Many security packages aimed at the home user are moving towards integration and ease of use. The advantages of this approach are that users can manage all their security applications through a single interface. Most of the time, the applications are aware of each other and work together. Still, integration is only interesting if the scanning software works and doesn't slow things down.
CA (formerly Computer Associates) has been in the security business for some time. It offers software packages that secure large enterprise-class installations and very complex network models. Internet Security Suite is a security package aimed at the home user. Instead of integration, CA has chosen to create a suite by bundling individual applications. This makes for a less unified experience but provides more flexibility on what you actually put on your hard disk. It allows you to avoid installing software you don't need or won't use. This author takes no sides on which approach is better. I see the advantages and disadvantages of both. What matters most to me is whether the software works and how well it does what it's supposed to.
I had no issues with installing or uninstalling the suite. Once installed, each application in the suite performed to my expectations. The individual applications in general are simple, but they function well, with a clear, clean interface (the only exception being the Parental Controls application, which I'll discuss further in the User Interface section below). These applications are not for the power user or for users who need to do a lot of tweaking. But the general user will find the interface and features simple and functional.
