Small Business Computing "Highly Recommends" One Y2K Product-Norton 2000

Product Round-Up and Comparison Ranks Norton 2000 as the Only "Must Buy" Y2K Software

CUPERTINO, Calif. - April 5, 1999 - Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing, today announced that Norton 2000 was rated the top Y2K software by Small Business Computing & Communications. Norton 2000 outscored five competitors in exhaustive testing that rated reliability, compatibility, ease of use, scalability, quality of service, and cost. Norton 2000 was the only Y2K software whose rating fell into the top "Must Buy-Get it Now" category.

"Small Business Computing & Communications magazine's testing was uniquely comprehensive in scope and thorough in detail, which clearly demonstrates the publication's mastery of Year 2000 issues," said Enrique Salem, vice president of Symantec's Security and Assistance Business Unit. "We are pleased that its educational and informative buyer's guide points to Norton 2000 as the best tool for helping businesses take proactive steps toward ensuring Y2K compliance."

According to the April 1999 review, editors gave equal weight to each of the six evaluation categories, then averaged the scores for an overall product rating. To be classified a top "Must Buy," the product had to have an overall score between 90 and 100. The five competing products earned ratings in the 60's, 70's, and 80's, while Norton 2000 alone scored in the 90's.

". . . Norton 2000 is the best product available," wrote editor Edmund X. DeJesus. "It provides useful test information in a variety of report formats. Norton 2000 lives up to the expectation of simplicity and ease-of-use set by Symantec's other products."

DeJesus lauded Norton 2000 for its intuitive wizard-driven interface and comprehensive testing. He also singled out the value of the LiveUpdate feature that enables users to download the latest compliance database from the Symantec web site. "This compliance information can be valuable to support due-diligence efforts in your Year 2000 program," he added.

In addition, DeJesus called the software's ability to test spreadsheet and database files "a true bonus" for businesses. "[Norton 2000] even offers suggestions on how to deal with problems it finds," he concluded. "[It] is a solid, versatile product, and we highly recommend it."

This recognition is the latest in a series of awards Norton 2000 has received since the beginning of the year. Most recently, FOSE '99, the largest information technology exposition for the government, named Norton 2000 best end-user software. Earlier this year, Government Computer News awarded Norton 2000 its Reviewer's Choice designation for outperforming six competitors, and Windows Magazine named Norton 2000 to its influential WinList-the only Y2K solution to receive the distinction.

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.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, view the Symantec Press Center at www.symantec.com/PressCenter/ on Symantec's Website.

Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All prices noted are in US dollars and are valid only in the United States.