Latest update 2014.9.0.2016 Kills Internet!

My copy of Avast Free updated to the latest version, 2014.9.0.2016, and now, when “shields are active”, Firefox and Internet Explorer will not access the Internet - the programs just sit there “waiting for www.whateverwebsiteitry.com…”
As soon as I disable Avast, Bam, websites load as soon as the browser window is open. Haven’t tried Chrome to see if it’s any different, but why should I have to? Perhaps i should install it and see… Surely the Web shield or whatever component is blocking access to the web has been developed for all browsers and not just the ‘recommended’ Chrome.
I am running Windows 7 Professional 64-bit.
Any ideas? Or do i need to find a new Anti-virus?

use the instructions here:

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=148752.0