Welcome

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Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO desktop. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

Here are the main features you will be able to enjoy:

Exceptional performance

- Your PC includes an Intel

®

processor, a Fast Ethernet interface, an internal modem and a fast CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive.

Sony audio and video quality

- A high-resolution LCD screen with built-in stereo speakers enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

Multimedia LCD display

- Select the perfect viewing angle: With its unique dual-hinge pedestal, the

15” display provides twice the flexibility of other screens.

Sony Memory Stick

™

media slot

– The next generation in digital storage allows you to easily transfer images, sounds, data and text between cameras, computers, and more.

VAIO convertible keyboard

- Featuring power-on capabilities and programmable power keys to launch your favourite applications within seconds. The palm rest converts to a sleek keyboard cover to protect it when not in use.

Interconnectivity –

Your computer has Ethernet and i.LINK™ functionalities. i.LINK™ is a bi-directional digital interface for exchanging data with compatible devices, such as camcorders.

Windows

®

XP Professional

- Your system includes the latest consumer operating system from

Microsoft.

Excellent customer support

- If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution: http://www.vaio-link.com

Before contacting VAIO-Link, please try to solve the problem by reading the User Guide or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

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Documentation pack

Your documentation pack contains printed user guides, as well as online user guides presented on a documentation CD-ROM.

Printed documentation

The printed part of your documentation pack contains the following:

A

Getting Started

brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, some specifications of your VAIO desktop, and how to set up your computer;

A

Customer Guide

, where you will find all the basic information to start using your VAIO desktop, as well as troubleshooting and VAIO-Link information;

Your

Sony Guarantee conditions

.

A

Safety Regulations Guide

for your information.

A

Modem Regulations

flyer applying to the modem.

Online documentation

Preinstalled on your desktop are the following guides:

1

The

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

:

Using your VAIO desktop

shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this part of the manual you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™.

Connecting peripheral devices

explains how you can add functionality by connecting various peripherals.

Getting help

explains the support options available to you, and offers basic troubleshooting tips.

Precautions

provides facts and advice about using your VAIO desktop.

Specifications

lists details on your computer, drivers and accessories.

Glossary

refers to terms used in this manual .

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2

The

Software Guide

:

About the Software

is a short description of the features of the software pre-installed on your system.

Using Video software

explains how to use Sony video software: DVgate, MovieShaker and Smart

Capture.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

describes how to convert your existing MP3, WMA and

WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.

Using Imaging software

gives you an idea what you can do with still images: creating a collection, slide show, screen saver or photo album.

Customizing your VAIO computer

explains how to set up your system's display and so on.

Installing and updating applications

details how to install, run or uninstall a software application.

Managing drivers

describes how to install, update or uninstall a driver.

Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs

explains how to perform a system and application recovery.

Using partitioned drives

tells you what you can do with partitioned drives.

Consult the

Online Help

files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.

Refer to the Microsoft

Quick Start

manual for more information on Windows

®

.

Welcome

Your Sony VAIO desktop and its accessories

The following hardware items are in the box:

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3

4

1

2

5 main unit

LCD monitor power cable phone cable and plug* palm rest

6

7

8

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10

VAIO wheel mouse

VAIO convertible keyboard documentation pack product recovery CD-ROMs stand

*The phone cable is used to connect the internal modem. Please make sure the phone plug attached to the cable is specific to the country you are in. See

Using the correct phone plug (page 46)

for details.

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Ergonomic considerations

Whenever possible, try and take into account the following ergonomic considerations when using your new computer, whether at home or in the office:

Position of the keyboard and mouse

– Place the keyboard directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (2) while using the keyboard or mouse – not at an angle. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Use the palm rest only briefly, to relax your wrists when you are not typing. Place the mouse at the same level as the keyboard and use your whole arm to move it.

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Position and viewing angle of the monitor

– Set the display at a comfortable viewing distance (3).

Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower. Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye-strain and muscle-fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Remember to adjust the brightness setting of the display.

Furniture and posture

– Sit in a chair with good back support (4). Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning too far backwards.

Lighting

– Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare or reflection on the display.

Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots reflecting on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

Ventilation –

Make sure you leave at least 25 cm of space behind and on the left of the main unit (5).

And finally –

Remember to have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.