RSS feeds

What is RSS?

RSS is a way for you to get information and updates from a web site. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and is referred to as a “feed” that you can subscribe to. A benefit of subscribing to RSS is that you don’t have to check the Web site for updates. The updates come to you as soon as they are published. RSS uses a technology called XML, which can be easily read by machines. RSS is indicated by this icon:

What is an RSS Reader?

In order for you to see the RSS feeds, you need something called a “reader” or “aggregator.” This is basically software that monitors the site and automatically shows you what’s new. Feed readers can monitor multiple sites and provide updates to all of them in one place.
There are many different kinds of readers and new ones crop up all the time. Some are installed on your desktop, others are web-based, some are connected with your email software, and some are connected with your browser. The kind of reader you use may be influenced by the operating system of your computer. Browser based news readers let you read RSS feeds from any computer, whereas other readers will only have feeds available on the computer that it is installed on.

How do you subscribe to RSS feeds?

Just click on the RSS button when you see it. Some browsers, including IE 7, Firefox, Opera and Safari automatically look for RSS feeds whenever you visit a web site and will show the RSS icon in the far right of the address bar when it finds RSS on the site. If you click on the RSS icon in the address, you will be able to see the feed and choose how you want to subscribe.