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What is RSS?
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a notification system used to alert individuals when new content is available on a website. RSS makes it possible for anyone to "subscribe" to the flow of information coming out of a website, in much the same way you would subscribe to a newspaper, magazine, or trade journal. Any site can provide RSS via one or more "RSS Feeds." A RSS Feed is nothing more than a web page that has been specially formatted to make it easy for computers to read. Sites which provide RSS feeds typically display one or more orange rectangular buttons labeled XML, RSS, or ATOM, which link to the URL of the RSS Feed. Below are a few examples of what these icons may look like.
How do I subscribe to or read an RSS feed?
To read or subscribe to a feed, you must install or sign-up to a "RSS Feed Reader" (also known as a "RSS Aggregator"). These are special programs that can monitor, retrieve, and then translate RSS feeds that are provided to them. What's the benefit of an RSS feed? RSS simplifies the task of monitoring multiple websites for new content. An RSS feed reader runs in the background, checking all of your feeds for updates. When new content becomes available, the RSS feed reader pulls in the new content from all of your feeds into a single view and notifies you that new content is waiting. With the new content in a single view, you do not need to browse each site individually – saving you time and effort while keeping you aware of the latest information available on the Web.
Selecting a Feed Reader
There are four types of readers - standalone, add-ons,built-in, and web-based.
A standalone reader operates independently and processes your feeds for you, much the way a typical email client like Outlook does. Standalone applications, such as FeedDemon, are usually very customizable, allowing you to configure the system to suit your specific needs. Standalone readers download feed content to your computer, allowing you to access previously acquired feed content while offline.
If you do not want another program cluttering your desktop, and would prefer to receive your new content in one of your existing programs, you can install an add-on reader. Add-on readers, such as RSS Popper and Pluck, extend the functionality of existing programs, such as Internet Explorer or Outlook, and enable you to set up folders for incoming content.
Some web browsers incorporate RSS feed reading capabilities built-in to their system.The Mozilla Firefox browser, for example, automatically enables you to add RSS feeds to your favorites folder creating "Live Bookmarks." Apple added RSS support in the version of Safari bundled with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger. Microsoft also has RSS support in the works for IE7 on Windows XP.
If you prefer to keep your RSS content separate from your bookmarks and email, you can sign up for a Web-based feed reader. Web-based feed readers are accessible through a standard Web browser, requiring no special software installation. One such reader is Bloglines, which also features an alerting utility that runs in your computers system tray to let you know when new content is available.
Subscribing to a RSS Feed
Once your feed reader is installed, you are ready to start subscribing to RSS feeds. Each feed reader has a process for adding, organizing, and reviewing feeds. Consult your system's documentation for specific instructions on how to do so. Some sites with feeds provide "Quick Subscribe" buttons for some of the more popular RSS feed readers. Below are some examples of these Quick Subscribe buttons.
Try it Out
DataFlux offers the RSS feeds subject to the DataFlux Terms of Use. Your subscription to and continued use of the RSS Feeds constitutes your acceptance of these terms. If you are all set up, then try subscribing to the DataFlux RSS feeds:
