the key last about a year then you just have to do what you did and get a new key and insert it, it does get the virus definition updates automatically daily, it can be set in the settings to also auto update the program too other wise it will pop up saying there is one and she has to ok it, now with a big version update like the current one from 4.8 to 5 that has to be done manually by going to the site and downloading the new one and installing it just like it was done originally and a new key will have to be installed. However you do not have to rush and get version 5 because they will continue support for 4.8 for quite a while. to change the settings in it to have it get everything she can automatically go to the avast ball in the systray right click and select settings in teh avast settings box click on update(basic) on the left that will open your options in there you want to set both of those options to automatic, virus database and program then click ok. Now you do have to do a full scan manually but with avast that is not really as needed as other programs since it scans everything continually. But what I do is set the screen saver up in scan mode and leave my computer setting with the screen saver running and just let it scan, to do that go to the desktop and right click choose properties and go to the screen saver tab, look through the list of options and select avast then you can click on settings to select which screen saver to set for avast to use just pick a simple one so it won't use much resource (I use starfield i think) leave everything else as it is set, you can change how long to wait till the screen saver comes on if you want. click ok apply and now anytime the pc sits long enough for the screen saver to come on it will automatically begin doing a scan and will continue till done if un interrupted, if interrupted it will begin from where it left off the next time. there is a method to set up the windows task manager to run a scheduled scan also if you want those directions let me know I can link them

Hi jannaz, Two helpers have asked you about Service Pack 3 and for good reason. Without Service Pack 3 installed on Windows XP you will not be getting automatic updates installed as they are issued. Using a computer without these updates is quite a security risk. Lets verify you have Service Pack 3 installed. Please find the My Computer icon on the desktop, can't find it there, click Start and in the start menu look for My Computer once found, right click on it when it opens choose properties. It should say windows XP SERVICE PACK 3 under System. What does yours say?

Mine updated to 6.0.1000 yesterday which called for a restart to finish. Now when I turn on my computer, I get a brown Avast icon on my desktop for which if I X it out, goes into my Gadgets? What is that all about? I never had that before? I have the orange color shortcut one.

I agree, it's definitely not necessary to uninstall the old antivirus software before downloading a new one. But before installing the new one, for sure. fredda, at the risk of stating the obvious, Windows XP is no longer supported from a security standpoint and using it does entail some risk. So long as you are using this PC for general purposes only and not for essential uses with any Win-only software, I would seriously consider installing Linux (a different operating system that's available for no cost) to replace XP. Start a new thread on that topic if that may apply to you, there are other contributors here (not me) who can provide helpful guidance.