Read This First

Updating the User Guide to the Latest Version

By updating this User Guide - Introduction Version through the Internet, you can get the complete version of the User Guide with detailed information on your VAIO computer.

Once the User Guide is updated to the complete version, you can access it anytime even if you are offline.

With the complete version of the User Guide, you can view information about:

• Parts description

• Feature and operating instructions

• Precautions

• Troubleshooting information

• Windows 8 basic operations

To update the User Guide to the complete version

1. Connect your VAIO computer to the Internet.

2. Exit this User Guide - Introduction Version.

   After a while, the User Guide - Introduction Version will be updated to the latest complete version of the User Guide automatically.

Hint

• It may take some time to complete the update.

• If the User Guide - Introduction Version is not updated, start VAIO Update and find the User Guide to download it manually.

• The User Guide is displayed on VAIO Care.

To view help files for Windows OS and app operations

When you have trouble operating your VAIO computer, try referring to Windows Help and Support or help files included with your apps.

To access Windows Help and Support, open the charms and enter "Help and Support" in the search box.

Connecting to the Internet

You will need to connect your VAIO computer to the Internet before updating to the complete version of the User Guide.

Before connecting to the Internet

Before using the Internet, you will need to sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and set up devices required for connecting your VAIO computer to the Internet.

The following types of Internet connection services may be available from your ISP:

• Fiber to the Home (FTTH)

• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

• Cable modem

• Satellite

• Dial-up

For more information on devices required for Internet access and how to connect your VAIO computer to the Internet, ask your ISP.

The following is one of the Internet connection methods as an example.

1. Internet

2. Modem

3. Router/access point

4. LAN cable (not supplied)

5. Wi-Fi(R) (Wireless LAN)

To use the Wi-Fi network

1. Open the charms and select theSettings charm.

2. Select(the network icon).

3. Select your desired network (SSID) from the list and Connect.

Note

• For detailed information on network settings and devices, refer to the information from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the manuals that came with your network devices.

To use the network (LAN) (LAN port equipped models)

You can connect your VAIO computer to networks with a LAN cable. Connect one end of a LAN cable to the LAN port on the computer and the other end to your network. For detailed settings and devices required for LAN access, ask your network administrator.

Note

• The connection, setting method, or required devices may vary depending on your network environment.

Updating Your VAIO Computer

Be sure to update your VAIO computer to enhance the computer's efficiency, security, and functionality.

Note

• Your VAIO computer must be connected to the Internet to download the updates.

To use Windows Update

Windows Update enables you to make your VAIO computer more stable.

1. Open the charms and select theSearch charm.

2. Select Settings.

3. Enter "Windows Update" in the search box.

4. Select Windows Update from the list.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updates.

To use VAIO Update

VAIO Update automatically notifies you of new updates available on the Internet then downloads and installs them on your VAIO computer.

1. Open the charms and select theSearch charm.

2. Select Apps.

3. Enter "VAIO Update" in the search box.

4. Select VAIO Update from the list.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updates.

To update the antivirus app

The antivirus app helps protect your VAIO computer against security threats by keeping the app current with the latest updates. You can download and install the updates from the website of the manufacturer.

1. Open the charms and select theSearch charm.

2. Select Apps.

3. Enter the antivirus app name in the search box.

4. Select the antivirus app from the list.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updates.

Solving Problems on Your VAIO Computer Using VAIO Care

With VAIO Care, you can regularly conduct performance checks and system tune-ups on your VAIO computer to keep it running at optimum level. Start VAIO Care whenever a problem arises. VAIO Care will provide appropriate measures and support information to solve the problem.

To start VAIO Care

Press the ASSIST button while your VAIO computer is on.

Below is an example of a screenshot in English.

* Design and content of the screen are subject to change.

Hint

• Alternatively, search for VAIO Care (Desktop) on theSearch charm to start VAIO Care.

• Refer to the help file included with VAIO Care for more information.

• Pressing the ASSIST button while your VAIO computer is off displays the VAIO Care (Rescue Mode) screen. In this screen, you can start the recovery process of the computer in case of emergency, for example, when Windows does not start.

Finding Support Information

The Sony online support website provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. You can find support information such as the support website URL in Contact & Support on VAIO Care or the supplied Quick Start Guide.

Windows 8 : How to Start

About the Start Screen and Menu

You can place the shortcuts to apps, the desktop, and websites that you use the most.

Overview

1. Tiles

   Touch operation

   Tap a tile to start an app and personalize the Start screen by adding and rearranging tiles.

   Mouse/Touch pad operation

   Click a tile to start an app and personalize the Start screen by adding and rearranging tiles.

2. Charms

   Search for apps and files, share content, play content on other devices or print, and set up your VAIO computer.

To open the Start screen

Touch operation

Open the charms, then tap theStart charm.

Mouse/Touch pad operation

Open the charms, then click theStart charm.

Keyboard operation

Press the(Windows) key.

Opening the Charms

Touch operation

Swipe in from the right edge.

Mouse operation

Point to the upper-right corner (), then move downward ().

Keyboard operation

Press the(Windows) key and the C key at the same time.

Searching/Starting Apps, Settings, or Files

1. Open the charms and select theSearch charm.

2. Select Apps, Settings, or Files ().

3. Enter a keyword (e.g. Control Panel) in the search box ().

4. Select your desired app, setting, or file ().

Viewing Running Apps

Touch operation

Swipe in from the left edge until a small app icon appears. Then, drag the icon back towards the left edge.

Mouse/Touch pad operation

Point to the upper-left corner (), then move downward ().

Keyboard operation

Press the(Windows) key and the Tab key at the same time.

Switching Apps

You can switch between apps that are currently running.

Touch operation

Display currently running apps, touch your desired app icon, and swipe in from the left edge.

Mouse/Touch pad operation

Display currently running apps and drag your desired app icon from the left edge to the center.

Opening the Apps Menu

Many apps have app menus that you can use to control your app.

Follow the instructions below to open the app menu.

Hint

• Open the app menu when an app is displayed on the computer screen.

• App commands vary depending on the app that is currently displayed on the computer screen.

Touch operation

Swipe up from the bottom edge.

Mouse/Touch pad operation

Right-click within an app.

Keyboard operation

Press the(Windows) key and the Z key at the same time.

Closing Apps

You can close currently running apps by following the instruction below.

Hint

• The app window becomes smaller in the bottom of the screen.

  Drag the window to the bottom-center edge.

Touch operation

1. When an app is open, point to the top-center of the screen.

2. Drag the app to the bottom of the screen until the app disappears from the screen.

Mouse/Touch pad operation

1. When an app is open, move the cursor to the top-center of the screen until the hand icon appears.

2. Drag the app to the bottom of the screen until the app disappears from the screen.

Keyboard operation

Press the Alt key and the F4 key at the same time.

Installing Apps from Windows Store

You can add apps from Windows Store.

Internet connection is necessary to access Windows Store. You also need to sign in with a Microsoft account.

On how to create and what you can do with the Microsoft account, refer to Windows Help and Support.

1. Open the Start screen, select the Store tile, and then find an app to install.

   

2. Select your desired app.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the app.

Opening Windows Help and Support

You can open Windows Help and Support by following these steps.

1. Open the charms and select theSearch charm.

2. Select Apps ().

3. Enter "Help and Support" in the search box ().

4. Select Help and Support ().

Entering Sleep or Shutting Down

1. Open the charms and select theSettings charm.

2. Select(Power), then select Sleep, Shut down, or Restart.

Trademarks

• SONY and the SONY logo are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.

• VAIO, the VAIO logo, and other Sony product or service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation or any of its affiliates.

• Windows and the Windows logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

• Wi-Fi is a trademark or registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance.

• All other names of system, products, and services are trademarks of their respective owners.

• In the manual, the TM or (R) marks are not specified.