RSS

RSS can stand either for really simple syndication, rich site summary (the name given by Netscape when it was first introduced), or less commonly RDF (resource description framework) site summary. It is a mechanism for incrementally or selectively downloading digital content from sources that are frequently updated, such as news feeds, blogs or podcasts. RSS specifies the format for the desired information using XML, and delivers the content using an XML file referred to as an RSS feed.

RSS feeds are popularly used on many Web sites to display top news stories drawn from various news sites. Whenever a news site adds a new story, the RSS feed notifies the feed's recipient of the availability of a new story. The recipient can see the story's title and brief description, followed by a link to the full story.

In order to use RSS feeds, one has to install a piece of software called an RSS reader or RSS aggregator. This software checks for new feeds from the Web sites you specify and displays the content. RSS readers can be purchased or obtained for free. Examples of free RSS readers are Feed Reader  and RSS Reader . RSS readers can be accessed using browsers or they can be separate, downloadable applications.

To receive an RSS feed, one has to subscribe to it. Many news sites, such as BBC  and Yahoo News , allow one to subscribe to RSS feeds for free. The RSS feeds are popularly indicated by an orange button, as shown below (image source: BBC).

However, they may be represented as blue buttons or with buttons labeled "RSS." After clicking the button, you can subscribe by copying the URL that opens into the RSS reader. You can also subscribe by dragging the orange button itself into the RSS reader.

If you have your own Web site, you can display top stories from other news sites using a similar approach can be used. You can also create RSS feeds of your own, although some basic knowledge of XML is required. A basic tutorial can be found at Search Engine Watch .