Symantec AntiVirus for Macintosh (SAM) First to Deliver Detection and
Repair of Word Macro Viruses

Free updates available on Symantec's BBS, FTP and Web sites, CompuServe and
America Online

CUPERTINO, CALIF. - FEBRUARY 20, 1996 - Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq:
SYMC), the world's leading supplier of anti-virus software, today became
the only anti-virus solution to offer complete virus protection for
Macintosh. The new patch for Version 4.0 offers comprehensive detection
and repair for the Microsoft Word Macro viruses including the new FormatC
Word macro Trojan Horse. SAM repairs all word macro viruses and Trojan
Horses including Word Macro 9508 (Concept) and 9509 (Nuclear), DMV,
Colors, and FormatC.

FormatC affects all Apple Macintosh computer systems running Microsoft Word
6.0 and higher. This Trojan Horse contains one macro, AutoOpen, which
launches automatically whenever a document is opened. On a Microsoft
Windows system, the macro attempts to format the "C" drive. On a
Macintosh, it causes the message, "The Environ$ statement is not available
for Word for the Macintosh" to be displayed.

"Because these are the first viruses that affect users of both Macintosh
and Windows operating systems, Macintosh users are more vulnerable than
they used to be," said Mary Engstrom, General Manager, AntiVirus Business
Unit. "The need for anti-virus protection on a Mac is tremendous.
Microsoft Word Macro viruses will spread to Windows systems when documents
are converted in Microsoft Word 6.x for Windows. Likewise, users in a
Windows/Macintosh networked environment are particularly susceptible
because infected Microsoft Word 6.x for Windows documents opened on a
Macintosh can be passed to the Macintosh also. SAM is the only product on
the market to offer complete detection and repair for Macintosh."

Free Downloadable Patch Available

Users can easily and conveniently update to the latest version of SAM. Once
updated with the patch, SAM and SAM Intercept will detect and repair all
Word Macro Viruses. Users of SAM 4.0 can download the self-extracting
patch from the following online areas at no charge:

        Symantec BBS            (541) 484-6669
        Symantec's FTP site     ftp.symantec.com/public/mac/sam
        Compuserve              Go SYMMAC
        America Online          SYMANTEC

The download is available for users of System 7 only. For users of System 6
or those who cannot download, the patch is available on diskette for
$12.00 (plus shipping and handling, and sales tax where applicable)
through Customer Service at (800) 441-7234 in the US and Canada. Symantec
no longer provides updates for SAM 3.5. SAM 3.5 users may upgrade to SAM
4.0 for $29.95 by calling Customer Service.

Updated Virus Detection Available

Users who take advantage of SAM's automatic dial-in update feature will
receive the latest definitions for detection. However updating the virus
definition file alone will not update SAM's ability to repair the Word
Macro Viruses. To detect and repair, users must download the patch.
Detection alone may be updated on Symantec's free bulletin board service
via the user's modem. The latest file will be compared with the version on
the user's machine. If the versions are different, the program will
automatically download and install the latest version at no charge. Users
can schedule daily, weekly, or monthly update checks by dialing:

        US:             1-541-334-4082
        Europe:         +31-71-353299
        Australia:      02-817-2698
        Southeast Asia: +61-2-817-2698

Phone numbers for areas not listed can be obtained from a local dealer or
Symantec office.

Symantec is the world-wide leader in providing competitive antivirus
protection for the Macintosh, IBM and IBM compatible computers. Symantec
markets Symantec Antivirus for Macintosh, a complete antivirus software
package that detects and combats all known Macintosh viruses. SAM version
4.0 is available through Symantec's network of distributors and resellers
for the estimated retail price of $69.

Symantec Corporation develops, markets, and supports a complete line of
application and system software products designed to enhance individual
and workgroup productivity as well as manage networked computing
environments. Platforms supported include IBM personal computers and
compatibles, Apple Macintosh computers as well as all major network
operating systems. Founded in 1982, the company has offices in the United
States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Europe. Information on the company
and its products can be obtained by calling (800) 441-7234 toll free or
(541) 334-6054.

Symantec Corporation
10201 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014 USA
Tel: 1-800-441-7234 or (541) 334-6054
 
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