What is RSS?
RSS (also known as “news feeds”, or simply “feeds”) stands for “Really Simple Syndication”, and it allows you a new way to see when websites have added new content.
You can get the latest information in one place, as soon as its published, without having to visit a specific web site every single day.
How do I start using RSS feeds?
Usually, the first step is to set up a news reader. This is a piece of software that checks the feeds and lets you read any new articles that have been added. There are many different kinds of news readers – some are built right into your web browser, some are found on web portals like Google or Yahoo; some are downloadable applications.
Browser-based news readers
Firefox (from Mozilla), Internet Explorer 7.0 (Microsoft) and Safari (Apple) are web browsers that have the ability to read RSS feeds.
Web portals
Google, Yahoo and other web portals have the ability to create a customized home page. Using the buttons along the right, you can add the Air Zoo’s news feed to your home page.
Downloadable applications
Downloadable applications let you download RSS feeds to your main computer, in the same way that you download your e-mail using Outlook. There are many RSS applications for all platforms, you can find a list of them along the right.
OK, I have my news reader. Now what?
Once you have chosen a news reader, now you have to choose what kinds of content to receive. This can be done in many ways: usually, you look for an orange button that looks similar to the one at left. The icon may be big or small, and it is your link to the news feed.
Drag the URL of the feed into your news reader, cut and paste the URL into your news reader… each news reader has it’s own method for subscribing to feeds.
Where do I find news feeds?
Everywhere! When surfing your favorite web sites, keep an eye out for that orange icon. Everytime you see it, you know there’s a feed ready for your subscription.
Browser-based
RSS feed readers
RSS Applications (Windows PC)
Newz Crawler
FeedDemon
Awasu
RSS Applications (Mac OS X)
NetNewsWire
Newsfire