A new version of the anti-virus solution is now available for Windows users

Apr 23, 2014 08:08 GMT  ·  By

The freeware version of AVG Antivirus has received a new update this morning, so in case you’re already running it, make sure that you got the latest version as soon as possible.

The security vendor hasn’t provided too many details on what’s new in this fresh release, but it’s safe to assume that AVG Antivirus Free 2014 Build 4570a7359 comes with bug fixes and performance improvements, so if you’ve been experiencing issues in previous versions, this is the right time to update.

However, one important feature of this anti-virus product is the Windows XP support, as the application continues to work on this OS version even though Microsoft pulled the plug on it on April 8.

Without security patches and updates, Windows XP could become quite an easy-to-hack operating system if cybercriminals find a security flaw, so consumers are strongly recommended to upgrade to a newer release as soon as possible.

AVG too warns that, without support, an operating system could easily become vulnerable to attacks, so it advises users still running XP to consider their options as soon as possible.

“One significant threat for users that continue to use Windows XP after support has ended is that their system will no longer be updated to protect them from new threats. While this alone may not be dangerous, it opens a door for malware specifically designed to target Windows XP vulnerabilities,” it says.

“When it comes to software running on your system, it is up to individual software vendors whether they will continue to support machines running Windows XP.”

Even though AVG Antivirus Free continues to work on Windows XP despite the end of support, the security vendor says that only a newer operating system could fully protect your data and block any malicious attempts that would try to exploit flaws and vulnerabilities.

AVG recommends everyone still running Windows XP to check the Windows website for more information, admitting that no third-party security solution can entirely block incoming attacks and protect your data in such a way that no hacker would manage to break into your computer.

“We strongly suggest you move to a supported operating system so that you can benefit from updates which improve security, fix issues and add new features. If you want to investigate updating to a more recent version of Windows, check out the Windows site,” the company said in a statement a few weeks ago.