Hey,

I am just wondering whether to have an 'All-In-One' Internet Security program (like Norton Internet Security, BitDefender, etc, etc) or separate programs (like Zone Alarm, Spybot Search & Destroy, AVG AntiVirus, etc, etc).

Which gives better protection?

I only want to have 1 scan which searches for everything and not around 5 scans for different types of 'Web Worries'.

Thanks
deanpcmad

The fact of the matter is that it is better to have individual apps which do one thing to the best of their ability. Which is the, "better protection" requirement you requested. As opposed to a 'suite' of products that do one thing very well and the others just adequately because that is not their forte'. But it seems you have qualified what you want by this one term.

Unfortunately the reality is you can't have it both ways when it comes to computer security. Every security app is quite narrow and focused if it is the 'cream of the crop'.

If that is what you want, then you have no option but to use an all-in-one security suite.

However, this convenience for the user seems to come with a price (in more ways than one).
First, it has been my experience that suites are built up of pieces the company purchases at some time or another because they are relatively good and they can quickly plug them into their suite. Now sometimes this results in some bloat in the programmes, and extra processing is needed to make their interfacing work. Moreover, the purchased modules are not developed or enhanced with the same enthusiasm as when it was cared for by people dedicated to making it the best of breed. Hence, not all the modules of the Suite are of consistently high quality.

Secondly, in respect especially to anti-spyware modules, one just does not seem enough. There is no commonly accepted criteria of what spyware really is, so each company's software will only search for and find that one set of definitions. Additional anti-spyware applications will often find the same things, but also other spyware that are missed by just one application.

Thirdly, selecting from a competitive group of individual modules allows the user more control over the workings of his computer and for fine-tuning the software to his actual needs. He can select ones with interfaces he can best understand and therefore use to best effect, and can build his layered protection from the best of each category.

Just my thoughts, but for me, the extra work required is minimal compared to the benefits of having specialised products doing specialised work.

Regards,
John

For a Third opinion deanpcmad, The first two are excellent advice. Control and coverage of the battlefield.