Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 31, 2026

Fifth Generation Systems

Fifth Generation Systems, Inc. was an American utility software and computer security company founded in October 1984 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by Robert Mitchell, Leroy Mitchell, Roger Ivey and Bruce Ray. The company developed a broad range of productivity and security tools for both Macintosh and PC platforms, with products spanning backup, file compression, disk management, font management and virus scanning. Symantec acquired Fifth Generation Systems on 4 October 1993 for US$53.8 million.

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May 31, 2026
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Fifth Generation Systems, Inc.
IndustryUtility software, computer security
FoundedOctober 1984 (1984-10) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
DefunctOctober 4, 1993 (1993-10-04)
FateAcquired by Symantec for US$53.8 million
HeadquartersBaton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
ParentSymantec

Fifth Generation Systems, Inc. was an American utility software and computer security company founded in October 1984 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by Robert Mitchell, Leroy Mitchell, Roger Ivey and Bruce Ray. The company developed a broad range of productivity and security tools for both Macintosh and PC platforms, with products spanning backup, file compression, disk management, font management and virus scanning. Symantec acquired Fifth Generation Systems on 4 October 1993 for US$53.8 million.1

History

Fifth Generation Systems was founded in 1984 and grew to become a significant publisher of system utilities through the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its flagship product, FastBack, was an early hard disk backup utility that competed directly with The Norton Backup from Symantec.2

All four founders later departed following the acquisition of the company by Barry Bellue, who was subsequently accused of fraud and theft from company accounts.34

Symantec acquired Fifth Generation Systems in October 1993 for US$53.8 million,1 absorbing its product lines into the Symantec and Norton portfolio.

Products

  • FastBack (PC, Mac) — hard disk backup utility; competed with Norton Backup
  • DiskDoubler (Mac) — on-the-fly hard drive compression software
  • CopyDoubler (Mac) — system utility for accelerating file copies and managing copy queues
  • DiskLock (PC, Mac) — security software incorporating access control and encryption5
  • Public Utilities (Mac) — disk optimisation, repair and data recovery, developed by Sentient Software6
  • PowerStation (Mac)7
  • Pyro! (Mac) — screensaver displaying fireworks and user-selectable animations8
  • Search&Destroy (PC) — virus scanner for DOS and Windows, included in Novell DOS 7
  • Suitcase (Mac) — font management utility9
  • Super Laser Spool and Super Spool (Mac) — print spoolers, acquired from Supermac Technology in 199010
  • Direct Access (PC) — menu system software for DOS
  • ABC SnapGraphix
References

References

  1. "Symantec, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date Feb 13, 1995". secdatabase.com. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
  2. "Norton Backup 1.x". WinWorld. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Schneier, Bruce (February 1993). "Data Guardians". Macworld. Retrieved 2016-08-15.
  6. Angus, Jeff (1993-02-08). "Public Utilities decreases data brownouts". InfoWorld. Vol. 15, no. 6. IDG. p. 77. Retrieved 2017-09-08.
  7. LeVitus, Bob (1989). Dr. Macintosh: Tips, Techniques and Advice on Mastering the Macintosh. Addison-Wesley. p. 84. ISBN 0201517337.
  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.