Hi,
for greater web protection is it essential to use the extension in the browser? Isn’t the web shield active in Avast Free enough?
Thanks. 
AOS gives you an additional simple visual indication of the reputation of a website:
See description here:
https://www.avast.com/avast-online-security
So in addition to the visibility of a website’s reputation, protection from phishing and malware sites is the same without installing the extension in the browser, having the web protection module active in the antivirus?
The standard Web Shield is always running and giving its protection, that doesn’t change (unless you have disabled it, not a good idea).
What the AOS add-on is doing is giving you advance notice in your browsers web searches and more detailed information when you visit a site, should you choose to visit it (as in the AOS link given). Or if you have arrived at the site from a different link than a search.
Personally I feel that having chosen to visit a site that has a poor reputation from the search results is a bit late to be gathering details on its reputation.
No, the web shield I always leave it on obviously.
Thanks were the info I was looking for, you were very thorough with the explanation.
You’re welcome.
