What is an RSS feed?
RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated digital
content, such as blogs, news feeds or podcasts. Consumers of RSS content use special
browsers called aggregators to watch for new content in dozens or even hundreds
of web feeds. The initials "RSS" are variously used to refer to the following standards:
- Really Simple Syndication (RSS 2.0)
- Rich Site Summary (RSS 0.91, RSS 1.0)
- RDF Site Summary (RSS 0.9 and 1.0)
RSS formats are specified in XML (a generic specification for data formats). RSS
delivers its information as an XML file called an "RSS feed", "webfeed", "RSS stream",
or "RSS channel".
How do I use RSS feeds?
Before you can receive RSS feeds, you must have installed an RSS reader. A
reader is built in to Windows Vista, Internet Explorer 7 (or later)
and Outlook 2007 or alternatively you can download
free RSS readers from the following websites:
Once the reader is installed, click the RSS logo;
and make a note of the URL (found in the address bar e.g. http://www.dsl-ltd.co.uk/newsletters/eletter.xml).
This URL will then need to be added to the RSS reader of your choice to begin viewing
and monitoring the content. Instructions on how to do this should be included under
the "help" menu of the reader software.
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