Really Simple Syndication
Really Simple Syndication (RSS ) is a way of syndicating news content in a common, easily read format called XML or Extensible Markup Language. It allows you to identify the content you are interested in and have it delivered directly to you. It takes the hassle out of staying up-to-date, by delivering the very latest information directly to you.
How do I use RSS?
Generally the first thing you will need is something called a news reader. There are many different versions, some of which are accessed using a browser, an email client, a mobile phone or a PDA. Many newsreaders are available as free, downloadable applications. All allow you to display and subscribe to the RSS feeds you want and many will alert you to new content as it is published.
Once you have a news reader, all you have to do is to decide what content you want. Our RSS feeds are arranged in "channels" which contain articles and content in a specific category, for example "Technology" (Look out for the orange RSS buttons as you browse the website).
If you click on the RSS button you can subscribe to the feed in various ways, by dragging the URL of the RSS feed into your news reader or by cutting and pasting the same URL into a new feed in your news reader.
Some software applications including Firefox, Opera, Safari and Thunderbird, have functionality which automatically picks up RSS feeds for you. For more details on these, please check their websites
Where can I get a newsreader?
Newsreader plugins are also available for the Firefox web browser and Thunderbird email client software. Visit www.mozilla.com for details