Avast is continuously running. Is this proper?

[aob]

Using XP.

Ran an online scan and detected several problems.

Downloaded Malwarebytes and the trial version of Avast. Ran Malwarebytes and removed problems, as identified. Clicked on Avast to scan, which I thought might take an hour or so, but Avast continues to run. I am at 5 hours and still running. If I click to terminate, Avast says that the computer will not be protected. Does Avast continuously run, cycling through the various protections?

[Welshjim]

aob--

Ran an online scan and detected several problems.

What did you use to run that online scan?
Also I am not sure what you are experiencing when you say Avast continues to run.
(I do not use Avast, though it is well regarded.)
Many AV programs have two modes of use. One is a scan of the hard drive when you will probably hear and see the scan. This can often take an hour or more depending on the size of the hard drive. The other is "Auto Protect" in the background to protect the drive from any incoming malware that may try to infect the drive. This usually proceeds quietly and without your being aware other than a use of CPU and possibly a notice if any malware succeeds in infecting your PC.
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=44374.0

[aob]

I do not recall which online program I used to scan.

By continuously running, I mean that when I click on the avast icon, it says that is running and gives the total number or hours it has been running. When I googled the problem, I found similar questions from others who are apparently experiencing this running condition. I want it to run in the background. I want it to check email, incoming and outgoing. I want it to check downloads or sites visited. I do not want it to tell me that it has been running for 10 hours.

[Midknyte]

Avast should not be running that long. Even an hour is way too long.

If you're not married to Avast, I'd go with Avira instead.

[Welshjim]

aob--Well, you did not answer my question about what you are experiencing--a scan of the hard drive that runs 5+ hours or the autoprotect procedure which will run as long as the PC is on and you have Resident Protection configured to run. See this tutorial
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...torial104.html
If you are talking about Resident Protection, it indeed just runs and runs.

[aob]

I am using Resident Protection, whatever that is. I am going to spend some quality time with tutorial you referred me to. That should resolve my questions and problems.
Thanks

[Train]

Avast has what is called Resident Protection.

Resident Protection Refers to software that resides in memory at all times in order to provide some form of protection. It may refer to antivirus programs or intrusion detection systems.

[Broni]

AV scan may take a while, depending on severity of infection, and the hard drive size.
I would let the scan run.