What is RSS?
Depending on whom you ask, RSS stands for "Really Simple
Syndication" or "Rich Site Summary." An RSS file
contains headlines, summaries and links that are
formatted in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) so that
they may be read by a program.
You can deliver information in this format
.
Information provided by a website in an XML file is
called an RSS feed. Recent browsers can directly read
RSS files, but a special RSS reader or aggregator may be
used too.
How do I use RSS?
The most common use of RSS is viewing news with an RSS
reader, also known as a news aggregator. There are three
types of news aggregators: stand-alone programs,
e-mail-integrated applications, and Web-based
aggregators.
How do I get a news aggregator?
Here is a list of common stand-alone news aggregators:
FeedDemon (Win)
Radio Userland (Mac/Win)
NetNewsWire (Mac)
Here is a list of common
web based
news aggregators:
Subscribe Now!
View Feed XML
How is RSS different than an
e-mail newsletter?
E-mail newsletters are usually delivered at a time
chosen by the publisher. RSS gives you more control by
always being available and staying updated. Another
advantage RSS has over e-mail is that you don't have to
supply an e-mail address to get the headlines.
How is RSS different than a Web
site?
RSS is usually a slimmed-down version of a Web site.
Images and other supplementary information are not
included in an RSS feed.