Do I need to remove my 2013 version before updating to the newest version, and are there problems with this new one?
Thank you
Yes! You need to remove the 2013 program version before upgrading to the new major release of 2014.
Follow these instructions:
- Uninstall the 2013 version via Add/remove. It will ask you to restart. Restart your computer.
- After restarting your computer, download the avast uninstall utility. Once downloaded, run your computer in safe mode and follow the instructions.
- In windows normal mode download and run this tool called Avast Cleanup Tool located from here http://rejzor.wordpress.com/avast-cleanup-tool/
Note: After running the Avast Cleanup Tool, restart your computer manually. After that download and install the 2014 version. After it has been installed, restart your computer again and finally register your Avast copy.
The latest version of 2014 is 2014.9.0.2008. New version of each release always comes from time to time. When the 2014.9.0.2009 (currently in beta) when that becomes available and becomes final version you don’t need to uninstall the current one. You can simply update via Avast GUI. Whenever there will be a program update i.e. 2015. We always use the steps that I mentioned above.
No!
Download and save the uninstaller first http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avastclear.exe
Then download and save your choice…
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup.exe
Then run uninstaller, you will be directed to reboot into safe mode. avast will do this for you (see screenshot).
Reboot.
Install choice from above.
Reboot and register.
Never, ever uninstall then download.
Always download then do a clean install.
edit: Never leave a computer unprotected!
Para-Noid.
I always do that uninstall the current one, use uninstall utility, use cleanup tool, and finally download and install the new version. I guess others do in a different way 
As I outlined above is a more secure method.
It is safer than the way you described.
I just upgraded my avast without uninstalling the previous version! Everything is smooth!!