Should i turn off avast resident scanners when i use programs like adaware, spybot and ewido (AVG)? Also when running these programs is it best to be connected to the internet?Thanks! 
turn off the standard shield when running your programs and yes as far as i know- still be connected to the internet 8)
Although you don’t physically have to, but it can cause conflict if an infected file was detected that both recognised they fight for control of the action. As one scanner tries to open a file to scan, avast’s resident scanner intercepts that and scans the file first, this causes duplication of files scanned and can seriously slow the overall scan duration.
I would suggest you disconnect from the internet so there are no unwelcome distractions, emails received that need scanned, possible port scan activity which may trigger either your firewall or network shield if it detects any malicious intent. All of these would reqiure CPU cycles and pause the running scan or may be themselves paused awaiting the on-demand scan to release CPU time.
hey davidr…curious-after all this time i have never disconnected from the internet while running spyware scanners such as spy sweeper,ad-aware, and such-why is it really really necessary and i have never seen it mentioned by anyone before…additional information and sources would be appreciated :
have a good one my friend 
Well I have no other sources of information (haven’t searched) just my own experiences of notifications of post scans by my firewall, people are always trying to gain access to systems. They port scan in a sequential way looking for a response from a computer, if they get a response then you are likely to get more detailed attention. The number of occurrences of people getting network shield alerts in the forums is a testimony of people trying to infect systems through the more common ports.
When I do a security scan I simply don’t want any other activity intended or otherwise.
I also have a dial-up connection so that isn’t connected 24/7 as with broadband, but I think it is a reasonable precaution to disconnect when you aren’t actually using it. The longer your connection is up the greater the chance of possible detection, depending on your firewall, hardware/software and how well it can stealth your system.
Thanks u both so much. Most helpful.
glad we could help, welcome to the forums.
Also, any hints on when to perform a boot time scan?
When you have troubles with booting/logging on, or when you got infected and avast can’t clean the infections because files are being used (the virus is active), or just to be sure of running a full scan without any other interference
;D U guys are great! Thanks heaps. ;D
Your welcome. Stick around and browse the forums, especially the sticky topics at the top of each of the forums. They provide a wealth of information to help you get the best from avast.
hi davidr…thanks for the info :
have a good one