) connector* Connects a microphone (not supplied).
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Rear Panel LINE PRINTER PRINTER SERIAL SERIAL MONITOR USB MONITOR IN LINE OUT USB IN PHONE LCD LINE OUT KEYBOARD LCD 1 AC INPUT connector Connects the supplied power cord. 2 LINE jack Connects a phone cable to the wall jack. 3 TELEPHONE jack Connects the phone to the computer. 4 PRINTER connector Connects a parallel device such as a printer or scanner. 5 SERIAL connector Connects a serial device such as a digital still camera.
Locating Controls and Connectors 11 0 LCD MONITOR connector (VAIO Slimtop LCD models only) Connects the LCD that comes with the VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer. Note: Do not connect any display to this connector other than the LCD that is supplied with this system. qa KEYBOARD connector Connects a keyboard. Using a Headphone or Microphone When you connect a microphone or headphone to your computer, attach the supplied ferrite core at the end of the headphone or microphone cable closest to the computer.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide LCD (VAIO Slimtop LCD models only) 1 Power indicator light Light is green while the power is on. When the computer enters the standby mode, this indicator light is amber. 2 Information LED Light turns red to alert the user to activities, such as the arrival of e-mail. See “Using the AutoAlert E-mail Notification System (VAIO Slimtop LCD models only)” on page 20. 3 Brightness control Adjusts the brightness of the screen.
Locating Controls and Connectors 13 To adjust the height and viewing angle of the display (VAIO Slimtop LCD models only) Holding both sides of the display, push the display panel out and up, and then adjust the viewing angle. ✍ The LCD display is designed to maintain the best ergonomic viewing angle. Set the display height so that it does not touch the keyboard, and adjust the viewing angle approximately 27 degrees from eye level to the center of the screen.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Attaching the Stand to the System Unit The main system unit can be oriented horizontally or vertically. If you place the system in a vertical position, you must attach the supplied stand to ensure stability. 1 Place the system unit on its right side, with the front of the system facing forward.
Registering Windows® 98 15 Registering Windows® 98 The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few steps to register and configure the Windows 98 software that is already installed on your computer. You do not need to repeat these steps each time you turn on your computer. ✍ You must complete the process described below before you can use your computer. The on-screen instructions guide you through the registration and configuration process.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Registering Your Computer Take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering your computer: ❑ Sony Customer Support—Talk to a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer. ❑ Limited warranty—Protect your investment. See “Limited Warranty Statement” in the VAIO Consumer Information Guide for details.
Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK) 17 Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK) Your Sony computer comes with technology that allows you to get to your favorite applications easily. Each Programmable Power Key (PPK) on your VAIO Smart Convertible Keyboard comes programmed to launch a preset application with a single press of the key. If you wish, you can use the PPK Setup software to change the Programmable Power Keys’ preset functions.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Changing the Functions of the Programmable Power Keys To change the function of a Programmable Power Key: 1 Press the P5 button on the keyboard, or double-click the PPK Setup icon on the taskbar. The PPK Setup screen appears. 2 Click the Programmable Power Key tab (“PPK1,2,3” or “PPK4,5,6”) for the Programmable Power Key you want to change. 3 Click the icon showing the key whose function you want to change. The Assignment screen appears.
Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK) 19 Using the Internal Timer You can use PPK Setup’s internal timer to start an application at a specific time. The timer can start applications even when the power is off. 1 Press the P5 button on the keyboard, or double-click the PPK Setup icon on the taskbar. The PPK Setup screen appears. 2 3 4 Click the Timer tab. Click the clock icon. If an application is already assigned to the timer, the Assignment screen appears.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide 10 The Post Processing screen appears. Entering information on this screen is optional. If you wish, you can set the computer to shut down or enter system standby mode after the timer finishes launching an application. Click the Help button for instructions. When you have finished, or if you do not wish to choose any options on the Post Processing screen, click Finish. 11 The Timer tab appears. Click Apply.
Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK) 21 To use the AutoAlert E-mail Notification System (VAIO Slimtop LCD models only) 1 Press the P5 button on the keyboard, or double-click the PPK Setup icon on the taskbar. The PPK Setup screen appears. 2 3 Click the Registration tab. 4 Under “What do you want to do?” select “Get Message” and choose Outlook 98 Mail Downloading from the drop-down list box. Then click Next. 5 The Information LED screen appears.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide PPK Setup Software Restrictions If you use software that uses a phone line ❑ The computer may not be able to disconnect the phone line due to communication and server conditions. ❑ Be sure to monitor the status of the software when running PPK Setup, and manually disconnect the phone line if you notice a malfunction.
Using Memory Stick Media 23 Using Memory Stick Media Your Sony computer is designed to support the new Memory Stick IC recording media. The Memory Stick card is a small, versatile device that allows you to share data between various types of Sony equipment. Your system comes with a sample 4 MB Memory Stick card for you to try. This Memory Stick card contains images saved from a Sony digital camera, which supports Memory Stick media.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide To protect data on Memory Stick media from accidental changes The Memory Stick card contains a write-protect tab. The write-protect tab prevents accidental changes to a Memory Stick card. When you slide the write-protect tab to the LOCK position, the Memory Stick card is writeprotected, which means you cannot delete, copy, or save information on the Memory Stick card.
Using PC Cards 25 Using PC Cards This computer has a card bus PC card slot that supports a Type I or II PC card. The slot also supports the ZV (Zoomed Video) port specification. To insert a PC card ✍ You do not need to shut down your computer when inserting a PC card. 1 Open the front panel. 2 Insert the PC card into the PC card slot until it clicks into position. ✍ When the card is completely inserted, the eject button pops out. If you cannot insert the card, do not forcibly insert it.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide To eject a PC card ✍ If you eject the PC card incorrectly, the system may not work correctly. 1 Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, click Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2 3 4 Click the PC Card icon. 5 Push the PC card eject button on the front panel of the system unit. You may need to pull out the eject button before you can eject the card. Click the name of the card that you want to eject, then click Stop.
Using the Standby Function 27 Using the Standby Function When you are finished using your computer, you can put it in standby mode rather than turn it off completely. Putting the computer in standby mode allows you to return quickly to normal computer use. To put the computer in standby mode manually 1 Save your work and close any applications that are running. (You can leave Microsoft Windows running.) 2 Press the (Standby) button on the top of the keyboard. The computer goes into standby mode.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Standby Mode Indicators You can tell which mode the computer is in by the color of the power indicator light. Color Mode Amber Computer is in standby mode. Green Computer is out of standby mode, ready to use. No color Computer is turned off. ✍ In standby mode you may periodically hear the computer’s fan turn on and off, depending on the room’s temperature. This is normal functioning in standby mode.
Shutting Down Your Computer 29 ✍ You can also shut down your computer using the (Power) button on the keyboard. Pressing this button causes the system to perform a shutdown but does not give you any of the other options available on the Windows 98 Shut Down menu. About the Power Switch If your system “locks up” or “crashes,” press and hold the power switch for four seconds to force your system to power off. You may need to repeat this procedure.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Using the System Recovery CD(s) You can reinstall software titles that shipped with your computer if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. You may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you experience a problem with your computer, reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct the problem. Use the Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall individual applications or device drivers.
Using the System Recovery CD(s) 31 To use the System Recovery CD(s) ✍ You need to complete the Windows registration process when you use the System Recovery CD(s). Make sure you have the product ID number located on the cover of your Microsoft Windows manual. You will need this number to complete the recovery process. 1 Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the CD-ROM drive. ✍ The System Recovery utility boots from the CD-ROM drive. It must be in the drive when you turn on the computer.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Using the Application Recovery CD(s) The Application Recovery CD(s) allow you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive.
About the Software on Your Computer 33 About the Software on Your Computer Your Sony computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section gives you an overview of the activities you can perform with your software titles. For support information, see “For Answers to Your Software Questions” on page 37. Adobe Acrobat® Reader Adobe Systems Inc.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide CompuServe® CompuServe, Inc. CompuServe is the most comprehensive source of organized business and educational information online today. CompuServe allows you to access the vastness of the Internet, without wasting time wading through it. Maximize your time online with CompuServe. Digital Media Park™ Sony Electronics An integrated suite of multimedia cataloging and playback programs, including Media Bar, Media Library, and Media Showcase. Dr.
About the Software on Your Computer 35 Microsoft® Money 99 Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Money 99 is personal finance software that lets you perform your financial tasks, everything from paying bills to planning for the future, in a smarter, faster way. With Money's online services, you can pay bills and bank from the comfort of home. Microsoft® Outlook® 98 Microsoft Corporation Outlook 98 is Microsoft's premier messaging and collaboration client.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Quicken® Basic 99 Intuit, Inc. Quicken is the fastest, easiest way to organize your finances. Quicken works just like your checkbook, so it is easy to learn and use. Quicken manages all of your finances, bank accounts, credit cards, investments, and loans. You can even pay your bills online. SurfMonkey™ MediaLive, Inc. SurfMonkey is a web browser and online service for kids ages 6-12 that makes the Internet safe, fun, and easy.
For Answers to Your Software Questions For Answers to Your Software Questions Acrobat® Reader, Adobe PhotoDeluxe® Business Edition (Adobe Systems Incorporated) http://www.adobe.com/ website phone 206-628-2746 (fee-based support) fax 206-628-5737 e-mail techdocs@adobe.com hours M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT America Online® (America Online) website http://www.aol.com/ phone 800-827-3338 hours 7 days a week, 6 AM - 2 PM ET AT&T WorldNet® Service (AT&T) website http://www.worldnet.att.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Easy Internet Access (Encompass, Inc.) http://www.encmpss.com/ website phone 800-927-3000 hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Windows 98 Operating System, Works, Money, Internet Explorer (Microsoft Corporation) http://www.microsoft.com/support/ website hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Netscape Communicator ® (Netscape Communications Corporation) http://www.netscape.
Troubleshooting 39 Troubleshooting This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support. My computer does not start ❑ Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power light is lit on the front panel of the computer.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide My CD-ROM drive tray does not open ❑ Make sure the computer is turned on. ❑ If the Eject button does not work, you can open the tray by inserting a straightened heavy-weight paper clip into the emergency eject hole. When I click an application icon, a message such as “You must insert the application CD into your CD-ROM drive” appears and the software does not start ❑ Some titles require specific files that are located on the application’s CD-ROM.
Troubleshooting 41 My microphone is too sensitive to background noise If you find there is too much background noise when you record sound, you should adjust the microphone gain by following these steps: 1 Right-click the speaker icon (Volume) in the lower right Windows task tray. 2 3 Click Open Volume Controls. The Volume Control screen appears. 4 Change the setting for “Adjust volume for” from Playback to Recording, then click OK. 5 Click the Advanced button under Microphone Balance.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide I cannot find the Windows taskbar ❑ Check that the taskbar is not hidden or shrunken. ❑ Use the mouse to point to the left, right, top, and bottom edges of the screen. ✍ See Read Me First for additional information on using your Sony computer. To Reach Sony For further assistance, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972).
Specifications Specifications Model Processor Hard Disk Drive Standard SDRAM Video RAM Graphics Sound Capabilities PCV-L400 PCV-L600 400 MHz Pentium® II 500 MHz Pentium® III 6.4 GB Ultra DMA 10.8 GB Ultra DMA 64 MB PC-100 SDRAM, expandable to 256 MB 128 MB PC-100 SDRAM, expandable to 256 MB 4 MB SGRAM 2X AGP 3D graphics hardware acceleration (ATi Rage LT Pro) High fidelity 3D PCI audio (Yamaha YMF-724) Diskette Drive 3.5” 1.44 MB FDD CD-ROM Drive 24X CD-ROM drive (max.
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Model PCV-L400 PCV-L600 Supplied Accessories Stand (for vertical installation) Power cable Phone cable Keyboard cable Mouse VAIO Smart™ Convertible Keyboard LCD display** Spacers (for bottom of the system) Sample 4 MB Memory Stick card Service 90-day limited express service †† Extendible to one year from original date of purchase upon registration Limited Warranty 90-day parts/labor standard†† Extendible to one year from original date of purchase upon r
Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide Index A AC input connector 10 Application Recovery CD 32 AutoAlert E-mail Notification System 20 B brightness control, on LCD 12 C CD-ROM drive 8 CD-ROM, troubleshooting 40 cleaning, mouse 41 computer, troubleshooting 39 line jack 10 line OUT connector 10 M Memory Stick media slot 9 using 23 microphone connector 9 using 11 modem, troubleshooting 40 monitor connector 10 mouse cleaning 41 troubleshooting 41 mouse (pictured) 6 P headphones connector 9 using
Index T telephone jack 10 troubleshooting 39 turning on and off the computer 8, 28, 39 U Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector 9, 10 unpacking the computer 6 unpacking, system (pictured) 6 V volume control for headphones 9 volume control, on LCD 12 W Windows 98 15 47
