Hi Mike, You have three options for updating Avast Right click on the blue Avast (a) icon in the lower right tray. Select "Program settings" Then select "Update (Basic)". Your choices are: 1 Automatic 2 Ask when updates available 3 Manual Make a choice for data updates & and for program updates. Next select "Update (Connection)" and tell it what type of internet connection you use. I have a fairly fast cable connection so I allow Avast to update itself automatically. It updates frequently and quickly, and has never caused a problem for me. If you have a slow telephone connection, it may be better to update manually, at a time of your convenience. The update options are the only ones I've changed. If you don't disable it, Avast will provide some real-time protection. In addition, you can initiate scans for existing problems as often as you feel necessary. >From: "Mike" <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: [PCSOFT] AVAST Anti-virus Program and Windows XP update > >I would like some advice for using the Free AVAST Anti-virus program. I have >always used AVG Free Anti-virus program and do not quite understand on how >to use AVAST. AVG seemed on the most part, to update and scan itself at >least once a day. AVAST confuses me. I am not very computer wise. I think I >need a basic step-by-step lesson in using AVAST. I am hoping someone can >help me. > >I changed to AVAST basically because I have read several times that is a >good program plus the fact that the updated AVG version will not scan e-mail >after thirty days. > >I use Windows XP, have all the updates -- except for Service Pack 3. I run >three or more antispyware programs and Windows Defender, Ccleaner, and >really try to maintain my computer the best that I can. I must add allof >these are not purchased but are free programs. > >I would like to know how I should maintain my computer using AVAST. Do I >have to update it and scan it manually on a daily basis? I want to be safe. >I would rather be over safe than not. > >If I have any computer problems I am basically on my own and not quite sure >of handling any computer issues when they happen. So far, I have been lucky >since I haven't had anything I could not handle.I am learning, slowly but >surely. I must add that I have learned a lot reading this list when time >allows me. > >Also, I have read that there are problems with the Windows Service Pack 3 >update. I am very nervous about running it. Do I really need to run it being >I keep Windows XP updated? > >Any advice on these issues will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. > > Curious about the people moderating your > messages? Visit our staff web site: > http://freepctech.com/staff.shtml > > Curious about the people moderating your > messages? Visit our staff web site: > http://freepctech.com/staff.shtml PCSOFT's List Owner's: Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]> Mark Rode<[log in to unmask]>