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

18 August, 1998 -- Symantec, the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing, has 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.

Fast Facts

• NAV 5.0 offers many new features:
• a new Quarantine option, which provides users with a safe and simple option for isolating suspicious files;
• additional protection and security via a new Scan and Deliver capability;
• improved handling of compressed file formats, supporting formats including ZIP, LZEXE, LHA, and LZH;
• the ability to submit files to the Symantec AntiVirus Research Centre (SARC) directly from the product;
• Available August 20, NAV 5.0 and NAV 5.0 for NT Server offer the most complete protection from all types of viruses.

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 Lyn Tran, Regional Product Manager, Security and Assistance Business Unit - Consumer Products, Symantec. "This new version gives our customers direct access to the Symantec AntiVirus Research Centre 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 minimising 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 for Windows NT Server
Symantec has also announced Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server, which combines unsurpassed anti-virus technology with easy-to-deploy, fully automated administration capabilities. This simplifies the management of virus detection and removal on Windows NT-based servers while preventing virus infections from moving to workstations.

Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server is completely supported by the Symantec AntiVirus Research Centre (SARC) for virus definition updates and emergency virus-infection response.

Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server integrates with Norton System Centre, a plug-in for the Microsoft Management Console that allows administrators to deploy, configure, monitor, and update anti-virus software from a central point. Norton System Centre eliminates the difficulty administrators have in maintaining up-to-date virus protection without a central control vehicle.

Norton Event Manager, a component of Norton System Centre, includes centralised alerting capabilities. These centralised virus alerts provide a confirmation of the results of its virus elimination attempts, thereby offering administrators a more complete understanding of their system status and an improved sense of security.

Pricing and availability
Norton AntiVirus 5.0 will be available August 20 for an estimated retail price of $99. Upgrades are available for $59. The box will contain version 5.0 for Windows 95/98 and Windows NT 4.0, as well as Version 4.0 for Windows 3.1, Windows NT (3.51) and DOS customers.

Norton AntiVirus for Windows NT Server is estimated at $439. Site licence pricing for Norton AntiVirus for Windows NT Server is available on a per workstation basis through the Symantec Value Licence Program.

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 Corporation helps 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. The company is focused on addressing customer needs in three main application areas: the Norton product line of anti-virus and PC-assistance products; pcANYWHERE, WinFax and ACT! product lines that cater to remote user productivity; and the Cafe product lines in Internet development tools.

Note to Editors
Symantec Corporation helps make computer users productive and keep their systems safe and reliable anywhere, anytime. The company is focused on addressing customer needs in three main application areas: the Norton product line of anti-virus and PC-assistance products; the pcAnywhere, WinFax and ACT! product lines that cater to remote user productivity; and the Cafe product lines in Internet development tools.

Founded in 1982, Symantec maintains corporate headquarters in Cupertino, California with regional offices in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Malaysia, Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. Traded on Nasdaq under the symbol SYMC, Symantec is ranked in the top ten international software vendors and employs more than 2000 people worldwide. Information on the company and its products can be obtained at the Symantec Asia-Pacific Press Centre on the World Wide Web at http://www.symantec.com/region/au_nz/PressCenter/index.html