Computer Basics. Sony MicroTower

Computer Basics

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but the keyboard has additional buttons that perform specific computer-related tasks.

Function keys (F1 - F12) Programmable buttons (S1 - S6) Standby button

Escape key

Print Screen key

Correction keys

Numeric keypad

Navigation keys

Operator keys

Windows keys

Key

Programmable buttons

Standby button

Description

The six programmable buttons along the top of the keyboard are preprogrammed to perform specific functions. To change the function of these buttons, see

“Changing the Function of the Programmable Buttons” on page 73.

The Standby button switches the computer to standby

mode. For details, see “Using the Standby Mode” on page 25.

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VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Key

Numeric keypad

Navigation keys

Correction keys

Function keys

Escape keys

Print Screen keys

Operator keys

Windows keys

Description

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 numeric keypad. (When you do so, the

Num Lock light will be on.)

Several keys are devoted to moving the cursor on the screen (the four arrow keys and the HOME, END, PAGE

UP, and PAGE DOWN keys). These keys are also available on the numeric keypad when Num Lock is turned off.

The INSERT and DELETE keys enable you to make corrections in your documents. These keys are also available on the numeric keypad when Num Lock is turned off.

The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform designated tasks. For example, in many applications, F1 is the Help key. The task associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next.

The ESC (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.

The PRINT SCREEN key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and places it in the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste the screen shot into a document and print it.

Several keys are always used with at least one other key:

CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT. When held down with another keys, the CTRL (Control) and ALT (Alternate) keys offer another way to give commands. For example, in many applications, instead of choosing the Save command from a menu, you can hold down CTRL and press S

(referred to as CTRL+S). The SHIFT key operates the same way as on a typewriter; it is used to produce capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.

The keys with the Windows logo display the Windows

Start menu; it is the equivalent of clicking the Start key on the taskbar. The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of context-sensitive choices; pressing this key is the equivalent of clicking the right mouse button.

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The keyboard also has three lights:

Light

Num Lock

Cap Lock

Scroll Lock

On

The number keys on the numeric keypad are active.

Letters appear in uppercase as you type.

The SHIFT key lowers the case of typed letters when Cap Lock is on.

The screen scrolls differently. (Exactly how it scrolls depends on the specific application. It has no effect in many applications.)

Off

The arrow keys, navigation keys, and correction keys on the keypad are active.

Letters appear in lower case as you type (unless you hold down the SHIFT key).

Information moves across the display normally.

Changing the Function of the Programmable Buttons

You can change the function of the programmable buttons as follows:

1

Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar to open the Start menu.

2

Point to Programs and click VAIO Smart

™

Keyboard.

✍

Alternatively, you can click the VAIO Smart Keyboard icon in the Windows task tray.

3

Click the on-screen button that represents the button on the keyboard

(S1 to S6) that you want to program.

4

Complete the Customization dialog box to specify the function and label you want to assign to the button. Then click OK.

✍

Alternatively, you can drag and drop any Windows icon that represents the function you want to assign onto the on-screen button. However, you cannot drag and drop icons that are specific to the Windows operating system, such as My Computer.

5

Close the Customization dialog box.

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VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Using the Mouse

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.

Term

Point

Click

Double-click

Right-click

Drag

Description

Place the mouse pointer on an item or object.

Press and release the left mouse button, without moving the mouse.

Press the left mouse button two consecutive times, without moving the mouse.

Press the right mouse button. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut menu of context-sensitive choices.

Hold down the left mouse button and then move the mouse in the desired direction. This action is used to select text and move objects.

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Setting Up the Mouse for Left-Hand Use

You can control the mouse with your right or left hand. When you use the mouse with your left-hand, you may find it easier to reverse the button functions. When the functions are reversed, the right mouse button is used for normal clicking and dragging, and the left button is for displaying shortcut menus (right-clicking).

To set up the mouse for left-hand use

1

Click the Start button to display the Start menu.

2

Point to Settings.

3

Click Control Panel.

4

Double-click the Mouse icon.

5

Click the Buttons tab.

6

Under Buttons, select Left-handed.

7

Click the OK button to close the Mouse Properties dialog box.

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VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Using the DVD-ROM Drive

To 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.

✍

Place CD-ROM discs in the tray with the label side facing up. For DVD discs, which can be played on both sides, the side of the disc facing up is the side that plays.

3

Close the tray by pushing it gently or by pressing the Eject button on the front panel.

✍

To open the drive tray after playing a DVD disc, use the Eject button in the DVD Player application. Alternatively, you can click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop, right-click the icon of the disc, and then click Eject.

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Using the Diskette Drive

Most diskettes contain a write-protect tab. The write-protect tab prevents 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 closed, you may write to or modify the diskette contents. Just slide the write-protect tab to open and close the hole.

To use the diskette drive

1

Hold the diskette with the label side facing up.

2

Gently push the diskette into the drive until you hear it click into place.

3

After you finish using the diskette, press the Eject button on the diskette drive to remove the diskette.

Write-protect tab

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