<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.08

                                  FORM OF NOTE



                           [FORM OF FACE OF SECURITY]



        [UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF
TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE
NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE
TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER
USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE
REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN. THIS SECURITY IS A
GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND
IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY IS
EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE
DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE
INDENTURE AND, UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR
SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A
WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE
DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE
DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH
SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.](1)

        [THIS SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A
TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF
1933 (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND THIS SECURITY AND THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION THEREOF MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE
TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION
THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF
THIS SECURITY MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5
OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.](2)

        THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT
(A) THIS SECURITY AND THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION
THEREOF MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN
THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A

--------

(1)  These paragraphs should be included only if the Security is a Global
     Security.

(2)  These paragraphs to be included only if the Security is a Restricted
     Security.

<PAGE>

QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT)
IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED
STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (IV) PURSUANT
TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF
CASES (I) THROUGH (IV) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY
STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER
IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY FROM IT OF THE RESALE
RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE.](2)

        [THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY IS ENTITLED TO THE BENEFITS OF A
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED
TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF) AND, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES TO BE BOUND BY
AND TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SUCH REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT.](2)








--------

(2)  These paragraphs to be included only if the Security is a Transfer
     Restricted Security.

<PAGE>

                              SYMANTEC CORPORATION



CUSIP:  __________                                                      R-______

             3% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE NOVEMBER 1, 2006

        Symantec Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company", which term
shall include any successor corporation under the Indenture referred to on the
reverse hereof), promises to pay to____________________________, or registered
assigns, the principal sum of ______________________________________ Dollars
($__________) on November 1, 2006 [or such greater or lesser amount as is
indicated on the Schedule of Exchanges of Notes on the other side of this
Note].(3)

Interest Payment Dates: May 1 and November 1

Record Dates: April 15 and October 15

        This Note is convertible as specified on the other side of this Note.
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.



                             SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS


--------

(3)  This phrase should be included only if the Security is a global Security.

<PAGE>

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed.



                                                   SYMANTEC CORPORATION



                                                   By: _________________________
                                                   Name:
                                                   Title:

Attest:



_____________________________________
Name:
Title:

Dated:

Trustee's Certificate of Authentication:  This is one of the
Securities referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,
as Trustee



______________________________________
Authorized Signatory

By:


                       [FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF SECURITY]

                              SYMANTEC CORPORATION
             3% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE NOVEMBER 1, 2006


1. INTEREST

        Symantec Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company", which term
shall include any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred
to), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate
of 3% per annum. The Company shall pay interest semiannually on May 1 and
November 1 of each year, commencing May 1, 2002. Interest on the Notes shall
accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no
interest has been paid, from October 24, 2001; provided, however, that if there
is not an existing default in the payment of interest and if this Note is
authenticated

<PAGE>

between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding
interest payment date, interest shall accrue from such interest payment date.
Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months. Any reference herein to interest accrued or payable as of any date shall
include any Additional Interest accrued or payable on such date as provided in
the Registration Rights Agreement.

2. METHOD OF PAYMENT

        The Company shall pay interest on this Note (except defaulted interest)
to the person who is the Holder of this Note at the close of business on April
15 or October 15, as the case may be, next preceding the related interest
payment date. The Holder must surrender this Note to a Paying Agent to collect
payment of principal. The Company will pay principal and interest in money of
the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of
public and private debts. The Company may, however, pay principal and interest
in respect of any Certificated Security by check or wire payable in such money;
provided, however, that a Holder with an aggregate principal amount in excess of
$2,000,000 will be paid by wire transfer in immediately available funds at the
election of such Holder if such Holder has provided wire transfer instructions
to the Company. The Company may mail an interest check to the Holder's
registered address. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as this Note is
registered in the name of a Depositary or its nominee, all payments hereon shall
be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account of the
Depositary or its nominee.

3. PAYING AGENT, REGISTRAR AND CONVERSION AGENT

        Initially, State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A. (the
"Trustee", which term shall include any successor trustee under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to) will act as Paying Agent, Registrar and Conversion
Agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent, Registrar or Conversion Agent
without notice to the Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may,
subject to certain limitations set forth in the Indenture, act as Paying Agent
or Registrar.

4. INDENTURE, LIMITATIONS

        This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities of the Company
designated as its 3% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due November 1, 2006 (the
"Notes"), issued under an Indenture dated as of October 24, 2001 (together with
any supplemental indentures thereto, the "Indenture"), between the Company and
the Trustee. The terms of this Note include those stated in the Indenture and
those required by or made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in effect on the date of the Indenture.
This Note is subject to all such terms, and the Holder of this Note is referred
to the Indenture and said Act for a statement of them.

        The Notes are subordinated unsecured obligations of the Company limited
to $600,000,000 aggregate principal amount. The Indenture does not limit other
debt of the Company, secured or unsecured, including Senior Indebtedness.

5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION

        The Notes are subject to redemption, at any time on or after November 5,
2004, as a whole or from time to time in part, at the election of the Company.
The Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) are as
follows for Notes redeemed during the periods set forth below:

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  PERIOD                               REDEMPTION PRICE
                                  ------                               ----------------
<S>                                                                    <C>
       November 5, 2004 through October 31, 2005....................        100.75%
       November 1, 2005 and thereafter..............................        100.00%
</TABLE>

in each case together with accrued interest up to but not including the
Redemption Date; provided that if the Redemption Date falls after an interest
payment record date and on or before an interest payment date, then the interest
will be payable to the Holders in whose names the Notes are registered at the
close of business on the relevant interest payment record dates.

       No sinking fund is provided for the Notes.

6. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION

        Notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at least 20 days
but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of Notes to
be redeemed at its registered address. Notes in denominations larger than $1,000
may be redeemed in part, but only in whole multiples of $1,000. On and after the
Redemption Date, subject to the deposit with the Paying Agent of funds
sufficient to pay the Redemption Price plus accrued interest, if any, accrued
to, but excluding, the Redemption Date, interest shall cease to accrue on Notes
or portions of them called for redemption.

7. PURCHASE OF NOTES AT OPTION OF HOLDER UPON A CHANGE IN CONTROL

        At the option of the Holder and subject to the terms and conditions of
the Indenture, the Company shall become obligated to purchase all or any part
specified by the Holder (so long as the principal amount of such part is $1,000
or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of the Notes held by such
Holder on the date that is 30 Business Days after the occurrence of a Change in
Control, at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof
together with accrued interest up to, but excluding, the Change in Control
Purchase Date. The Holder shall have the right to withdraw any Change in Control
Purchase Notice (in whole or in a portion thereof that is $1,000 or an integral
multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) at any time prior to the close of business
on the Business Day next preceding the Change in Control Purchase Date by
delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the Paying Agent in accordance with
the terms of the Indenture.

8. CONVERSION

        A Holder of a Note may convert the principal amount of such Note (or any
portion thereof equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess
thereof) into shares of Common Stock at any time prior to the close of business
on November 1, 2006; provided, however, that if the Note is called for
redemption or subject to purchase upon a Change in Control, the conversion right
will terminate at the close of business on the Business Day immediately
preceding the Redemption Date or the Change in Control Purchase Date, as the
case may be, for such Note or such earlier date as the Holder presents such Note
for redemption or purchase (unless the Company shall default in making the
redemption payment or Change in Control Purchase Price, as the case may be, when
due, in which case the conversion right shall terminate at the close of business
on the date such default is cured and such Note is redeemed or purchased).

        The initial Conversion Price is $68.28 per share, subject to adjustment
under certain circumstances as provided in the Indenture. The number of shares
of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of a Note is determined by dividing the
principal amount of the Note or portion thereof converted by the Conversion
Price in effect on the Conversion Date. No fractional shares will be issued upon
conversion; in lieu thereof, an

<PAGE>

amount will be paid in cash based upon the Closing Price (as defined in the
Indenture) of the Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately prior to the
Conversion Date.

        To convert a Note, a Holder must (a) complete and manually sign the
conversion notice set forth below and deliver such notice to a Conversion Agent,
(b) surrender the Note to a Conversion Agent, (c) furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents if required by a Registrar or a Conversion
Agent, and (d) pay any transfer or similar tax, if required. Notes so
surrendered for conversion (in whole or in part) during the period from the
close of business on any regular record date to the opening of business on the
next succeeding interest payment date (excluding Notes or portions thereof
called for redemption or subject to purchase upon a Change in Control on a
Redemption Date or Change in Control Purchase Date, as the case may be, during
the period beginning at the close of business on a regular record date and
ending at the opening of business on the first Business Day after the next
succeeding interest payment date, or if such interest payment date is not a
Business Day, the second such Business Day) shall also be accompanied by payment
in funds acceptable to the Company of an amount equal to the interest payable on
such interest payment date on the principal amount of such Note then being
converted, and such interest shall be payable to such registered Holder
notwithstanding the conversion of such Note, subject to the provisions of this
Indenture relating to the payment of defaulted interest by the Company. If the
Company defaults in the payment of interest payable on such interest payment
date, the Company shall promptly repay such funds to such Holder. A Holder may
convert a portion of a Note equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof.

        A Note in respect of which a Holder had delivered a Change in Control
Purchase Notice exercising the option of such Holder to require the Company to
purchase such Note may be converted only if the Change in Control Purchase
Notice is withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

9. CONVERSION ARRANGEMENT ON CALL FOR REDEMPTION

        Any Notes called for redemption, unless surrendered for conversion
before the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the
Redemption Date, may be deemed to be purchased from the Holders of such Notes at
an amount not less than the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if
any, to, but not including, the Redemption Date, by one or more investment
bankers or other purchasers who may agree with the Company to purchase such
Notes from the Holders, to convert them into Common Stock of the Company and to
make payment for such Notes to the Paying Agent in trust for such Holders.

10. SUBORDINATION

        The indebtedness evidenced by the Notes is, to the extent and in the
manner provided in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to
the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company. Any Holder
by accepting this Note agrees to and shall be bound by such subordination
provisions and authorizes the Trustee to give them effect. In addition to all
other rights of Senior Indebtedness described in the Indenture, the Senior
Indebtedness shall continue to be Senior Indebtedness and entitled to the
benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment,
modification or waiver of any terms of any instrument relating to the Senior
Indebtedness or any extension or renewal of the Senior Indebtedness.

11. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE

        The Notes are in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. A Holder may register the transfer of
or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The

<PAGE>

Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents and to pay any taxes or other governmental
charges that may be imposed in relation thereto by law or permitted by the
Indenture.

12. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS

        The Holder of a Note may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

13. UNCLAIMED MONEY

        If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for
two years, the Trustee or Paying Agent will pay the money back to the Company at
its written request, subject to applicable unclaimed property law. After that,
Holders entitled to money must look to the Company for payment as general
creditors unless an applicable abandoned property law designates another person.

14. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

        Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended
or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, and an existing
default or Event of Default and its consequence or compliance with any provision
of the Indenture or the Notes may be waived in a particular instance with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes
then outstanding. Without the consent of or notice to any Holder, the Company
and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Notes to, among
other things, cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency or make any other
change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder.

15. SUCCESSOR ENTITY

        When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its
predecessor under the Notes and the Indenture in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Indenture, the predecessor corporation (except in certain
circumstances specified in the Indenture) be released from those obligations.

16. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

        Under the Indenture, an Event of Default includes: (i) default for 30
days in payment of any interest or Additional Interest on any Notes; (ii)
default in payment of any principal (including, without limitation, any premium,
if any) on the Notes when due; (iii) failure by the Company for 60 days after
notice to it to comply with any of its other agreements contained in the
Indenture or the Notes; (iv) default in the payment of certain indebtedness of
the Company or a Significant Subsidiary and (v) certain events of bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary. If an
Event of Default (other than as a result of certain events of bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization of the Company) occurs and is continuing, the
Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding may declare all unpaid principal to the date of
acceleration on the Notes then outstanding to be due and payable immediately,
all as and to the extent provided in the Indenture. If an Event of Default
occurs as a result of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
of the Company, unpaid principal of the Notes then outstanding shall become due
and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the
Trustee or any Holder, all as and to the extent provided in the Indenture.
Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the
Indenture. The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it
enforces the Indenture or the Notes. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of
a

<PAGE>

majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may direct
the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from
Holders notice of any continuing default (except a default in payment of
principal or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their
interests. The Company is required to file periodic reports with the Trustee as
to the absence of default.

17. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH THE COMPANY

        State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A., the Trustee
under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to,
accept deposits from and perform services for the Company or an Affiliate of the
Company, and may otherwise deal with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company,
as if it were not the Trustee.

18. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS

        A director, officer, employee or shareholder, as such, of the Company
shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Notes
or the Indenture nor for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such
obligations or their creation. The Holder of this Note by accepting this Note
waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for the issuance of this Note.

19. AUTHENTICATION

        This Note shall not be valid until the Trustee or an authenticating
agent manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this
Note.

20. ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

        Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of the Holder or an
assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the
entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as
tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian) and UGMA (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

        All terms defined in the Indenture and used in this Note but not
specifically defined herein are defined in the Indenture and are used herein as
so defined.

21. INDENTURE TO CONTROL; GOVERNING LAW

        In the case of any conflict between the provisions of this Note and the
Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall control. This Note shall be
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New
York, without regard to principals of conflicts of law.

        The Company will furnish to any Holder, upon written request and without
charge, a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to: Symantec Corporation,
20330 Stevens Creek Blvd. Cupertino, CA 95014-2132, (408) 517-8000, Attention:
Investor Relations.

<PAGE>

                                 ASSIGNMENT FORM

        To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

        I or we assign and transfer this Note to


________________________________________________________________________________
                  (Insert assignee's soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)


________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
              (Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint




________________________________________________________________________________
agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may
substitute another to act for him or her.



                                       Your Signature:

Date:___________________________       _________________________________________
                                       (Sign exactly as your name appears on the
                                       other side of this Note)

*Signature guaranteed by:

By: ____________________________




        *  The signature must be guaranteed by an institution which is a member
           of one of the following recognized signature guaranty programs: (i)
           the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program (STAMP); (ii) the New
           York Stock Exchange Medallion Program (MSP); (iii) the Stock Exchange
           Medallion Program (SEMP); or (iv) such other guaranty program
           acceptable to the Trustee.

<PAGE>

                                CONVERSION NOTICE



       To convert this Note into Common Stock of the Company, check the box: []

       To convert only part of this Note, state the principal amount to be
converted (must be $1,000 or a integral multiple of $1,000): $____________.

       If you want the stock certificate made out in another person's name, fill
in the form below:



________________________________________________________________________________
                  (Insert assignee's soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)


________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
              (Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)



                                      Your Signature:

Date:____________________             _________________________________________
                                      (Sign exactly as your name appears on the
                                      other side of this Note)

*Signature guaranteed by:

By:______________________




        *  The signature must be guaranteed by an institution which is a member
           of one of the following recognized signature guaranty programs: (i)
           the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program (STAMP); (ii) the New
           York Stock Exchange Medallion Program (MSP); (iii) the Stock Exchange
           Medallion Program (SEMP); or (iv) such other guaranty program
           acceptable to the Trustee.

<PAGE>

                           OPTION TO ELECT REPURCHASE
                            UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL

To:     Symantec Corporation

        The undersigned registered owner of this Security hereby irrevocably
acknowledges receipt of a notice from Symantec Corporation (the "Company") as to
the occurrence of a Change in Control with respect to the Company and requests
and instructs the Company to redeem the entire principal amount of this
Security, or the portion thereof (which is $1,000 or an integral multiple
thereof) below designated, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture
referred to in this Security at the Change in Control Purchase Price, together
with accrued interest to, but excluding, such date, to the registered Holder
hereof.

Dated: ____________                            ______________________________

                                               ______________________________
                                               Signature(s)

                                               Signature(s) must be guaranteed
                                               by a qualified guarantor
                                               institution with membership in an
                                               approved signature guarantee
                                               program pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15
                                               under the Securities Exchange Act
                                               of 1934.


                                               ______________________________
                                               Signature Guaranty

Principal amount to be redeemed
(in an integral multiple of $1,000, if less than all):

_____________________________

NOTICE: The signature to the foregoing Election must correspond to the Name as
written upon the face of this Security in every particular, without alteration
or any change whatsoever.

<PAGE>

                       SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF NOTES(4)



        The following exchanges, redemptions, repurchases or conversions of a
part of this global Note have been made:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
    OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE            AUTHORIZED                                      AMOUNT OF
       FOLLOWING SUCH             SIGNATORY OF      AMOUNT OF DECREASE IN         INCREASE IN
       DECREASE DATE               SECURITIES          PRINCIPAL AMOUNT        PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
 OF EXCHANGE (OR INCREASE)         CUSTODIAN         OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE      OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE
--------------------------        ------------      ---------------------     -------------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>                       <C>

</TABLE>





--------

     (4)  This schedule should be included only if the Security is a global
          Security.

<PAGE>

            CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR REGISTRATION
                 OF TRANSFER OF TRANSFER RESTRICTED SECURITIES(5)



Re:     3% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due November 1, 2006 (the "Notes") of
        Symantec Corporation

        This certificate relates to $_______ principal amount of Notes owned in
(check applicable box)

        [ ] book-entry or [ ] definitive form by ___________________ (the
"Transferor").

        The Transferor has requested a Registrar or the Trustee to exchange or
register the transfer of such Notes.

        In connection with such request and in respect of each such Note, the
Transferor does hereby certify that the Transferor is familiar with transfer
restrictions relating to the Notes as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture
dated as of October 24, 2001 between Symantec Corporation and State Street Bank
and Trust Company of California, N.A., as trustee (the "Indenture"), and the
transfer of such Note is being made pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")
(check applicable box) or the transfer or exchange, as the case may be, of such
Note does not require registration under the Securities Act because (check
applicable box):

        [ ] Such Note is being transferred pursuant to an effective
            registration statement under the Securities Act.

        [ ] Such Note is being acquired for the Transferor's own account,
            without transfer.

        [ ] Such Note is being transferred to the Company or a Subsidiary (as
            defined in the Indenture) of the Company.

        [ ] Such Note is being transferred to a person the Transferor
            reasonably believes is a "qualified institutional buyer" (as defined
            in Rule 144A or any successor provision thereto ("Rule 144A") under
            the Securities Act) that is purchasing for its own account or for
            the account of a "qualified institutional buyer", in each case to
            whom notice has been given that the transfer is being made in
            reliance on such Rule 144A, and in each case in reliance on Rule
            144A.

        [ ] Such Note is being transferred pursuant to and in compliance with an
            exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities
            Act in accordance with Rule 144 (or any successor thereto) ("Rule
            144") under the Securities Act.

        Such Note is being transferred pursuant to and in compliance with an
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (other than
an exemption referred to above) and as a result of which such

--------

     (5)  This certificate should only be included if this Security is a
          Transfer Restricted Security.

<PAGE>

Note will, upon such transfer, cease to be a "restricted security" within the
meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act.


        The Transferor acknowledges and agrees that, if the transferee will hold
any such Notes in the form of beneficial interests in a global Note which is a
"restricted security" within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act,
then such transfer can only be made pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities
Act and such transferee must be a "qualified institutional buyer" (as defined in
Rule 144A).





Date:__________________________                 ________________________________

                                                (Insert Name of Transferor)