Ranchhand,

Remember that Avast is an Antivirus and will do nothing to block your internet access. It appears from the limited information that your connection is being blocked.

Zone Alarm is a good place to look. Check the Applications/Programs menu and look at each listed process. Make sure that your ISP connection has been authorized and also your browser.

Zone Alarm works fine if configured properly. It does at times take “fits” and settings change. Check them.

Good luck.