Symantec's New Norton AntiVirus 2002 Maximizes Protection, Automates Virus Removal, Supports Windows XP

TORONTO, Ont. - August 20, 2001 - Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC), a world leader in Internet security, today announced Norton AntiVirus 2002, the world's most trusted anti-virus solution designed to maximize protection from viruses without interrupting work or slowing down the users system. Norton AntiVirus 2002 provides unique protection with automatic virus detection and repair, automated Internet updates, and seamless integration with Windows Explorer. Now compatible with Windows XP, Norton AntiVirus 2002 also provides incoming and outgoing e-mail scanning to stop viruses as well as proactive Script Blocking to ensure optimal protection against new threats. Norton AntiVirus 2002 will also be an integral component of Norton Internet Security 2002 and Norton SystemWorks 2002.

"Norton AntiVirus 2002 makes it easier than ever for users to keep their systems and data safe from the growing risks of Internet computing," said Steve Cullen, senior vice president of Consumer and Client Product Delivery at Symantec Corp. "With the release of Norton AntiVirus 2002, one of the most refined and powerful anti-virus solutions available, Symantec reaffirms its unwavering dedication to protecting consumers."

Out of the box, Norton AntiVirus 2002 automates critical tasks to minimize user interaction. In addition to automatically repairing virus-infected files, Norton AntiVirus 2002 also automatically updates virus definitions, thereby continually protecting users against even the most recently discovered threats. To proactively detect fast-moving script-based viruses such as the "I Love You" and "Anna Kournikova" viruses, Norton AntiVirus 2002 also includes exclusive Script Blocking technology that constantly monitors scripts and alerts users to virus-like malicious behavior, stopping viruses before they can infect a system. Norton AntiVirus 2002 also greatly streamlines e-mail scanning and provides expanded support for e-mail clients. In addition to automatically configuring e-mail protection for standard POP3 clients, Norton AntiVirus 2002 scans both out-bound and in-bound e-mail. Unlike other competing products, Norton AntiVirus 2002 can prevent e-mail programs from sending or forwarding virus-infected e-mail.

Seamless integration with Windows Explorer, an updated user interface, and intelligent feedback options make it much easier for Norton AntiVirus 2002 users to keep their systems virus-free. Users can access anti-virus protection functions from Windows Explorer -- right where their files are located, without launching a separate application. Usability enhancements to Norton AntiVirus 2002 include a completely updated user interface, simplified non-obtrusive alerting, active links to the online virus encyclopedia when users need it most-when their system is infected with a virus, and new user documentation. Intelligent alerts keep users informed regarding the status of their virus protection, providing constant feedback that their system is safe and secure.

Pricing and Availability
Norton AntiVirus 2002 is available now for preorder at www.symantecstore.com for an estimated retail price of CDN$69.99. Current users of Norton AntiVirus and competitive anti-virus products, may upgrade to Norton AntiVirus 2002 for $49.95, which includes a $30 mail-in rebate. Customers can purchase Norton AntiVirus 2002 from Symantec's online store at www.symantecstore.com as well as from other online retailers.

About Symantec
Symantec, a world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad range of content and network security solutions to individuals and enterprises. The company is a leading provider of virus protection, firewall and virtual private network, vulnerability management, intrusion detection, Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote management technologies and security services to enterprises around the world. Symantec's Norton brand of consumer security products leads the market in worldwide retail sales and industry awards. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has worldwide operations in 37 countries. For more information, please visit www.symantec.com.

Symantec's Canadian operations are headquartered in Toronto with offices in Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver. For more information on Symantec products or current promotions, contact the Canadian office at (416) 441-3676 or access Symantec's Canadian Web site at www.symantec.ca. Symantec is an active member of the Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft (CAAST).

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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from results expressed or implied by this press release. Such risk factors include, among others: the risks that current global adverse economic conditions and reduced spending will continue or worsen; currency exchange fluctuations will adversely affect our results; the continuing integration of the Symantec and AXENT will not be successful; the difficulty of developing and marketing products that compete effectively with others and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Symantec's business generally. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in the Risk Factors sections of the Company's previously filed Form 10-K for the year ending March 30, 2001.