Symnatec polishes its X credentials


Symantec, the self-proclaimed world leader in Internet security, has announced the industry's first complete line of Internet security and problem solving products designed for Mac OS X. The product line will offer users new, easy-to-use Internet security features and complete problem solving capabilities for the Macintosh platform. Norton Internet Security for Macintosh 2.0 will improve Mac users' online productivity, safety and privacy with the addition of a stealth protection mode, confidential information controls and Internet ad blocking features. Norton SystemWorks for Macintosh 2.0 is the world's first product to allow users to fix disk errors and recover lost files or applications natively on Mac OS X.

"Apple takes a proactive approach towards security within Mac OS X in a variety of ways," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "Symantec's new product line for Mac OS X builds on Apple's commitment towards security by helping to protect computers and networks at multiple entry points, and we're excited to receive their support."

Anyone connected to the web has the potential to fall prey to hack attacks, privacy infringements, intrusion attempts and damage from malicious code. Symantec's Norton Privacy Control, a new component of Norton Internet Security for Macintosh 2.0, will allow users to keep track of specified confidential information, like social security and credit card numbers, and control what information leaves their machine over the Internet. Additionally, Norton Privacy Control will offer an ad blocking feature that can help improve online speed and performance by blocking most Internet ads and pop-up windows.

In addition to Norton Privacy Control, Norton Internet Security for Macintosh 2.0 will also include: Norton Personal Firewall 2.0, Norton AntiVirus for Macintosh 8.0, Who's There? Firewall Advisor by OpenDoor Networks and iClean by Aladdin Systems, for quick removal of cookies, cache and history files to further protect users' privacy.

A disk doctor by any other name

Norton SystemWorks for Macintosh 2.0 will provide comprehensive solutions to keep Macintosh computers working at peak performance by solving critical problems and protecting systems from viruses. This market-leading software suite will include the world's first native Mac OS X disk repair and data recovery capabilities, allowing users to fix common disk errors and recover lost files or applications. The new version will also feature Norton Scheduler, so users can easily schedule virus scans and software updates.

Norton SystemWorks for Macintosh 2.0 will include: Norton AntiVirus 8.0, Norton Utilities 7.0, Retrospect Express Backup 5.0 by Dantz, Spring Cleaning 4.0 by Aladdin Systems, and DiskWarrior Recovery Edition by Alsoft.

Norton Internet Security for Macintosh 2.0 and Norton SystemWorks for Macintosh 2.0 are can be pre-ordered for an estimated retail price of US$99.95 and US$129.95, respectively. Current users of Symantec's Macintosh products, as well as users of select competitive products, can take advantage of an upgrade mail-in-rebate of US$30 and US$50, respectively. These products are scheduled for retail release in March.

Symantec