Introduction: 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
Step 1: Power on Your Personal Computer
Step 2: Open Up a Web Browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Etc.)
NOTE: Your computer must have an active internet connection to proceed
Step 3: Click on Your Browser’s URL Field Located at the Top of the Screen and Type "download.cnet.com/windows/”
Step 4: Press 'Enter'
Step 5: Click on the Search Bar at the Top of the Webpage and Type “avast Free Antivirus 2015”
Step 6: Press 'Enter'
Step 7: Scroll Down the Webpage to the “Avast Free Antivirus 2015” Section
Step 8: Click the Green “Download” Button
Step 9: Click the “Run” Button on the Installer Pop Up at the Bottom of the Screen
Step 10: Click the “Yes” Button on the User Account Control Dialogue Box.
Step 11: 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
Step 12: Click the “Regular Installation” Button on the Avast Setup Dialogue Box
Step 13: 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
Step 14: Allow the Installer Time to Complete the Installation
NOTE: Installation times are dependent upon your internet and computer speeds
Step 15: Click the “Done” Button to Complete the Installation Process
Step 16: 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
Step 17: Click the “Allow & Continue” Button on the Quick Tip #1 Box
Step 18: Click the “Continue” Button on the Quick Tip #2 Box
Step 19: Click the “Continue” Button on the Quick Tip #3 Box
Step 20: Click the “Continue” Button the on the Quick Tip #4 Box
Step 21: Click the “Finish This Tutorial” Hyperlink on the Quick Tip #5 Box
Step 22: Click the “Smart Scan” Button on the Overview Dialogue Box
NOTE: This will begin a scan of your computer for viruses, malware, etc.
Step 23: 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
Step 24: Review Your Results Once the Scan Has Finished
Step 25: 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.
Step 26: 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
4 Comments
2 years ago
Nice blog
5 years ago
Thanks for mentioning and sharing the complete step-by-step procedure along with the it's screenshots.
6 years ago
http://www.mahtrickz.com/2016/06/avast-free-antivirus-for-8-year-2016.html?m=1
7 years ago
Nice tutorial.