Without it, I would have lost all of my data. I’ve used the IBM version to recover from a hard disk crash. It works with both floppy and hard disks and is used for both preventive maintenance and to recover data from damaged disks. That’s the program that automatically diagnoses and repairs damaged disks and files. The most important utility is Norton Disk Doctor. Another utility, Floppier, makes it easier and faster to copy floppy disks. It won’t work with tape backup systems, though. The newest version also includes Norton Backup, which allows you to back up your files to floppy disks, external disk drives or network drives. This can improve performance and make it easier for you to organize your programs and data. Another utility, Norton Partition, allows you to partition your hard disk so that it appears as if you have more than one disk. You can also create new folders or change the order in which you view file names. It allows you to locate, view and delete files while you’re opening or saving a file. Directory Assistance II, for example, enhances the standard file-open and -save dialog boxes. The program provides a number of other useful utilities. If you use the highest security level, even the technicians at Symantec will not be able to bring back your data if you forget your password. The new Macintosh version can also be used to encrypt files so that no one, including yourself, can read, print or edit them without the correct password. Think of it as data insurance for your Macintosh.
It can also recover files that have been accidentally deleted or disks that have been erased. Like the MS-DOS version of Norton Utilities, the Macintosh version can diagnose, and in many cases, repair damaged floppy and hard disks. The newest version of Norton Utilities for the Macintosh (2.0) includes many features from the recently discontinued Symantec Utilities for the Macintosh. The company makes an equally useful MS-DOS version for IBM-compatible systems. The program can be a lifesaver if you’re ever unlucky enough to see a serious error message (sometimes represented as the Macintosh icon with a sad face) when you turn on your machine. If you use an Apple Macintosh, I recommend the Norton Utilities for Macintosh from Symantec. You never know when you’ll need to “repair” a damaged disk or restore a file that was accidentally erased. The same should be true with your computer. Just about everyone who owns a home, rides a bicycle or drives a car has a few tools handy to handle emergency repairs.