Configuring Avast! Free AntiVirus

So you’ve installed Avast! Free AntiVirus based on our recommendation (found here and if you haven’t, you MUST!), and you’re ready to get setup and start utilizing it to protect your PC. Follow this guide to make sure you’ve registered your software (free), set up automated scans, etc.

We’ll cover these in 4 Easy Sections:

1. Register the software.

2. Setup automated virus scans.

3. Run a high-level scan.

4. Run a low-level scan.

First thing you should do after installing Avast! Free Antivirus is to register the product. You receive 30 days of using the product before it starts nagging you to register. Good thing you can still choose the free version, register it, and get rid of the nagging messages!

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1. Register the Software

Open Avast! Free Antivirus, either from the Start menu, desktop shortcut or from the Task Bar (down on the bottom right near the Time).

Once you open the program, there will be an option to Register at the top, selecting that option will pull up this screen, choose the gray Select button under the Standard Protection column on the left.

Next, you will be prompted with a choice to register via your Facebook account or by an email address. I would suggest using an email address. They don’t need access to your Facebook information (personal info, friend lists, etc). I prefer to keep access to that to a minimum. With an email, they only get the first/last name you enter, and your email address.

Enter your First & Last Name in the appropriate boxes, and then your email address, like it is shown below. Then select the green Register with Email Address button at the bottom. Note: a confirmation email WILL be sent to your email address, so keep an eye out for it and make sure to use a valid email address and not a fake one.

The next screen will attempt to get you to use the full version for a trial. I prefer NOT to do this, as after the trial is up, you’ll get nagged to upgrade, and have to remember. So I would suggest choosing the small Stay with Basic Protection link BELOW the big green button.

After that, you’ll be brought back to the main Avast! Free Antivirus screen. Notice it has your email address noted at the upper right corner.

Don’t forget to check your email. You will be required to confirm your account by clicking on a link within the confirmation email from Avast!

Click here for Step 2: Setup Scheduled Scans

Feel free to leave comments or questions below!

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