RSS
An RSS feed (Really Simple Syndication) is a summary of the most recently updated headlines or posts on a website. The feed links directly to the content you're interested in reading in greater detail.
If you don't currently use RSS, you will probably be used to visiting several different websites to check whether they have been updated with new content. With RSS, you would let a program check those websites automatically, see at a glance a summary of the latest stories on each, and read more on any of them with just one click.
There are several ways of receiving RSS feeds, the main method is to download a program called a 'reader' or 'aggregator'. You can then set up this program to receive RSS information and browse headlines and story summaries without opening a full connection to the originating website.
Alternatively, some newer web browsers and email systems offer similar functionality already built-in which will detect whether the website you are viewing offers an RSS feed and will then let you create a constantly-updated list of links in your 'bookmarks' menu.
How do I get a news reader?
There is a range of different news readers available and new versions are appearing all the time. Some examples of news readers have been listed below, but there are many others to choose from. Please note that whilst many news readers are free, some may incur a charge so it is worth looking around.
Browser
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 7
Windows
Mac OS X
Web