Page 1 Software Guide P C G - Z s e r i e s...
Page 2: End User Software Licence Agreement
Please read this EULA carefully before installing or using the software distributed together with this EULA (the SONY SOFTWARE). By installing or using the SONY SOFTWARE, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. You may use the SONY SOFTWARE only in connection with the use of the SONY HARDWARE.
Page 3 Except for the transfer of the SONY SOFTWARE together with the SONY HARDWARE and prior agreement of the recipient to be bound by the terms and conditions of this EULA, you may not sell or rent the SONY SOFTWARE and its copy to any third party.
Page 4: Energy Star
Read this first NERGY ® As an E Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the E NERGY T AR International E NERGY of computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption.
Page 5 Sony, BlueSpace NE, DVgate, Hotkey Utility, ISP Selector, MovieShaker, PictureGear Studio, Network Smart Capture, SonicStage, Sony Notebook Setup, Sony Style Imaging, UI Design Selector, VAIO Web Phone, VAIO Edit Components, Memory Stick, the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Page 6 Registering your VAIO Registering your VAIO It only takes a few moments to register your Sony VAIO computer. By registering your computer, you can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits: ❑ Club VAIO – Online support, tutorials, tips and tricks, news, news forums, competitions, free downloads and software updates.
Page 7: Sony Software
CD. Please see the printed Specifications sheet to see what software is preinstalled, and then the Application CD Guide booklet for installation details. Your preinstalled software can mostly be found under Start / All Programs. Sony software BlueSpace NE Sony Electronics BlueSpace is a software application that allows you to connect to other Bluetooth™...
Page 8: Isp Selector
See Using DVgate (page 21). EverQuest Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. EverQuest is a popular software game that can be played simultaneously by multiple people on the Internet. ® The link placed on your Windows desktop brings you to the EverQuest website where you can find out more.
Page 9: Network Smart Capture
About the software delivered with your computer MovieShaker Sony Electronics ® MovieShaker creates personal movies - complete with transitions, special effects, background music, and ® text. All you do is import your clips, pick the tune you want and MovieShaker does the rest.
Page 10: Power Panel
SonicStage is a software application that uses OpenMG technology, a copyright protection technology developed by Sony Corporation and designed to allow recording and playback of digital music data on a personal computer. Once the data is encrypted and recorded onto the hard disk, OpenMG technology allows it to be played back on the PC but prevents unauthorised distribution.
Page 11: Vaio Edit Components
Sony Style Imaging (shortcut on the desktop) Sony Electronics Sony Style Imaging is an easy way to share your digital pictures and videos with family and friends. Use Sony Style Imaging with Network Smart Capture and MovieShaker to make the most of your images and movies.
Page 12 The final product recovery CD-ROM is also referred to as the "Application CD". You can only use the Recovery CD-ROMs on the Sony computer you purchased, and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC. See Using the product recovery CD-ROMs (page 120).
Page 13 About the software delivered with your computer Operating system and other software ® Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1* Microsoft Corporation Built on the proven Windows foundation you can count on to keep your computer up and running when you need it most. Not only is the operating system more reliable, it also offers features that make it much faster and easier to recover from system problems.
Page 14: Internet Explorer
About the software delivered with your computer Internet Explorer 6.0 Microsoft Corporation Internet Explorer is the Microsoft Internet browser allowing you to surf the World Wide Web. The Setup Wizard configures your computer to connect automatically to your service provider. A full e-mail package enables you to send and receive mail - including attached files - across the Internet.
Page 15: Adobe ® Photoshop ® Elements
About the software delivered with your computer ® Adobe Photoshop Adobe Systems Incorporated ® Adobe Photoshop that offer something for every user. Delivering the broadest and most productive toolset available, ® Photoshop Elements helps you explore your creativity, work at peak efficiency, and achieve the highest quality results across all image media.
Page 16: Realone Player
About the software delivered with your computer QuickTime 5.0 Apple QuickTime is the Apple technology that makes video, sound, music, 3D and virtual reality come alive for your Internet browser and Windows. For further information, see the website at: http://www.apple.com/quicktime RealOne Player RealNetworks RealOne Player is the RealNetworks video and audio player which lets you manage all major types of media...
Page 17: Windvd For Vaio
About the software delivered with your computer you download from the Internet and check floppy disks for boot viruses when you use them. You must launch the Norton AntiVirus installation, and you will then be prompted to update the virus definitions.
Page 18: Setting Up Wireless Connections With Bluespace Ne
Setting up Wireless Connections with BlueSpace NE Setting up Wireless Connections with BlueSpace NE Your notebook is equipped with the Bluetooth™ wireless technology. This new technology allows wireless communication over short distances and completely eliminates the need of using cables. All Bluetooth™...
Page 19 Setting up Wireless Connections with BlueSpace NE Click the service icon you want to use and proceed as applicable in each profile. When the connection has been completed and the information has been sent, an information dialog box is shown and the service icon turns blue.
Page 20: Stopping The Bluetooth™ Connection
Setting up Wireless Connections with BlueSpace NE Stopping the Bluetooth™ connection To stop the Bluetooth™ individual connection, proceed as follows: Click the service button of the service from which you wish to disconnect. Click Yes in the Confirm Service Disconnection dialog box. Turn off the Bluetooth™...
Page 21 Using Video software Using Video software The following video software applications are delivered with your VAIO. Check the printed Specifications sheet to see whether they are preinstalled. Then read the printed Application CD Guide for installation details, if applicable. ❑ Using DVgate ❑...
Page 22: Using Dvgate
Using Video software Using DVgate DVgate is a software application that enables you to capture and then edit images taken with digital video devices (DV devices), such as digital video camera recorders, on your personal computer. It also gives you the ability to output the edited material for recording on a DV device.
Page 23 Using Video software Using DVgate Motion With DVgate Motion you can capture video and record edited videos on a DV device. ❑ Capturing videos: You can automatically or manually capture any scene or portion of the images recorded on a DV device, such as a digital video camera recorder.
Page 24: Capturing Videos
Using Video software Capturing videos You can automatically or manually import videos onto your computer. To automatically import videos onto your computer, proceed as follows: Make sure you have installed DVgate from the application CD, if applicable (see the printed Specifications sheet and Application CD Guide).
Page 25 Using Video software Click Mark to mark the beginning of the first segment. The first frame of the segment to be captured is displayed in the In/Out list window. Click Mark again to mark the end of the segment to be captured. The last frame of the segment to be captured is displayed in the In/Out list window.
Page 26 Using Video software Recording edited videos on a DV device To record edited videos on a DV device, proceed as follows: Adjust the recording correction values. Add files to the Record List. Record remotely or manually the video on the DV device. Adjusting the recording correction values To ensure accuracy in the recording, you can specify recording correction values.
Page 27 Using Video software Adding files to the Record List To add files to the Record List, proceed as follows: Launch DVgate Motion. Click Add in the DVgate Motion – AVI file list. The Add dialog box appears. Select a file and click Open. The specified file is added and the serial number, first and last images, time code, file length and file name are displayed.
Page 28 Using Video software To remove a file from the Record List, proceed as follows: Click the file you want to remove. Click Delete. The removed file is filled by the subsequent file and the files are renumbered. Click Delete All to remove all files. ✍...
Page 29 Using Video software Click the Add button in the DVgate Motion - AVI file list window and select the video file you want to export. Click Record or Record All. The Output dialog box appears. Select the Add blank image option button. ❑...
Page 30 Using Video software ✍ Even if you specify not to add blank frames, several blank frames are always placed at the end of the recorded segment regardless of the settings. This is to prevent image noise from being recorded when recording stops. Do not quit or log off from Windows Disable the screen saver in Windows Do not start other applications or move any active window while recording.
Page 31: Capturing Pictures
Using Video software Capturing pictures There are two capture modes in DVgate Still: the Continuous Capture mode and the Single Frame Capture mode. ❑ Continuous Capture mode: If you capture pictures during Play mode, you can capture 30 frames of still pictures in total with respectively 15 frames in the forward and backward directions.
Page 32 Using Video software Launch DVgate Still (Start/All Programs/DVgate/DVgate Still). The DVgate Still window appears. Set the DV device to the Play or Pause mode. The video image appears in the Monitor window. Click the Capture button. The video image in the Monitor window is being captured. ✍...
Page 33 Using Video software Saving the captured pictures You can save the still pictures displayed in the DVgate Still - Still window in either one of the following formats: BMP, JPG, GIF or DVF. To save the captured pictures, proceed as follows: Launch DVgate Still and capture images.
Page 34 Using Video software Using DVgate Assemble DVgate Assemble enables you to edit video files and still image files captured with DVgate Motion and DVgate Still. Afterwards you can splice them together to form one single file. You can save the resulting spliced video sequences as AVI, MPEG1, or MPEG2 format files.
Page 35 Using Video software Creating an Assemble List You can create an Assemble List with files you want to splice together. Afterwards you can always edit the Assemble List by changing the order of the files and adding or deleting files. To add files to an Assemble List, proceed as follows: Make sure you have installed DVgate from the application CD, if applicable (see the printed Specifications sheet and Application CD Guide).
Page 36 Using Video software Editing AVI files You can edit the AVI files in the Assemble List for the exact scenes you want to use. For example, there is no need to recapture files even if you only want to use one particular scene from a longer video sequence originally captured with DVgate Motion.
Page 37 Using Video software Combining still images with video images To combine still images with video images, proceed as follows: Launch DVgate Assemble. Click the Add button. The Add dialog box appears. Select the image file type from the Files of type drop-down list. Select your image file and click Open.
Page 38 Using Video software Click OK. The still and video images are combined. * Choosing MPEG1 as the format will reduce the size of the file considerably.
Page 39 Using Video software Saving the edited video To save an edited video sequence, proceed as follows: Click the Output or the Output All button. The Save As dialog box appears. Information on the output file and the amount of free disk space is shown in the lower part of the Save As dialog box.
Page 40: Using Movieshaker
Using Video software Using MovieShaker MovieShaker can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any knowledge of film editing. In a few steps, motion pictures can be combined with special effects, still images (pictures), and music files and then saved in a format most computers can play.
Page 41 Using Video software Menu bar Monitor panel Tool panel Clip tray Product tray Shows MovieShaker menus. Contains the Shake, Capture, and Edit tray. Select a tray by clicking the Shake, Capture, or Edit tab. The Shake tray is for creating a scene of approximately 30 seconds long including background music, using clips on the Clip tray at random.
Page 42: Importing Images And Sound Clips
Using Video software Importing images and sound clips Before you can create a movie, you need to import the images and sound clips you want to use in your movie. To import images and sound clips, proceed as follows: Click the File import button The Import dialog box appears.
Page 43 Using Video software ✍ Scenes created with Shaker begin with a black frame. After processing, they are placed in the first available slot on the Product tray. Limit the number of scenes in the Product tray to 5 or less. MovieShaker may stop responding if there are too many scenes in the Product tray.
Page 44: Editing Clips And Scenes
Using Video software Editing clips and scenes You can edit your movie by adding effects and text, adjusting the colour and contrast, and modifying the length of the clip. Shake tab Capture tab Edit tab Speed control slider Volume control slider Effect palette Fade-in, fade-out Trash...
Page 45: Saving A Movie
Using Video software To edit clips and scenes, proceed as follows: Double-click the clip in the Clip tray to move it to the Monitor Panel. Select the Effect tab from the Tool Panel. Drag and drop the effect you want to add from the Effect tray to the Edit tray monitor. ✍...
Page 46 Using Video software Using Network Smart Capture Network Smart Capture allows you to manage photos and movies taken with an i.LINK™ -compatible digital camera or USB Web camera. You can capture and enhance video or still images to share with your family and friends over the Internet or via e-mail.
Page 47 Using Video software Icon Finder window Help Description/Function Displays images in real-time Displays the online Help documentation...
Page 48 Using Video software Icon Data list Display Image Task bar Select Capture Menu Change Setting Capture button Web Camera Movie Mode Still Mode ✍ Some cameras and camcorders need to have recording media inserted before an image can be displayed in the Finder window. Read the manual supplied with your digital camera or camcorder for more information.
Page 49: Using Still Mode
Using Video software Using Still mode To take still pictures with the Network Smart Capture software, proceed as follows: Launch Network Smart Capture. Connect your i.LINK™-compatible digital camera or USB Web camera to your computer and turn it on. The viewfinder image appears in the main window. Click Still near the top left-hand corner of the screen.
Page 50 Using Video software Click the Change Setting icon The Still Image Setting window appears, containing three tabs: ❑ Basic — Select a folder destination for your images. ❑ Capturing Format — Select the image size in pixels and adjust the image quality. ❑...
Page 51 Using Video software Capturing an image in Still mode To capture an image in Still mode, proceed as follows: Use your digital camera or camcorder to locate the image you want to capture. When you see the image you want in the Finder window, click Capture You can capture a single image or several images at once.
Page 52: Using Movie Mode
Using Video software Using Movie mode To capture a home movie, proceed as follows: Launch Network Smart Capture. Connect your i.LINK™-compatible digital camera or USB Web camera to your computer and turn it on. The viewfinder image appears in the main window. Click Movie to activate Movie mode.
Page 53 Using Video software Click the Change Setting icon The Movie Clip Setting window appears, containing three tabs: ❑ Basic - Select a folder destination for your movies when recording video clips. ❑ Capturing Format - Adjust the image quality, reduce noise, and set the maximum recording time for your movie capture.
Page 54 Using Video software Capturing an image in Movie mode To capture an image in Movie mode, proceed as follows: Use your digital camera or camcorder to locate the moving image you want to capture. When you see the image you want in the Finder window or in the camcorder’s viewfinder, click Record The Movie Player icon Click Stop The first frame of your movie appears in the data list to the right of the Finder window.
Page 55 Using Video software Using Web camera mode With the Web camera function, you can set up the camera and software to take still images automatically, without you being there, according to conditions you specify. The function allows you to set a time interval for regularly capturing images, and a time period during which images are automatically captured.
Page 56 Using Video software Click the Change Setting icon The Web Camera Setting window appears, containing five tabs: ❑ Basic — Select a folder destination to store your images, set your maximum observation time, and choose your dial-up setting. ❑ Capturing Interval — Set your Web camera to capture images at intervals or whenever there is movement.
Page 57 Using Video software Capturing an image in Web camera mode To capture an image in Web camera mode, proceed as follows: Use your digital camera or camcorder to locate the moving image you want to capture. When you see the image you want in the Finder window or in the camcorder’s viewfinder, click Start The Web Camera Reservation Wizard appears, guiding you through the initial settings.
Page 58 Using Video software Applying effects to your images and movies You can add effects to real-time images or movies displayed in the Finder window. You can use a different effect for each picture. To add effects, proceed as follows: Click the Select Capture Menu icon Select the Effect option from the list.
Page 59 Using Video software Managing your images and movies The task buttons to the right of the Network Smart Capture window enable you to perform various functions with your images or movies. Save As Send attached Image by E-mail Delete ✍ You must be connected to the Internet before attempting to e-mail your still images or videos.
Page 60 Managing audio files with SonicStage Managing audio files with SonicStage SonicStage lets you play and record audio CDs and import digital audio files while maintaining the copyright information of the contents. When you record an audio CD with SonicStage onto your computer’s hard disk drive, the default format is ATRAC3.
Page 61 Managing audio files with SonicStage...
Page 62 Managing audio files with SonicStage Recording button Source icons Import button Simple Mode button Close button Help button Operation area Menu button Volume control buttons Equalizer button Displays the Recording Assistant window. Select a source icon and a target icon. As a source you can use: - the Music drive: files from the music database Music Drive managed by SonicStage, or the audio files registered to a playlist on the Music Drive.
Page 63 Managing audio files with SonicStage Sound Effect button Visualizer button Internet button ✍ ® The CDDB2 (Compact Disc Database) Music Recognition Service registration wizard enables you to register with CDDB. You need Internet access on your computer to register and use this service. For more information regarding CDDB2 registration, click the Help button. * Only possible when you have this slot built-in on your machine.
Page 64: Recording From A Cd
Managing audio files with SonicStage Recording from a CD You can, for example, record songs from audio CDs and import them to playlists in SonicStage. To record a CD, proceed as follows: Insert an audio CD into your system’s optical disc drive. Click the Recording button (1).
Page 65 Managing audio files with SonicStage Click the Jump to Record Window button (4). The RecordPanel window appears. If you only want to record a few songs, click the Show List The list of tracks on your audio CD appears. If necessary select the format and bit rate for recording by clicking the Change CD Recording Format button.
Page 66 Managing audio files with SonicStage ✍ When you record from an audio CD on your optical disc drive for the first time, the CD Drive Optimization dialog box appears. Click Start to verify your optical disc drive. Once the verification is performed, recording begins. You can display the name of the CD and its songs by clicking the CD Info button and after registering with CDDB.
Page 67 Managing audio files with SonicStage Transferring songs (check in/out) You can transfer songs between the playlists on your SonicStage software and external devices or media (for example, Memory Stick™ Walkman, Network Walkman, CD-RW). For more information on using your external devices or media, see the documentation that came with the product. Checking out songs Checking out songs means transferring audio files from a computer to an external device (for example, a portable player).
Page 68 Managing audio files with SonicStage Checking in songs After checking out audio files, you can transfer those files back to the hard drive. This is what we call checking in. The songs that you transfer like this can only be checked in to the hard drive of the same computer from which the songs were checked out.
Page 69: Additional Features
Managing audio files with SonicStage Additional features ❑ SonicStage Backup Tool – You can back up and restore all the music, graphics and information data managed by SonicStage. You must be connected to the Internet to use the SonicStage Backup Tool. ❑...
Page 70 Using PictureGear Studio Using PictureGear Studio The PictureGear Studio software is designed to creatively manage your digital pictures. With its easy-to-use features, you can quickly load images from your digital camera or camcorder, print high-quality photos, create custom labels, and design personalised photo albums or binders to share with friends and family. ✍...
Page 71 Using PictureGear Studio Using the Import feature With the Import feature, you can capture and import pictures from your USB digital camera / camcorder or TWAIN-supporting scanner to your computer. Once you have imported the pictures, you can select your favourite pictures and save them in handy folders for future use.
Page 72 Using PictureGear Studio Click to make any adjustments you want to make to the pictures. The Adjust window displays an enlarged version of the picture on the right and thumbnail versions on the left. ❑ Click Save to relocate the individual picture to a new folder. ❑...
Page 73 Using PictureGear Studio ❑ Click Delete to remove the picture from the photo collection. ❑ Click Rotate to change the picture's position. ❑ Click Trim to crop the picture or capture a specific area. Click Finish Importing to save the imported pictures in a photo collection (see Using the PhotoCollection feature (page 73)).
Page 74 Using PictureGear Studio Using the PhotoCollection feature You can organise and manage your imported pictures on your computer’s hard drive. To use the PhotoCollection feature, proceed as follows: In the PictureGear Studio main window, click PhotoCollection. Alternatively, go to Start, All Programs, PictureGear Studio, Tool and then click PhotoCollection.
Page 75 Using PictureGear Studio From the thumbnail view, click to select pictures. Hold down the <Ctrl> key while clicking to select several pictures. Use <Ctrl>+<A> to select all the photos in a folder. Manage your pictures with these additional tools and features: ❑...
Page 76 Using PictureGear Studio Using the Binder feature You can add comments to your favourite photos, add custom backgrounds, clip art, and stamps, or showcase your own drawing talent. Add, remove, or change your designs to create your own unique photo art. To use the Binder feature, proceed as follows: In the PictureGear Studio main window, click Binder.
Page 77 Using PictureGear Studio Select a binder style, and then click New Page. Available photo sources are displayed as thumbnails. Click a photo to select it. An information form appears. Fill in your information and click OK. An art palette window appears. To create an original page with art or stamps, use the decoration features on the right by clicking on the required feature and applying it to your photo.
Page 78 Using PictureGear Studio Using the PhotoAlbum feature You can organise your memorable photos in an electronic photo album to share with friends and family. To use the PhotoAlbum feature, proceed as follows: In the PictureGear Studio main window, click PhotoAlbum. Alternatively, go to Start, All Programs, PictureGear Studio, Tool and then click The PhotoAlbum window appears.
Page 79 Using PictureGear Studio Click List to select the photos you want to include in your album from available folders. The Photo List window appears. Click Create the Album with the selected photo(s) after selecting your photos. The Select Design window appears. Click to select a design layout for your album.
Page 80 Using PictureGear Studio Scroll through your album using the book icons at the bottom of the window. Click Edit Album to make changes to your album. Customise your album by adding more pictures, pages, decorations, or comments, or by deleting pages. Click Edit Page to customise a page in your album.
Page 81 Using PictureGear Studio Using the Export feature You can export your completed photo album to enable viewing over the Internet, with another computer, or saving to a recordable media. There are three export formats available: ❑ Export as a Flash File to create a small file that can be viewed using Microsoft ❑...
Page 82 Using PictureGear Studio Click an export format to select it. The Select Folder window appears. Click Browse and navigate to the destination folder. Enter a file name, if necessary. Click Export. A progress window appears briefly. An export completion message window appears, displaying the file name and file size. Click OK.
Page 83 Using PictureGear Studio Using the PrintStudio feature Use PrintStudio to design and print original postcards, calendars, art, and labels using your favourite pictures. To use PrintStudio, proceed as follows: In the PictureGear Studio main window, click PrintStudio. Alternatively, go to Start, All Programs, PictureGear Studio, Tool and then click The PrintStudio window appears.
Page 84 Using PictureGear Studio Select the item you want to create and click Start Creating. The initial creation window appears, which varies depending on the item you are creating. Make selections for the picture(s), design layout, and custom decoration for the item you want to create. Set the number of copies to be printed and select a connected printer.
Page 85: Viewing The Online Help
Using PictureGear Studio Viewing the online Help For more information about PictureGear Studio, see the application’s online Help files. To view the online help, proceed as follows: Click Help in PictureGear Studio’s main window or in each PictureGear Studio element.
Page 86: Customising Your Computer
The following sections briefly describe how to change the main settings of your computer. Among other things, you will learn how to prepare your modem for use, how to use and customise the look of your Sony software and utilities, etc.
Page 87 Customising your computer Setting up your language (only for Windows It is important that you select the correct keyboard settings during the Windows To select the correct keyboard settings during Windows At first boot, click 2x Next in the Windows XP Setup Wizard window. The Select Your System Settings dialog box appears.
Page 88 Customising your computer Click Apply to apply the changes. You are prompted to log off and log on again. Only then, the changes to the new language will take effect. Click Start, and select Log Off. Click Log Off in the Log Off Windows window. If necessary, enter your password to log on again.
Page 89: Setting Up Your Notebook With Sony Notebook Setup
Customising your computer Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and set up password protection for your VAIO notebook. To use Sony Notebook Setup, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows In All Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup and then click Sony Notebook Setup.
Page 90 For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the help file. If you open Sony Notebook Setup as a limited user, then only the About This Computer tab will be visible. Description number, and BIOS version.
Page 91: Managing Power With Powerpanel
Customising your computer Managing power with PowerPanel The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your notebook and provides key information about system activity and battery life. The automatic power management selects the most advantageous profiles, or lets you customise the profiles you choose, according to your own needs, with the goal of extended battery life.
Page 92 Customising your computer Activating PowerPanel When you start the computer, the PowerPanel icon appears in the system tray by default. To see the CPU state and the current power profile, simply point to the icon. The current power profile will be displayed in a tooltip.
Page 93 Customising your computer Activating power management profiles PowerPanel provides several predefined power management profiles. Each profile consists of a group of power management settings that are designed to meet specific power management goals, ranging from maximum power management to no power management. Running on AC Icon Description...
Page 94 Customising your computer Icon Description Maximum Performance – Provides the best system performance while still conserving power. Word Processing – Optimises power management with longer timeouts on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimise power management for your system.
Page 95 Customising your computer Selecting automatic profiles when running on batteries A power profile is a set of timer values for a variety of system devices. PowerPanel automatically selects the profile associated with the application you are using and changes profiles as you switch between applications.
Page 96: Displaying Detailed Battery Information
Customising your computer Displaying detailed battery information You can display detailed information of your computer's battery. There are 3 ways in which you can display battery information: ❑ Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select Battery Information from the menu. ❑...
Page 97 Customising your computer Editing a power profile To edit the power management settings of a power profile, proceed as follows: Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select Edit/Create Profiles from the menu. The Profile Editor window appears. Click the profile you want to edit on the left of the screen. Double-click the power profile property (Hibernate, Standby…) you want to modify on the right of the screen.
Page 98 Customising your computer Managing performance with Performance Balancer The Performance Balancer is installed by default together with PowerPanel to set up the performance of your computer depending on the LCD brightness and the quietness of the CPU fan. To use Performance Balancer, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows In All Programs, select Performance Balancer and then click Performance Balancer.
Page 99 Customising your computer To set up the performance of your computer, proceed as follows: When operating on battery mode: ❑ Click power-saving to enjoy a long battery life and a CPU fan with minimum noise. Performance and LCD brightness will be reduced to lower battery consumption. ❑...
Page 100: Selecting Display Modes
The Display Properties dialog box appears. Click the Settings tab. Click the Advanced button. The Sony Notebook LCD and MOBILITY RADEON Properties dialog box appears. Click the Displays tab. Select the Monitor, Panel or FDP icon. Click Apply and then OK.
Page 101: Configuring Your Modem
Customising your computer Configuring your modem Before you can start using your internal modem, or each time you use your modem while travelling, make sure that the country of the active location defined in the Phone and Modem Options dialog box matches the country you are dialling from.
Page 102: Updating The Modem Driver
Customising your computer Click Apply/OK. Your modem is configured. ✍ Before applying new country settings, please make sure your phone line is disconnected from your VAIO computer. Updating the modem driver If you need to update the modem driver for any reason, proceed as follows: Click the Start button and open Control Panel.
Page 103: Changing Your Windows Design With The Ui Design Selector Program
The UI Design Selector window design changes, to give you a preview of the design you chose for the Sony software. To try another design, click << or >>. Click OK once you are satisfied with your choice. The UI Design Selector dialog box disappears and changes the window design of Sony software as you selected.
Page 104: Setting A Sony Wallpaper
Customising your computer Setting a Sony wallpaper Your Sony VAIO computer offers you, among many other features, a choice of wallpapers. You can change the wallpaper, the background of your desktop, as many times as you like. There are several VAIO-specific wallpapers to choose from.
Page 105: Selecting A Screen Saver
Customising your computer Selecting a screen saver A screen saver is an animated image that is activated on a computer display when no user activity has been sensed for a certain time. The original purpose of a screen saver was to prevent burn-in (the burning of an image into the phosphor inside the cathode ray tube after hours of the same image being rescanned).
Page 106: Installing And Updating Applications
Installing and updating applications Installing and updating applications This section explains how to install, run or uninstall a software. Furthermore, you will learn how to download the latest updates from our website. ❑ Installing software ❑ Changing or removing software ❑...
Page 107: Installing Software
Installing and updating applications Installing software To install bundled software from the supplied application CD, please read the printed Application CD Guide for details. To install other software, use the following procedure. Before installing the applications: ❑ Install and connect a hardware device, if necessary (see the Managing drivers ❑...
Page 108 Installing and updating applications Click Browse to select the folder and click Next. If necessary, select the type of installation you wish and click Next. The software installation begins. Make sure to select Yes, I want to restart my computer now if you are asked to. Click Finish.
Page 109: Changing Or Removing Software
Installing and updating applications Changing or removing software You can remove or change a software application any time you like. Before proceeding, close the application you want to change/remove. To change or remove software, proceed as follows: From the Start menu, click Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears.
Page 110 Installing and updating applications Caution ® Windows File protection Installing a program might overwrite shared system files such as dynamic-link libraries (DLL files)* and executable files (EXE files). When system files are overwritten, system performance becomes unpredictable, programs behave erratically, and the operating system can fail. Never delete files with the following extensions: SYS, DLL, OCX, TTF, or FON.
Page 111: Downloading Software
Installing and updating applications Downloading software Please note it is possible to download the latest upgrades of software for your computer from our website. Just click the following link to access it: To download the latest upgrades, proceed as follows: Go to www.vaio-link.com Click the VAIO User button.
Page 112: Managing Drivers
Managing drivers Managing drivers A driver is a 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.
Page 113: Installing A Driver
Managing drivers Installing a driver To (re)install a Sony driver, see the printed Application CD Guide for details. If the driver does not come with a specific installation procedure, please proceed as follows to install it: Insert the installation CD-ROM or disk accompanying the device into the disc drive.
Page 114: Checking The Driver's Installation
Managing drivers Checking the driver's installation When the computer restarts, check that the device is working properly. To check the driver’s installation, proceed as follows: From the Start menu, click Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears. Double-click the System icon. The System dialog box appears.
Page 115 Managing drivers ❑ Right-click Uninstall. ❑ When the Confirm Device Removal dialog box appears, click OK. ❑ Click Yes and restart the computer. ❑ When the computer restarts, repeat from step 2 in Installing a driver ❑ If your device is not displayed in the Properties dialog box, the device is not working properly. Repeat steps 1 through 4 in the previous sections to check the driver’s installation.
Page 116: Updating A Driver
Managing drivers Updating a driver To update the driver, proceed as follows: Click Start on the taskbar. Click Control Panel. Click the Printers and Other Hardware icon. And then click the device you want to revert. On the Hardware tab, click Properties. On the Driver tab, click Update driver.
Page 117: Uninstalling A Driver
Managing drivers Uninstalling a driver Leave the device connected to your computer while uninstalling the driver. To uninstall the driver, proceed as follows: Click Start on the taskbar. Click Control Panel. Click the Printers and Other Hardware icon. And then click the device you want to revert. On the Hardware tab, click Properties.
Page 118: Restoring A Driver
Managing drivers Restoring a driver System Restore is a feature of Microsoft problem occurs, without losing your personal data files. System Restore monitors changes to the system, and it automatically creates easily identified restore points. These restore points allow you to revert the system to a previous time. They are created daily and at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed).
Page 119 Managing drivers Click the Driver tab. On the Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver. You have your previous driver back. ✍ You must be logged on to your computer with administrator rights in order to complete this procedure. Restoring your computer does not affect or change your personal data files. For more information about System Restore, see the Windows ®...
Page 120: Downloading Drivers
Managing drivers Downloading drivers Please note it is possible to download the latest versions of drivers for your computer on our website. Just click the following link to access it: To download the latest drivers, proceed as follows: Go to www.vaio-link.com Click the VAIO User button.
Page 121: Using The Product Recovery Cd-Roms
❑ If you want to modify the size of the hard drive partitions. You can only use these product recovery CD-ROMs on the Sony computer they came with and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC. ❑...
Page 122: Performing A System Recovery
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs Performing an application recovery The final CD in the set of product recovery CD-ROMs contains most of the applications that were preinstalled on your computer. Reinstalling a program from this application CD can fix the problems encountered if it does not run correctly anymore, or if Windows Please read your printed Application CD Guide for details on (re)installing bundled applications.
Page 123: Notes On Performing A System Recovery
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs Notes on performing a system recovery ❑ The recovery process can last up to sixty minutes, and in this time you will be prompted to change CDs. ❑ You can recover only the software bundled to your computer. It does not work for the software you have installed subsequently or the data you have created.
Page 124: Recovering The System Without Changing Partition Sizes
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs If you do need to change the size of your partitions, you can do so by choosing Option Recovery in the system recovery set-up process. In this case, it is important to be aware that all data on your hard disk will be deleted. If you need to keep existing files, make sure you back them up before performing the system recovery.
Page 125: Recovering The System With Modified Partition Sizes
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs To perform the Default System Drive Recovery, proceed as follows: Select the button next to Default System Drive Recovery (Recommended). Click Next. You are asked if you are sure you want to recover the system. To start the procedure, click Next.
Page 126: Manually Changing Partition Sizes
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs ❑ Change Partition Size and Recover. ❑ Recovery To Originally Shipped State. Manually changing partition sizes Choosing Change Partition Size and Recover allows you to manually select the size of your C: drive, leaving the remaining gigabytes to the D: drive. Meanwhile, all current partition sizes are deleted, the hard disk is reformatted, and all the original software is restored as with a standard system recovery.
Page 127: Resetting The Default Partition Sizes
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs Resetting the default partition sizes If you changed the partition sizes since you bought your Sony computer, choosing Recovery To Originally Shipped State allows you to reset the hard drive to its original size. Meanwhile, the current partitions are deleted, the hard disk is reformatted, and all the original software is restored as with a standard system recovery.
Page 128: Aborting The System Recovery Process
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs Aborting the system recovery process Before the actual recovery process begins, the VAIO System Recovery Utility makes it easy to cancel any settings you may have made. Most screens remind you about the loss of data that will incur and you can either to go back to the previous screen (press Back), or abort the recovery setup altogether.

This manual is also suitable for:

Vaio pcg-z1mp Vaio pcg-z1rmp Vaio pcg-z1rsp Vaio pcg-z1sp

Sony PCG-Z1M Software Manual

Quick Links

Related Manuals for Sony PCG-Z1M

Summary of Contents for Sony PCG-Z1M

This manual is also suitable for:

Table of Contents