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How to download, install, and configure Avast Antivirus – Video Tip

I try to continually test and analyze what is available in the world of computers for my clients and web site visitors. Security tops the list of the testing, reading, and studying I do. Recently, AVG released yet another upgrade, and more bulk. As of today, I no longer recommend that users use AVG Antivirus.

My current recommendations are as follows:

  • Ubuntu/Linux – No need for additional security products
  • Apple (Mac OS X) – No need for additional security products
  • Windows XP – Use Avast Antivirus and your choice of AntiSpyware products (see my Links section)
  • Windows Vista or Windows 7 – Use Microsoft Security Essentials

If you already upgraded to AVG 2011 and are not having problems, stay with it, but if you haven’t upgraded or want to use Avast antivirus here’s how:

  1. Watch the entire video BEFORE undertaking the installation.
  2. Print these instructions using the “Print this article” link at the top of the page
  3. Uninstall your current antivirus product by going to the Control Panel then Add/Remove Programs.
  4. Click here to start the downloading process.
  5. Click the Download button under the Free product information
  6. Click the orange “No thanks…” button that appears asking if you want the pay version
  7. You will now be taken to CNET.com’s download site, click the large Green button that says “Download Now Avast Free…” (see video for details)
  8. Another page will appear…be patient and you will be asked to save the download…do that…click Save.
  9. When download finishes, close all programs and go to where you downloaded the file (probably the desktop or the downloads folder located in your My Documents folder).
  10. Double-click the file to start the installation
  11. Click Next
  12. Decide whether you want to participate in the Avast community (again see video), click Next.
  13. If you do not have Google Chrome web browser installed, you will be given the option to do so (not a bad idea, but not necessary..if you don’t want it, uncheck the boxes).
  14. Installation will start and finish pretty quickly.
  15. When finished, click the Finish button.
  16. Find and double-click the new Avast icon on your desktop.
  17. Click the option to Turn On Silent/Gaming mode permanently (minimizes messages from Avast).
  18. Click Register now button
  19. Click Register button
  20. Type your Name and Email address
  21. Click Register for Free License
  22. Click OK
  23. Click Settings
  24. Click Updates
  25. Choose to Automatically Update Program
  26. Click OK
  27. Now click Scan Computer from the left side of screen
  28. Click More Details under Quick Scan
  29. Click Settings
  30. Click Actions
  31. Click checkbox next to “Automatically apply actions”
  32. Under the Virus section, click the options under “No action” and in order choose: Delete for the first action, Repair for the second action, and Move to Chest for the third Action.
  33. Choose the exact same actions for PUP
  34. In the Suspicions section, choose, Repair, Move to Chest, then Delete
  35. Now click Scheduling
  36. Choose Schedule this Scan
  37. Choose Daily under the schedule type
  38. Check the box next to wake up system to start scan mode
  39. Enter a time (use military time) to start the scan when the computer will be on, but not necessarily in use.
  40. Click OK
  41. Optional: If you want to setup a schedule for a full scan, feel free to do so using the same technique we just used.
  42. Close Avast and enjoy!
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11 thoughts on “How to download, install, and configure Avast Antivirus – Video Tip”

  1. Lake Geneva Computer Service

    Best damned free anti-virus package available. Been using it for three years, and must have installed it on more than 200 computers. It will -occasionally- miss something. But, hey, it’s free! Even Kaspersky will miss one now and then…

    Karl A. Krogmann

    1. Rick

      Agreed…I had so many problems with clients figuring out how to copy and paste the registration code on previous version, that I was selective on who I used it with. But yes, I think it runs and works fantastic! Thanks for the comment!

  4. Sandy

    I replaced AVG with AVAST about 10 days ago, and all seems to be working OK, except that most of my scans end with a message that “some files could not be scanned.” Should I be worried?

        1. Rick

          This is a full home version…if you want extra features, you will need to pay. However, this is NOT a trial, and as is works fantastic…been using it for years with no problems.

  6. Dale

    I took off avg and installed avast. But now I can’t connect to the internet. I get “webpage is not available” and error 106.

  7. Lowell

    I don’t seem to have any of this on my avast. Also when I downloaded a free version they told me I only had a 30 day Avast coverage.

    This is a first for me since I have had Avast for several years.

    I am puzzled as to why I am only given 30 days of it this time.

    1. Rick

      You have accidentally downloaded the FULL trial version of Avast (good for only 30 days free). Make sure to get the FREE one for a year of usage before re-registering. For even LESS problems, consider using Microsoft Security Essentials (see the tip in my Top Tips section on the right) if you are using Windows Vista, 7, or 8. Works great and always free. Good luck.

      1. Lowell

        I have windows XP. Can you tell me how I get the free version. Do I have to uninstall what I have, or can I get it by just downloading it? Thanks.

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