hello ozstar, i`m guessing you are using Avast 4.8 version (home edition/pro), when your system open files like installed software, games, browsing and the like Avast will scan them automatically in the backround hence why i think you have some slow down launching things which is normal (a powerful comp may not see any difference), it has a number of Shields ie Instant Messaging, Internet Mail, Network Shield, Outlook Exchange, P2P Shield, Standard Shield and Web Shield, you can turn off which resident protection shields you DONT use, to do this left click on the Avast "a" icon in the system tray, a window will appear click on "details" you will be presented with a list of protection shields on the left hand side, click on the protection shield that you DONT want or use and goto "stop service provider" it will ask you if you want to stop it permanently or until you next reboot.....you can also adjust the sensitivity of the Shields in the same place (by default they are set to standard which is fine)....... ;)hope it helps