Symantec.com

News Release

Symantec Announces New Version of Market-Leading Norton AntiVirus

-- Version 5.0 now provides superior protection against Internet threats, simplified virus removal, SARC analysis services, and micro definitions --

Sunnyvale, Calif --August 10, 1998-- Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing, today announced Norton AntiVirus (NAV) 5.0, the latest version of the industry's leading automatic, comprehensive virus protection for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT workstations. Norton AntiVirus 5.0 offers users increased security and ease of use, while continuing to provide protection at all virus entry points, including shared floppy disks, the Internet, e-mail attachments, and networks.

Norton AntiVirus 5.0 features several enhancements focused on providing customers with a more global, simplified, and comprehensive anti-virus solution. Version 5.0 includes the ability to safely isolate questionable files, submit files for analysis to the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC) directly from the product, handle additional compressed file formats, and automatically report on actions the anti-virus software has taken.

"With Norton AntiVirus 5.0, we are taking the award-winning technology Symantec is known for and combining it with new advanced service features to provide our customers unparalleled protection and ease-of-use," said Enrique Salem, vice president of Symantec's Security and Assistance Business Unit. "This new version gives our customers direct access to the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center as well as advanced file handling capabilities that make virus protection easier and safer than ever before."

Increased Security
In addition to providing the best detection of in-the-wild and macro viruses, Norton AntiVirus 5.0 provides users with additional protection and security via a new Scan and Deliver capability. This feature enables users to encrypt potentially infected files, e-mail them to SARC for analysis, and receive a response and/or a fix within seven days.

Version 5.0 also includes a new Quarantine option, which provides users with a safe and simple vehicle for isolating suspicious files. The Quarantine option is included in the virus alerts and in the Repair Wizard, which simplifies system cleanup after a virus infection. Quarantine moves viral files to a safe location, quarantined from the rest of the system to prevent the spread of the virus while allowing the user to fix the file.

Norton AntiVirus 5.0 also offers the ability to quickly download only the new virus definitions a user needs. This option enables mobile users and international users concerned with minimizing expensive connect times to maintain complete virus protection even while on the road. "Micro" definitions benefit users in international markets where high telephone rates might prohibit them from updating their virus definitions or where poor line quality might prevent successful downloads of large files. Norton AntiVirus 5.0 also provides for more frequent, weekly virus definition updates, which are fully tested.

In addition, Norton AntiVirus 5.0 features improved handling of compressed file formats, supporting formats including ZIP, LZEXE, LHA, and LZH, thereby providing international users with virus protection for regional compressed file formats and protecting Internet users from the growing threat of virus infection through compressed file e-mail attachments.

Norton AntiVirus 5.0 includes powerful technologies designed specifically to protect the computer user while they use the Internet. Norton AntiVirus 5.0 includes state-of-the-art technology that automatically blocks destructive Active X code and Java applets from entering a user's computer. And because approximately 90 percent of Trojan Horses found in circulation today are from online services, Symantec has added its new Trojan Horse detection engine to the AutoProtect feature in Norton AntiVirus 5.0 to guard users against online programs that may steal passwords or destroy data.

Like the previous version of Norton AntiVirus, Version 5.0 includes Symantec's next-generation heuristics scanner, Bloodhound. This technology detects viruses by setting up a virtual computer for a potentially infected application. As the program executes within this virtual environment, Bloodhound watches and categorizes the application's behavior. If the program acts like a virus and tries to infect other programs, Bloodhound arrests the program, thereby ensuring administrators and users alike that they are safe from infection by unknown viruses.

Enhanced Ease-of-Use
By including new ease-of-use features, Norton AntiVirus 5.0 increases the likelihood of safe computing for PC users of all expertise levels. With Norton AntiVirus 5.0 virus alerts provide a confirmation of the results of its virus elimination attempts, thereby offering users a more complete understanding of their system status and an improved sense of security. Norton AntiVirus 5.0 is also compatible with Windows 98, giving users uninterrupted virus protection without requiring user intervention. Version 5.0 takes advantage of the unique features of Windows 98, including complete integration with the Windows 98 scheduler.

Norton AntiVirus 5.0 is part of Symantec's suite of multi-tier virus protection products designed to protect the enterprise at the desktop, server, groupware, Internet, and gateway levels. Symantec's Norton AntiVirus products have received numerous awards since January 1998, including PC Magazine's Editor's Choice in 1998 for Best AntiVirus Utility for the third year in a row, as well as the magazine's 1997 Best AntiVirus Utility award, PC World's Best Buy, and PC Computing's A-List.

Symantec AntiVirus Research Center
Norton AntiVirus 5.0 is backed by the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC). SARC is the industry's largest dedicated team of virus experts. With offices located in the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands, the sun never sets on SARC. The center's mission is to provide swift, global responses to computer virus threats, proactively research and develop technologies that eliminate such threats, and educate the public on safe computing practices. As new computer viruses appear, SARC develops identification and detection for these viruses, and provides either a repair or delete operation, thus keeping users protected against the latest virus threats.

Pricing and Availability
Norton AntiVirus 5.0 will be available Aug. 20 for US$49.95. The box will contain Version 5.0 for Windows 95/98 and Windows NT (4.0) and will also include Version 4.0 for Windows 3.1, Windows NT (3.51), and DOS customers. Upgrades are available for US$29.95. Site licenses are also available. For a free demo, visit the Symantec web site at http://www.symantecstore.com/trialware/index.html. Virus definition updates are free for the first year. Thereafter, customers can buy a subscription for the virus definitions for only US$3.95 per year for online subscriptions. Disk-based subscriptions are also available.

System Requirements
For Windows 95/98 users, Norton AntiVirus 5.0 requires an IBM PC or 100 percent compatible, Windows 95/98, 486/25 or higher, 8MB of RAM required (16MB recommended), 24MB of hard disk space required, and a CD-ROM drive. For Windows NT users, Norton AntiVirus 5.0 requires Windows NT Workstation 4.0, an Intel CPU, 16MB of RAM required (32MB or higher recommended), 24MB of hard disk space required, and a CD-ROM drive. For Windows 3.1 users, Norton AntiVirus 4.0 requires Windows 3.1, an 80386 DX or higher, 4MB of RAM required (8MB recommended), 9MB of hard disk space required, and a CD-ROM drive. For DOS users, Norton AntiVirus 4.0 requires MS-DOS 5.0 or higher, an 80386 DX or higher, 4MB of RAM required (8MB recommended), 9MB of hard disk space required, and a CD-ROM drive.

About Symantec
Symantec is the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing. Symantec products and solutions help make users productive and keep their computers safe and reliable anywhere and anytime. Symantec offers a broad range of solutions and is acclaimed as a leader in both customer satisfaction and product brand recognition. Symantec is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol SYMC. More information on the company and its products can be obtained at www.symantec.com.

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