Symantec Delivers on Commitment to Protect OS/2 Customers with Automatic, Comprehensive Anti-virus Solution

TORONTO, February 11, 1999 -- Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing, announced the release of Norton AntiVirus for OS/2, the only anti-virus solution for OS/2 recommended and marketed by IBM. Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 is currently available on the Norton AntiVirus Solution CD 3.03.

"With the release of Norton AntiVirus for OS/2, customers need to be aware of the potential threat of passing files from an OS/2 environment to Windows or across other environments without scanning first for viruses. It is possible that these files could contain a virus which might cause harm on another platform. However, with Norton AntiVirus, this threat can be eliminated.

Automatic Protection for OS/2 Users
Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 includes Symantec revolutionary heuristic technology called Bloodhound, which provides the best protection available against new and unknown viruses. Bloodhound stops viral files before they can enter a system and cause harm. Symantec's AutoProtect feature, included in Norton AntiVirus for OS/2, monitors a system in the background using real-time scanning in ODS and Win-OS/2 sessions from OS/2 thereby minimising interruptions and increasing user productivity.

Norton AntiVirus OS/2 also features LiveUpdate, which looks for virus definition updates at system boot from a central location on the server and automatically downloads and installs the latest definitions onto the user's system. Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 also includes NAVES, Symantec's exclusive modular engine technology. It allows the Symantec AntiVirus Research Centre to provide the most advanced, up-to-date anti-virus solutions to all customers across all platforms.

Using NAVES, Norton AntiVirus customers have received instant protection for Office 97 viruses, Java viruses, Trojan Horses, 32-bit viruses and more without a single product re-installation, lowering the overall cost of ownership. LiveUpdate delivers these engine updates, but NAVES is what keeps these changes small enough to download over the Internet. With LiveUpdate and NAVES, users are assured that they are always protected against the latest virus threats.

Easy to Use and Administer
Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 v5.0 detects and removes IBM AntiVirus for OS/2 during installation, streamlining the migration process for IBM customers. In addition, because Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 utilises the familiar OS/2 easy to use. Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 allows corporate administrators to silently deploy Norton AntiVirus over the network via login scripts. Administrators can use a command-line scanner to scan end-user systems on demand without end-user intervention, thereby giving administrators greater control of their OS/2 installation. In addition, administrators can create an internal LiveUpdate site on a server for central updating of end-user virus definitions.

Pricing and Availability
Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 is available now via site license on Symantec's Norton AntiVirus Solutions CD 3.03. The product is also available through IBM's Passport Advantage program. Updates for the OS/2 platform will continue to be provided by Symantec.

System Requirements
Norton AntiVirus for OS/2v5.0 requires an IBM PC or 100 per cent compatible; Intel 80386 DX or higher (Intel 486 recommended); OS/2 2.11, Warp, Warp Connect, Warp 4 or OS/2 Warp Server; 16MB of RAM (32MB recommended); 24 MB disk space; and a CD-ROM drive.

About Symantec in Canada:
With 250 employees, Symantec's Canadian operations are headquartered in Toronto with offices in Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver. For information on Symantec products or current promotions, contact the Canadian office at (416) 441-3676 or access Symantec's Canadian Web Site. Symantec is an active member of the Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft (CAAST).

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.

Founded in 1982, the company's global operations span North America, Europe, Japan and several fast growing markets throughout Asia Pacific and Latin America. Traded on Nasdaq under the symbol SYMC, Symantec Corporation is based in Cupertino, Calif., and employs more than 2,000 people. Information on the company and its products can be obtained by calling (800) 441-7234 toll free, (541) 334-6054 or accessed on the World Wide Web.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please view the Symantec Press Centre on Symantec's web site. Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.