Security question:  on new laptop with (Windows 7)  using it right out of the original box.

I've installed Avast Pro Antivirus which seems to be doing well. 

When I'm on the Internet….

at the bottom of the screen it shows:                    Internet / Protected Mode On

Viewing email on earthlink.net it shows:

                                         a green check   & Trusted sites/Protected Mode Off 

Does this mean my e-mail is not protected?  

I did forward an email with a  legal document attached & the recipient said his computer said the my email was infected.  Same email seemed to have no problem on my computer. 

Today, while viewing email ..Avast display said it blocked a Trojan virus.   How do I the display to say "Protected Mode" ON?   Or maybe is all working correctly?

New computer came with McAfee ad that comes up saying computer is not protected, but I chose to buy Avast and am not using McAfee.  Is that causing a problem?

Thanks for any advice~

Jeane06