Software publisher Symantec Corp. today announced that much of its Norton-branded diagnostic and utility software for the Macintosh will work with Mac OS X “through bootable compact disk and Mac OS 9.1, included with Mac OS X.” The list includes Norton AntiVirus 7.0, Norton Utilities 6.0, Norton SystemWorks for Macintosh, and Norton Internet Security for Mac.
Symantec Senior Vice President Steve Cullen said that Symantec is committed to sustaining compatibility with Mac OS X.
“We are pleased to give Macintosh customers the opportunity to upgrade to Mac OS X with the continued confidence that their computers will run smoothly and securely,” said Cullen.
Symantec said that Mac users with systems released before 2001, as well as PowerBook G4 owners, could run the current versions of those products with Mac OS X by using the bootable compact disc that came with each Norton software package. Such users need no additional software to get the Norton products to work. As Symantec said, the software runs in Mac OS 9.1, rather than Mac OS X.
Users of new 2001 Mac models can also order a replacement emergency boot disk from Symantec, by either completing the disc replacement form included with software or by calling Symantec customer service at 800.441.7234. The new bootable disc series is available starting today. The replacement discs are available for US$14.95 (including shipping and handling), and users who bought the software within 60 days can get the disc free.
Symantec also reported that it’s working on a new line of Macintosh products “designed to run native on the new platform,” and are expected to be released this summer.