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What is an RSS or XML feed?

“RSS” stands for Really Simple Syndication, which has become a standard for publishing updates to web content. In the past, you had to visit a website to to find updated content. With RSS (also called XML feeds), you can subscribe to a feed, and you are alerted when the content is updated.

How do I read RSS?

If you want to collect and browse feeds you have many choices, but there are two primary categories of feed reading applications:

  • Installable Desktop Programs
    You can use a desktop program such as FeedDemon (Windows) and NetNewsWire (Mac OS X). Both require a small purchase price but are very easy to use and come pre-loaded with dozens of feeds so you can explore the syndication "universe" right away.
  • Online Services
    You can use a web-based service such as NewsGator, Bloglines, and My Yahoo, which have the added benefit of being available to you everywhere.

How do I subscribe to an RSS feed?

Depending on the channel you choose, the exact process will differ. Most programs will ask you to copy and paste the URL to subscribe.