Hi there!
Should I run it each day?
I suggest running it at least once a week (I scan everyday cause I really got nothing to do these days
)
Do I always run a 'thorough scan'
Not unless you have a busy day, if you have free time, best try to scan throughly but if you do, best suggest not to do anything else on your PC cause it might crash your PC if you're working and scanning at the same time on the same computer.
Do I always scan archive files?
I really don't think archive files will get a virus easily; scanning archive files will take longer but you really don't have to worry too much about archive files.
How should I set the report file?
Just keep the default, the last time I try to change it around, I had more logs than I bargain for.
I have xp windows Dial up connection
Run avast!>Go to Program Menu> Click on settings>Go to update (connections)>check mark "I'm only connected using a dial-up modem"> Click OK