Symantec has also announced the Norton Desktop For Windows, a new Windows file management and utility program. It combines a desktop-based file manage-ment tools for Windows with Symantec’s data protection technology. It enables users to copy, move, view, launch, delete and print files by dragging and dropping icons directly on the Windows desktop. Symantec says that the Norton Desktop intelligently integrates the functionality of Windows 3.0 File Manager and Program Manager into a single desktop, providing an integrated graphical environment for managing and protecting data on Windows. Also, it includes automated data back-up, data recovery and network support, as well as a collection of Windows-specific tools. Windows documents can be printed by dragging files to printer icons, and Quick Access, an enhancement to the Windows’ Program Manager, is a menuing program which works transparently with the file manager on the Windows desktop. The Norton Viewer enables users to view files from over 30 Windows and MS-DOS applications by dragging the file icon to the Viewer icon, or clicking the view button. Also, users can view other spreadsheet, word processor, database and graphics files, including Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, AmiPro, dBase, PCX, BMF, GIF and TIF. Desktop includes The Norton Backup for Windows, and Symantec says that high-speed direct memory access back-ups of up to 3.5Mb per minute make it twice as fast as any other Windows backup utility. It includes SmartErase which transparently protects erased files and it is said to be able to recover erased files months after they have been erased, even on network drives. It uses standard commands and conventions so it does not alter the look and feel of Windows 3.0. A Quick Access menuing program retains existing Program Manager groups and permits the creation of additional menus. Norton Desktop for Windows will be available from July 15 at $150. It runs on AT-alikes and PS/2s and requires Windows 3.0 or higher, MS-DOS 3.1 or higher and 1Mb or more of random access memory, although Symantec recommends 2Mb. Norton Backup for Windows will be included with The Norton Desktop for Windows and will also be available July 15 for $130.
