Norton AntiVirus Without Peers in Windows Magazine Winlist

Feature-Rich Version 5.0 Reclaims Top Spot From Dr. Solomon, Securing Norton AntiVirus as Hands-Down Leader

Cupertino, Calif --October 28, 1998-- Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing, today announced that Norton AntiVirus 5.0 regained its place at the head of Windows Magazine's influential WinList of recommended products. In the November 1998 issue, the publication's editors named Norton AntiVirus 5.0 the best anti-virus software on the market in a review titled "Norton AntiVirus Still Supreme."

"When it comes to anti-virus products, there's a reason the long-standing pros in the field are the best," wrote Windows Magazine editor Serdar Yegulalp. "It took them time and practice to get there."

"The WinList is widely regarded as one of the most carefully scrutinized and influential sources of meticulously researched product information available to the PC community. We are pleased that Windows Magazine's critical product assessment has acknowledged that Norton AntiVirus leads the industry in providing the most powerful defense against harmful computer viruses," said Enrique Salem, vice president of Symantec's Security and Assistance Business Unit.

In his review, Windows Magazine's Yegulalp praised Norton AntiVirus 5.0's new Quarantine feature, which allows a user to place an infected file in a secure directory and then send it to the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC) for analysis. "Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus Deluxe . . . doesn't contain anything like Norton AntiVirus's quarantine function-which is why Norton AntiVirus 5.0 replaces it on our WinList," he wrote.

Yegulalp also noted several other product refinements, including the ability to set the scanning agent on Windows NT systems to start before anyone logs in. Calling Norton AntiVirus' scanning "as fleet-footed as ever," Yegulalp also singled out the product's impressive ability to scan compressed file formats, including CAB files.

Windows Magazine's WinList is the result of intensive testing of hundreds of products. Each month, editors evaluate and compare hardware and software products. "Only the best rise to the exclusive WinList," editors write. Products remain on the list as long as they lead their category. Editors update the list each month with new hardware and software to provide readers the most up-to-date information available on current market offerings. Windows Magazine sends its monthly WinList to readers free of charge via e-mail subscription to help them make intelligent purchasing decisions. As a result, thousands of consumers rely on the WinList for the most accurate, unbiased product information. The magazine promises, "If it's on the list, you can buy it with confidence!"

Norton AntiVirus 5.0 protects PCs with the world's most powerful anti-virus capabilities. New features in version 5.0 include Scan and Deliver, which enables users to e-mail potentially infected files to SARC for analysis, and receive a response and/or a fix quickly, and Quarantine, which provides users with a safe and simple vehicle for isolating suspicious files.

Version 5.0 also offers the ability to quickly download only the new virus definitions a user needs, enabling mobile and international users to maintain complete virus protection even while on the road. Norton AntiVirus 5.0 also features improved handling of compressed file formats, supporting ZIP, LZEXE, LHA, and LZH files.

In addition, Norton AntiVirus 5.0 includes powerful technologies designed specifically to prevent virus infection from Internet sources. Symantec added its new Trojan Horse detection engine to the AutoProtect feature in version 5.0 to guard users against online programs that may steal passwords or destroy data. Norton AntiVirus 5.0 also includes state-of-the-art technology that automatically blocks known destructive ActiveX code and Java applets from entering a user's computer.

Norton AntiVirus 5.0 is part of Norton SystemWorks, the first fully integrated, comprehensive utility suite, comprised of four award-winning Symantec products, plus a bonus pack - a total $500 value for $99. 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. In addition, for the third time this year, Virus Bulletin awarded a Norton AntiVirus product its coveted 100% Award for detecting all in-the-wild viruses in VB's comprehensive test sets.

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.