To switch from your current anti-virus program to Avast, download Avast
by entering www.snipca.com/18476 in the address bar
of your browser.
Click the big green button labelled Download Now. In a
pop-up bar at the bottom of the screen you will be asked if you wish to run
the file or save it, choose Save and it will download to your Downloads
folder.
You must then uninstall the old anti-virus.
First, close any programs that are connected to the internet e.g., browser
and email program. Use the Start button to access the
Control panel, then click Programs and Features,
click your current anti-virus program, uninstall it and
then restart your computer. Next, go to your Downloads folder and double
click the Avast file to install it. Decline any offers, and untick the boxes
at the bottom of the screen; you should register because one year from your
original download date, Avast will ask you to re-register to renew the free
program for a further year, that is why it needs your email address during
registration. Say no to the Android version for mobile phones. There is no
need for an additional firewall, as your Windows Firewall is more than
sufficient. Scan your computer for problems with Avast, then click the
Resolve all button. Update any out-dated
programs (especially Adobe Reader, Java and Flash as these are full of
holes). Ignore the red buttons next to network threats and performance
issues. Avast’s menu can be revealed by clicking the hamburger symbol at the
top left (three parallel lines).
How good is AVAST free? It is the best free program according to most reviewers, it is more thorough than several paid-for programs. I was a great fan of AVG free, but when AVG announced in 2015 that it was was going to sell private information to advertisers, I decided to switch to Avast. I object to having my details sold to advertisers which is why I never use Google, Facebook or Twitter