Welcome 24k,
You only need the proxy settings set up in avast if you use a proxy, do you?
Is there a problem with the avast server?
Or is something else wrong?
No and No.
Right click the avast "A" ball in your taskbar (next to your system clock) and select 'program setting's', then choose update (connections), then check the box i have circled red if your on Dial up, and the blue one if your in Broadband. (see below)
Then choose update (basic) and make sure there both on Automatic. (see below)
Also you could check the avast log viewer for any errors to do with updates. Right click the avast "A" ball in your taskbar (next to your system clock) and select 'avast log viewer')
--lee
Then