Faith,
Avast when first installed is set to run a Boot sector scan automatically.
This scan can be disabled by checking the box when the splash screen first loads up on the screen.
I myself do not have a Boot scan run every time.
Avast 4.6.623 uses different running processes:
Web Shield, Standard Shield, Internet Mail.
Problem with English: No, your fine, but if you need to, use German....I'm a bit rusty, but can figure it out.
We try to use English here which is the common language, but have on occasion done the "translator thing"
Nice to have you visit.