harmeet,
By "taking too long", I believe you mean surfing speed?
Did you download Avast version 623? If you did, it now has a new module....the Web Shield.
Try disabling it by right clicking on the A ball in the tray and start the On Access Protection console.
Locate the Web Shield module icon on the left side and click on it.
You should see from the panel whether it is running or not.
If it is running, stop it using theTerminate button and try the internet again.
Spyware could be another reason for the slow speed. What anti-spyware program do you have installed?
Adaware and Spybot S/D are very good.
Let us know your OS when you post back. Some software works differently with the Windows OS.
