I have been searching all over the interface but I cannot find where to schedule scans and updates? Or even if it is already scheduled, when is it scheduled for?
Thanks
Cherry
Automatic scaning is only available in Professional version
(see picture here: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=13315.msg112285#msg112285).
In Home version you can check the option “Don’t show this window again” as soon as the first virus warning appears, and click on “No action” button. This way, nothing will be done and you will be presented the results at the end (and you can perform actions from there). Or you can use Silent Mode. Searching the board you’ll find more.
The updates are automatic (or manual) in both Home and Pro version.
The Pro version only adds the possibility of scheduling it 
wow. That stinks… ???
Ok, I guess I will be going back to AVG because I loved the ability to set scan times and update times and then forget it.
However, Avast! did find a trojan sitting in my backup files that AVG didn’t see.
I’m so confused!! LOL!
Thanks for the help.
Cherry
With avast’s multi level protection there is less of a requirement to do scheduled scans and having left AVG almost two years for avast, there is no way I would go back just for that. avast is a far more flexible, configurable and in my opinion a far better AV program with better detection rates (confirmed in numerous AV virus tests).
These advanced automated options are only available in the Pro version, however, in life there always ways to get around things.
Check This out - HOWTO: Scheduled Automatic Scans avast! Home Version!
The major disadvantage with the task scheduler trick of using ashquick.exe is, it will scan every file of the hdd, partition, folder or file that you set it to scan; even those files not considered a potential threat, this can take a long time. It is possible to add certain folders to the exclusions list for say your media files, etc. This could leave you vulnerable if that folder got infected as it wouldn’t be scanned by the on-demand scanner as you have excluded it.
The Pro version gives a lot more flexibility and the scan would follow the settings and exclusions, etc. of the regular scan.
With the different levels of protection of and the fall back of the Standard Shield, I find the need for daily scheduled scans lessened. I prefer to do a manual scan with my regular weekly maintenance tasks.
Another reason to stay with avast, you don’t get this kind of support (as you have seen from your own experience with this forum) as an AVG free user ;D
This is true. I guess I could just do a reg scan with the weekly stuff. I guess I am just paranoid…LOL!
Thanks for the tips 
Cherry
Your welcome.
Last times, AVG detection get lower than avast. In fact, I can’t even compare avast features with AVG ones… 
It’s not paranoid make an on-demmand scanning from time to time. Anyway, avast resident will protect you.
You could always try the Avast! antivirus screen saver option. It’s not really a scheduled scan, but would progressively scan your system while it is inactive, much like a daily scheduled scan.