Hi Caryl,
Welcome to the forums.
Actually, since this is a new computer, I think you'll have to register your version of avast! free using the same account you used to register the original version. To register the new version:
http://www.avast.com/en-us/registration-free-antivirus.php as the old free license is not transferable to a different or new system. If keeping the old system running with avast! on it you can use the old email address you used for the original license for the new one, and then keep track of both systems using the avast! account that both systems are registered under.
BUT, since this looks to be a manufacturer-built system, you'll also first need to prepare for a likely Windows Update session(s) to bring your system up to date (which can take a bit of time to complete, with up to several reboots until completed) and also consider using Decrap to remove bloatware that is included with your system:
http://decrap.org/ Also, this is a good program to block unwanted installs of additional free programs along with the one you want to install:
http://unchecky.com/Also:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/http://www.sandboxie.com/Ensure all pre-installed a/v's are fully removed per Pondus before installing avast!
I have just purchased a new laptop
Important: any factory installed AV must be removed before installing avast
Instructions here https://www.avast.com/en-eu/faq.php?article=AVKB11#artTitle
FAQ videos http://www.avast.com/en-eu/faq.php?q=video#searchForm
FAQ section http://www.avast.com/en-eu/faq.php
If a Windows 8 system, just disable Windows Defender before you install avast!
