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RSS allows you to subscribe to sites to see when they have been updated or when new content has been published without having to visit each site every time. RSS feeds provide subscribers with a simple description and link to the content.
RSS is an XML based feed that can be viewed either through a browser or by using a piece of ‘stand-alone’ software which runs on your computer. In both instances you will require an RSS reader, sometimes referred to as an aggregator, many of which you can download free of charge.
RSS readers or aggregators will collect, update and display RSS feeds from the sites that you have subscribed to, and alert you to the new content.
Depending on the type of RSS reader or aggregator you use, to add a site or feed, you will either need to copy and paste the URL of the feed into your program, or click on the ‘RSS’ or ‘XML’ button to add the feed. Once you have done so the feed will instantly be available to your RSS reader or aggregator.
Depending on the nature of the site it is possible to for you to be notified of new headlines, articles, photos or even links to files (e.g. webcasts). The links to these are delivered directly to you without you necessarily following the links.