Fifth Generation Systems

Fifth Generation Systems, Inc.
IndustryComputers
FoundedOctober 1984; 40 years ago (1984-10) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
DefunctOctober 4, 1993; 31 years ago (1993-10-04)
FateAcquired by Symantec
HeadquartersBaton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
ParentSymantec

Fifth Generation Systems, Inc., was a computer security company founded October 1984 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States by Robert Mitchell, Leroy Mitchell, Roger Ivey, and Bruce Ray. All four later left the company after it was acquired by Barry Bellue[1] who was accused by the founders of fraud and continued theft from company accounts for illegal personal use.[2] Fifth Generation's initial commercial product was FastBack, an early competitor to The Norton Backup from Symantec.[3]

Fifth Generation Systems software

  • CopyDoubler (Mac) – system utility for speeding up file copies and managing file copy queues
  • DiskDoubler (Mac) – on-the-fly hard drive compression software
  • DiskLock (PC, Mac) – security software incorporating access control and encryption[4]
  • FastBack (PC, Mac) – hard disk backup utility
  • PowerStation (Mac)[5]
  • Public Utilities (Mac) – software with disk optimization, repair, and data recovery functions, developed by Sentient Software[6][7]
  • Pyro! (Mac) – screensaver that displayed fireworks among other user-selectable displays[8]
  • Search&Destroy (PC) – online and offline virus scanner for DOS and Windows, included in Novell DOS 7
  • Suitcase (Mac) – font management utility[9]
  • Super Laser Spool and Super Spool (Mac) – print spoolers, acquired from Supermac Technology in 1990[10]
  • Direct Access – a menu system software for DOS.

The company was acquired by Symantec on October 4, 1993, for US$53.8 million.[11]

References

  1. ^ Font, Penny (2018-03-05). "News alert: Arrest warrants issued for Thinkstream's Barry Bellue, Morris Alexander". Baton Rouge Business Report. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  2. ^ Skene, Lea (2018-03-05). "Ex-Baton Rouge software company CEO accused of using employees' 401(k) funds for personal expenses". The Advocate. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  3. ^ "Norton Backup 1.x". WinWorld. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  4. ^ Schneier, Bruce (February 1993). "Data Guardians". Macworld. Retrieved 2016-08-15.
  5. ^ LeVitus, Bob (1989). Dr. Macintosh: Tips, Techniques and Advice on Mastering the Macintosh. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company (retrieved via Google Books). p. 84. ISBN 0201517337.
  6. ^ Angus, Jeff (1993-02-08). "Public Utilities decreases data brownouts". InfoWorld. Vol. 15, no. 6. IDG. p. 77. Retrieved 2017-09-08.
  7. ^ Schneier, Bruce (1993-06-21). "Emergency Recovery Tools: Raising Data from the Dead". MacWEEK. Retrieved 2017-09-08.
  8. ^ Lewis, Peter H. (1989-04-02). "THE EXECUTIVE COMPUTER; How to Extend a Monitor's Life". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-08-15.
  9. ^ "Extensis Rescuing Suitcase". TidBITS. 1999-02-08. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  10. ^ "SUPERMAC SELLS SPOOLER SOFTWARE". InfoWorld. Vol. 12, no. 31. 1990-07-30. p. 34. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  11. ^ "Symantec, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date Feb 13, 1995". secdatabase.com. Retrieved May 14, 2018.


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