RSS
What is RSS?
RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, is an XML-based format for content distribution on the Internet. It’s an excellent way for Internet users to get updated news content and online articles without having to search for it.
How Does RSS Work?
When a new article is published or a change made to a webpage, RSS keeps track of the changes and delivers them to you. RSS feeds are most often attached to text, images, and pod casts, but they can be used with any document that has content changes.
How Do I Use RSS?
To view RSS feeds, you need an RSS reader (also called an aggregator), which trolls RSS feeds across the Web to regularly update content. All are pretty easy to use, offering users the chance to read, email, save or clip content with a click of the mouse. There are many free, web-based readers, all which compile and update feeds, all which allow anonymous access to their feeds from any computer with Internet access. For heavier users, there are desktop, application-based readers that offer more features. The latest versions of Internet Explorer and Firefox and Apple’s Safari now incorporate RSS feeds into their bookmark programs.
What is a Feed?
A feed is similar to a bookmark in a web browser. If you subscribe to the feed of the Department of Human Services, for instance, you will always see the latest media releases in your reader. Put another way, a feed is a website that changes.
How Do I "Subscribe" to a Feed?
There are various ways. You may see the big orange symbol on web pages, which represents the RSS feed or a page of feeds. Copy the URL (the web address) of the feed you want and paste it in your reader to subscribe. The latest versions of Internet Explorer and Firefox and Apple’s Safari now incorporate RSS feeds into their bookmark programs. If your bookmarks are showing updated content, you are subscribed to RSS feeds.