How to Use RSS*
RSS is a way for you to know when a web site is updated and allows you to quickly see the headlines and new content. You have probably noticed web feeds available on your favorite news sites and weblogs (blogs). Here are some examples of buttons you'll see to indicate web feeds.
If a site has a button similar to one of the above, then you can track when that site is updated. Below are the steps to do this, but first you'll need an RSS Reader. However, if you have a newer browser the steps are even easier. You'll find more information about this under All About RSS Readers.
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Right-click (ctrl-click for Mac) on the RSS button -- ours is the last item in the left column of this page.
- Choose 'Copy the URL' or 'Copy Link.'
- Paste the URL into the RSS Reader (often it will find the URL on the clipboard and do this part for you).
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Depending on how your RSS Reader works, you may have to click on a button, usually marked with a plus symbol or the word 'Add'or 'Subscribe.'
From then on, your reader can check to see when a site is updated. For example, our home page is updated weekly with our column and your RSS Reader can let you know when the update (feed) has occurred.
Here is a page that briefly explains RSS and has links to more information.
All About RSS Readers
To use the RSS service, you need an RSS Reader (also known as a Feed Aggregator or a Webfeed Reader or simply Feed Reader). You can choose to use an online reader through your web browser or you can download a software reader.
We have provided some links to RSS readers below (a new browser window will open when you click the link). Some readers are free and some are not. Some of the ones that cost, may also have a lite version available that is free.
Most of the newer browsers have built in RSS Readers. You can test yours by clicking on our RSS Web Feed button in the left hand column just like you would on any link, and see if it works. The image to the right shows how our feed looks in one browser.
Your browser will also let you set a default reader. This means you can choose one of the programs below, set it as your default, and then you can click on web feed buttons just like any other link. The information will go straight to your chosen RSS reader.
RSS Web-Based Readers
The advantage of a web based reader is that you can do everything from your browser. The disadvantage is that it is slower and you have to be online to read the feeds that have come in for all the web sites you are tracking.
Bloglines, FeedFinder, Feedster, NewsIsFree.
RSS Software Readers
The advantages of a software reader is that they are fast, and you can download the feeds and then read them while you are offline. The disadvantage is that you do have to downoload and install software.
Windows - FeedDemon, SharpReader, Headline Viewer, NewzCrawler.
Mac - NetNewsWire, PulpFiction, Shrook.
Linux - Liferea, Straw.
Multiple Operating Systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris, etc.) - BottomFeeder, AmphetaDesk.
If you prefer, see what RSS readers are available on two top directories.
News Readers -- Yahoo
News Readers -- Google
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[*RSS has stood for many things over the years. Originally, it stood for RDF (Resource Description Framework) Site Summary. Later it became Rich Site Summary. Now it is also sometimes know as Really Simple Syndication. RSS is only one way to get web feeds. Another way is Atom. Since they both use XML you often see an XML button used on web pages to indicate web feeds are available. Perhaps in the near future a more user friendly name will evolve.]
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