Windows XP and the Internet Security Patches via Email SUMMARY: NEVER download security patches via e-mail when using Windows XP or any other operating system.   NEVER, NEVER, NEVER download security patches from e-mail attachments! Microsoft does not send Windows XP or other security patches via electronic mail attachments. If you get such an email, the attachment may be a virus. Delete it at once! For security reasons, most other companies will not do this, either. Microsoft may send out warnings about security problems if you sign up for such mailing lists on Microsoft.com, but to be safe, always use Windows Update to download and install security patches for your operating system, or access Windows Update via Internet Explorer. For other software packages visit their respective company websites. To access Windows Update, open up Internet Explorer, choose "Tools", then "Windows Update".   Add: Del.icio.us | Digg | Furl | My Yahoo!   Discuss This Tip Print This Tip Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online Return to the Windows XP and the Internet page.