Getting Started with RSS Feeds

An RSS feed is a simple way to bring the content you want to your computer or mobile device, without having to surf the Web or monitor your favorite sites.

Once you subscribe to an RSS feed, the content comes to you automatically. To use RSS feeds, you'll need to download an RSS reader or use a Web-based aggregator. There are many programs available, and most of them are free or low cost. In addition, there are now RSS readers and Web-based aggregators for your mobile device.

When you click on an RSS button or link, you will see an XML file, which won't make much sense to you unless you're a developer. To use the file, you will enter the URL of the file into your RSS reader. Once you've done this, the content from that feed will automatically download into your reader. Every reader has a slightly different way of adding the feed, but look for something like 'Add Feed'or 'New'or 'Open RSS Feed. 'You'll generally see a text box that allows you to type in the URL of the feed – which you find by clicking on the small orange button, or the words XML or RSS.