I have avast on my computer. So decided to put it on my laptop as well. However although everything seems to be running and set up ok the lil revolving eye icon is not revolving when i am on the internet like it does on my main computer.
Any help appreciated.
Which is the laptop operational system?
Does the ‘a’ blue icon is set to swirl while scanning?
I am on windows xp. Its not while scanning its when I go from page to page on the internet etc, on my main puter the A rotates each time I change pages but it doesn’t on the laptop its permanently still.
Then check and see if it is scanning your web content. left click on the avast ’ a ’ icon (if you see a button, Details… >>, click it) select the Web Shield provider.
Now check a) it is started, b) it is scanning, Last scanned: and Scanned total: fields should constantly update as web pages are scanned, etc. ?
Have (or did) you another AV installed in this system, if so what was it and how did you get rid of it ?
Sure, no problem. 
You’re not an idiot, we are all given skills in different areas for different kinds of work. I couldn’t imagine myself being a geologist or a marine biologist, as an example. Be very careful what you call yourself.
Rather, you are beloved and cherished by your Creator and the One who died for you on the Cross!
Best Regards…
sorry re late response, had to go to work, i did have avg on the puter but uninstalled it before downloading avast.
It does appear to be updating in the fields that you mentioned, just the eye does not go around like it does on my main puter.
OK, ensure the ‘Animate the icon when scanning’ option is checked (it is by default) in the avast Program Settings (right click the avast ‘a’ icon), see image.
How did you uninstall AVG?
What OS are you using?