New to RSS Feeds?

An RSS feed is a way in which we can group together content relating to a particular area. Users can then link to the RSS feed which posts automatic updates to them whenever changes are made. The question is how do you start using it?

How to use an RSS Feed

To view an RSS feed you require one of the newer web browsers (e.g. Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox) or a feed reader.

Using a browser

If you are using one of the newer web browsers as mentioned above clicking on an RSS feed should open it up and display it as a nicely formatted page. Example...

From here you can then choose to add it to your favourites/bookmarks and or subscribe using another service such as Bloglines (a free online feed reader). If you add it to your bookmarks you will receive any new pages as they are created.

Using a feed reader

There are a large number of different feed readers available to use. Many of these are subscription services and incure a small charge. Below are just a few:

• NewsMonster
• NewzCrawler
• NewsGator
• NetNewsWire
• Shrook
• RSSOwl
• BottomFeeder

If you use Firefox as your main browser then it will automatically subscribe to the feed for you.

Once downloaded and installed open up your feed reader. From here it is simply a case of adding the RSS feed to your feed reader. Either drag and drop the link of the RSS feed into your news reader or set up a new feed and paste in the url of the RSS feed into the relevant option box. Once you have subscribed to a feed you will receive automatic updates.