I will try and clarify and answer your questions:
I want something that'll download/install easily and give me a similar level of protection to what I'm used to without having to fine-tune it.
Avast is simple to download and install, and we suggest using default settings...no fine tuning needed. The GUI is simple and user-friendly.
Avast has more bells and whistles than Avira?
When comparing Avast Free to Avira Free...yes. Look at the comparison charts:
- Avira_Free:
http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus- Avast Free:
http://www.avast.com/comparison-chart<snip> am I to assume that if I used Avast with WebShield off, I'd still have a 'similar' level of protection to Avira free?
No. You would have still have more protection using Avast, but the Web Shield is important. See the comparison charts (links listed above in this post) and you will notice that your email and other items are also not protected using Avira Free. I would not recommend disabling the Web Shield for security reasons, especially with all the malware/viruses out there today.
You need to decide how much protection you want and how much risk are you willing to take. If you only go online to http
S sites for a short period of time, rarely use email and do not open attachments, do not store anything on your machine, do not do any financial or personal transactions online, and you are willing to take the risk...this is your machine and you need to make the decision. We are here to help educate you from our experience with other people who have transitioned over from other AV's or users we have removed malware from their machines. Ultimately this is your decision, and we are happy to answer your questions.
And yes, we are a lively, friendly forum.