How to Install and Run Avast Free Antivirus 2015 on Your Computer

Introduction

Now, more than ever, technology as well as easy access to the internet have made online activities and transactions very appealing to a majority of computer users. The convenience of online financial transactions, worldwide communication, media streaming, gaming and much more have made the internet and personal computers a necessity for virtually everyone.

Unfortunately, many users underestimate the importance of a quality antivirus program to block and protect sensitive material on their computers from unwanted access by other users. Online threats come in many forms, the most common being viruses, malware, adware, trojans and key loggers. These threats can be installed on
computers without knowledge or consent and increase a user’s risk of identity theft, data theft and corruption, online activity tracking, and greatly reduced computer functionality. Most computers come with a built in or preinstalled security program(s). Although adequate for basic online activity, most users would benefit greatly from installing a more robust and customizable antivirus program to protect their hardware and data.

This step by step tutorial will guide PC users through the process of downloading, installing and running an antivirus program on their personal computer. For this example, we will be using Avast Free Antivirus Software 2015.

Materials Needed

Personal computer or laptop
Internet access

Power on Your Personal Computer

Open Up a Web Browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Etc.)

NOTE: Your computer must have an active internet connection to proceed

Click on Your Browser’s URL Field Located at the Top of the Screen and Type "download.cnet.com/windows/”

Press 'Enter'

Click on the Search Bar at the Top of the Webpage and Type “avast Free Antivirus 2015”

Press 'Enter'

Scroll Down the Webpage to the “Avast Free Antivirus 2015” Section

Click the Green “Download” Button

Click the “Run” Button on the Installer Pop Up at the Bottom of the Screen

Click the “Yes” Button on the User Account Control Dialogue Box.

Deselect the “Yes, Also Install the Google Chrome Web Browser” and “Make Google Chrome My Default Browser” Options Located at the Bottom Left Corner of the Avast Setup Dialogue Box by Clicking the Check Marks

NOTE: This step is optional but highly recommended

Click the “Regular Installation” Button on the Avast Setup Dialogue Box

Click the “Continue” Button to Agree to Avast’s End User License Agreement

NOTE: The entire End User License Agreement can be accessed and read by clicking on the “End User License Agreement” hyperlink

Allow the Installer Time to Complete the Installation

NOTE: Installation times are dependent upon your internet and computer speeds

Click the “Done” Button to Complete the Installation Process

Click the “Get Started” Button on the Avast Free Antivirus 2015 Dialogue Box

NOTE: The program will automatically launch a Quick Scan of your computer, and the progress will be displayed in the bottom right hand corner of your screen

Click the “Allow & Continue” Button on the Quick Tip #1 Box

Click the “Continue” Button on the Quick Tip #2 Box

Click the “Continue” Button on the Quick Tip #3 Box

Click the “Continue” Button the on the Quick Tip #4 Box

Click the “Finish This Tutorial” Hyperlink on the Quick Tip #5 Box

Click the “Smart Scan” Button on the Overview Dialogue Box

NOTE: This will begin a scan of your computer for viruses, malware, etc.

Allow the Program Time to Complete the Scanning Process

NOTE: This process may take several minutes depending on your computer’s hardware and the amount of data saved on your computer

Review Your Results Once the Scan Has Finished

Click the “Resolve All” Button to Fix Any Issues Found by the Program

NOTE: You may be prompted to download additional software to fix Performance Issues. This is an optional step and is not necessary.

Click the “X” Button at the Top Right of the Avast Free Antivirus 2015 Dialogue Box to Close the Program

Troubleshooting

Problem:

Preinstalled Windows security (i.e. Windows Defender) is interfering with the installation of Avast Free Antivirus 2015

Solution:

· Click the Windows Start Menu icon in the bottom corner of the screen. Once "Open" and go to your computer's Control Panel

· Select "Windows Defender" from the available icons. This opens the main Windows Defender interface

· Choose "Tools" from the top of the screen. This takes you to the main Windows Defender control list. Select "Options" from the list

· Scroll down to the bottom of the list. Uncheck the box that says "Use Windows Defender" and click "Save." A confirmation box will pop up so click "Continue" to move past it. One last box will appear telling you that Defender is turned off

· Turn Windows Defender back on by opening it up in the Control Panel. A notification will appear telling you that it is turned off. Select "Turn On and Open Windows Defender" to enable it