14 DAY TRIAL // AVAST Software has just released a new version of its anti-virus application that’s offered with a freeware license to Windows users, so everyone already running it should upgrade as soon as possible.
Basically, avast! Free Antivirus 9.0.2018 comprises all changes that have been implemented in the beta build rolled out a few weeks ago, with the only difference that everything should now be faster, more stable and responsive, as most of the bugs are supposed to be fixed.
The beta basically brings improvements to the Stream Filtering option, as the developing company focused on fixing stability and compatibility issues, so everything should be running smooth and fast, according to the official release notes.
The firewall also received a number of enhancements, including stability and compatibility tweaks with other network applications. “We spent a lot time analyzing various dumps you provided to us to increase your confidence level,” Avast said.
Android protection has also been significantly improved in this new version, so those who are using avast! to keep their mobile phones and tablets secure are now benefitting from several tweaks as well.
The new version of the anti-virus will continue to work on Windows XP, as AVAST is one of the companies whose products will benefit from extended support for this particular OS version that was retired by Microsoft on April 8.
“We can protect (if you wish) your Android phones and tablets with avast! Free Mobile Security (through your active Google Account) automatically (during the installation or update),” the parent company explained.
At the same time, the company has also provided some recommendations to users still on Windows XP, advising them to replace the default browser with a new one that still receives support and to avoid accessing suspicious content coming from unknown sources.
“We recommend users stop using Internet Explorer, as the browser poses an even larger threat when used on Windows XP. The latest version of Internet Explorer for Windows XP is 8, which is outdated and lacks many security improvements available in later versions of the browser. We recommend XP users switch to a safer browser that updates itself, like Google Chrome,” it added.
According to AVAST’s very own statistics, no less than 21 percent of its users were unaware that Microsoft planned to discontinue Windows XP, even though the company submitted several upgrade notifications and reminded everyone to move to a more secure OS version with every occasion.