BEAVERTON, Ore.--Oct. 5, 1992--Central Point Software, Inc. today announced
PC Tools 8.0, a major release of the industry's most popular and
comprehensive utilities software product. It adds an integrated, desktop
environment plus complete anti-virus protection and a powerful memory
optimizer. PC Tools 8.0 also includes Central Point Backup 8.0, which now
supports SCSI tape drives.

PC Tools 8.0 was designed to respond to major industry trends. It benefits
from active involvement with existing users who contributed over 30,000
suggestions for new features and enhancements. The product includes a
suite of new features to support increased network operation, growing
memory demands and portable computing needs, as well as provide protection
against the acute security risks posed by the spread of computer viruses.

"PC Tools 8.0 can make everyday computing safer, simpler and faster for the
tens of millions of DOS users. The new version provides these compelling
benefits in one, easy-to-use desktop with integrated access to the most
complete set of award-winning utilities available anywhere," said Chuck
Boesenberg, president and CEO of Central Point Software. "According to the
Software Publisher's Association, PC Tools has the largest installed base
in the industry, with over three million copies sold. These users told us
they wanted comprehensive utilities, integrated and easy to use,
customizable for organizational settings and optimized for mobile
professionals. Version 8.0 is a direct response to these requests."

PC Tools 8.0 incorporates more than 100 new features and enhancements,
including: improved data recovery, and remote computing and communications
features; an integrated program scheduler; a defragmenter for
high-capacity drives; expanded FileFix functionality; a disk editor and
Emergency Disk; and an improved, easy installation process. It also
includes a range of new features to support computing in large
corporations.

"The real benefit we find with PC Tools 8.0 is that it provides a single,
tightly-integrated, fully-customizable tool that addresses a broad range
of needs across the company," said Craig Teahen, microcomputer manager at
Akzo Coatings. "Not only do our users have access to any tool they might
need, but the standard interface makes training and support easier and
more cost effective than if we had a mixed bag of specialized tools from
several vendors."

New Features Make PC Tools the Most Comprehensive Utilities Solution

Newly added features to PC Tools make it the most comprehensive utilities
offering available. Those features include:

** A new Desktop provides a consistent, Windows-like environment through
which users can access all their applications and files, as well as all PC
Tools features. An integrated scheduler gives users a single tool with
which to schedule PC Tools' programs, as well as other DOS applications,
such as spreadsheets and word processors. The task switcher lets users
load a set of programs, then move quickly and easily among them. The
desktop provides full drag-and-drop functionality, including the ability
to open files by dropping them on their application menu. The desktop also
offers a full range of accessories, including notepads, database,
calculators and more.

** Central Point Anti-Virus (CPAV), the industry's most comprehensive and
award winning anti-virus utility, provides continuous virus detection,
removal and prevention. CPAV now detects more than 1,300 viruses including
boot sector, polymorphic (self-modifying) and stealth (self-concealing)
viruses. It is the only and-virus product to clean mutation engine
viruses. In addition, users can schedule virus scans, scan on-demand using
drag and drop, and update virus signatures from a DOS-based network
server.

** RAMBoost, a new memory optimizer, improves the memory utilization of
existing memory managers. It does this by automatically loading device
drivers and TSRs in upper memory, expanding the space available in
conventional memory. With RAMBoost, users no longer need to use MS-DOS's
DeviceHigh and LoadHigh commands or manually configure MS-DOS's
upper-memory manager, EMM386.

** Central Point Backup now offers the industry's broadest support for tape
backup devices, including support for SCSI tape drives, such as DAT and
8mm drives. New Tape Tools allow users to format, erase and retension
tapes. Users can also now get a directory of files on the tape, as well as
specific information about the tape. An improved scheduler permits more
flexible scheduling of unattended backups.

Automatic, Simplified Use Benefits Many Users

Many of today's utilities users have a limited understanding of the
intricacies of computers. PC Tools 8.0 offers these users a range of
simplified and automatic operations to help manage their PCs.

"PC Tools' enhanced ease-of-use starts with a completely new, automated
installation procedure, which guides users through the set-up process. As
part of that process, users are prompted to make an Emergency Disk. The
single-step process to install and use the Emergency Disk is insurance
against system failure at some subsequent point," said Steven Weiss,
director of product marketing for desktop products at Central Point
Software.

"With other utilities packages, it's easy to put off emergency disk
creation until you need it--and then, of course, it's too late. PC Tools
users will never get into that bind," he added. The Emergency Disk
contains comprehensive system information, including device drivers, and
all necessary PC Tools' data recovery programs, enabling users to quickly
recover their system software, application programs and data.

The integrated desktop provides a single, Windows-like environment to
access any software, manage multiple applications using the new task
switcher, transfer data among applications, and use customizable menus and
function keys.

PC Tools Offers Organizations Easy Administration and Configuration

PC Tools 8.0 offers easy, network-wide configuration, installation and
administration-- allowing system administrators to enforce organizational
standards for the computing environment and reduce installation and
life-cycle costs. The improvements include:

** Customized distribution disks and installation, allowing managers to
produce disks with selected utilities in pre-configured formats.

** Configurable and password-protected menus and applications, giving
administrators better management of access to special functions.

** Network installation in batch and interactive modes, for easy
installation and administration of PC Tools from a network, as well as
transparent management of software updates and changes.

Special Benefits for Portable PC Users

To serve the growing ranks of professionals who use both laptops and
desktops, PC Tools offers a range of special features, including:

** Central Point Commute 2.0 for fast, easy remote computing. It makes it
possible to run remote DOS or Windows sessions via modem without
frustrating delays for screen updates. File transfers are easier, faster
and more intuitive.

** DriveMap, a remote device mapper that enables remote drives and printers
to appear as local resources, either on networks or on direct connections
via parallel or serial connectors. DriveMap makes it easy to quickly move
files between laptop and desktop computers. In addition, network users can
establish peer-to-peer network drives without tying up remote
workstations.

** Expanded telecommunications support, including ZMODEM and Kermit file
transfer protocols.

Pricing and Availability

PC Tools 8.0 will be available in October for a suggested retail price of
$179 through major software distributors and resellers in the U.S. and
Canada. Current PC Tools users can order an upgrade to Version 8.0
directly from Central Point for a suggested retail price of $69.95. For
the first time, users can also purchase their upgrades in the retail
distribution channel. Customers in North America can call (800) 445-4208
to order an upgrade or request additional product information.

Central Point Software
15220 N. W. Greenbrier Parkway, #200, Beaverton, Oregon 97006
Customer Service  (503) 690-8090 
Technical Support (503) 690-8080 
              Fax (503) 690-8083

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