An Introduction to Really Simple Syndication (RSS) and Atom Feeds

Although billions of web pages are now available on the Internet, finding the precise information you want from all of those web pages can sometimes be an especially time-consuming chore. Also: to ensure proper registrations, comply with the law, and prevent accusations of Spamming, many website providers today insist on a double-opt-in procedure for website and email newsletter subscriptions.

While double-opt-in can help ensure fool-proof email registrations, it can also complicate the process of accessing the information you want.

Therefore, imagine: if you could have only the articles, news and other information you want, delivered direct to you without additional complications or hassle. That way, you don't have to visit each website and subscribe or register to receive their information. Good news! That is precisely what RSS seeks to accomplish.

Although not every website yet makes its content available in RSS format, a growing number of website providers are realizing the benefits of publishing in RSS, including:

• New York Times
• Microsoft Corporation
• Forbes
• Motley Fool
• Wired News
• CNN
• The Guardian

What Is RSS Really?

RSS is a relatively new technology service for sharing and distributing electronic information such as news headlines and web page updates.

Depending on who you speak to, RSS is an shortened name for several definitions; the most popular being: Really Simple Syndication, Rich Site Summary, RDF Site Summary or even Really Stops Spam.

RSS allows you to identify the content you want to receive and have it delivered directly to you. That way, you get the latest information and website updates you want, without having to continually visit lots of websites. With RSS, in minutes, you can scan the latest updates on many websites from within your RSS Reader.

Also, website owners who set up their pages to broadcast in RSS in addition to standard web page formats, can have their news and information sent automatically to visitors, subscribers and members, easily, quickly, simply and reliably.

RSS-delivered information usually gets delivered without problems from Internet Service Providers, spa*m filters, and so on. So for website owners especially, a little set-up and forward planning with RSS, allows instant publishing and distribution of website content.

What About Atom?

Although RSS has evolved into different flavors or versions. Atom is a similar format to RSS much favored by Google. To read either RSS or Atom feeds, we don't need to know the details, just how to access and make use of them. However, if you want to discover more about the RSS and Atom specifications, check out:

• http://www.rss-specifications.com/ and:
• http://www.atomenabled.org/

How Do I Use RSS or Atom Feeds?

To start accessing websites that provide content in RSS and Atom, usually, you'll need an RSS/Atom-enabled web browser - such as Microsoft IE 7.0 or later, or Firefox, or an RSS Reader software - also sometimes referred to as an aggregator. An RSS Reader allows you to collect and monitor your RSS feeds from a single location and save feeds to your PC.

A variety of different RSS/Atom Readers are available. Some come as separate downloadable software applications that you install like any other. Others you can access online. Others can be installed as add-ons or plug-ins to an existing software product. You can see a range of RSS readers from our own RSS feeds library page.

Some of the latest web browsers including Internet Explorer 7.0, FireFox, Opera and Safari, come with the commands to select RSS feeds for you already built in to the browser.

Once you have an RSS Reader or RSS-enabled web browser, to start using RSS, you need only display and subscribe to the specific RSS feeds you want. Many RSS Readers provide a list of existing RSS feeds from which you can choose.

A website that provides its information in RSS, displays the RSS or XML buttons. XML is the format used for distributing website news headlines around the Web, also known as Syndication. Often, the RSS or Atom XML buttons are shown in the characteristic orange and blue colors. For example:

You can subscribe to an RSS or Atom feed in several ways. For example, you can:

• Click the RSS button for the feed you want, or
• Drag the web address / URL of the RSS feed you want into your RSS Reader, or
• Cut and paste the same web address / URL into your Reader.

Note : if you're using a plug-in for Microsoft Outlook, like NewsGator, to subscribe to a feed, you need only right-click the RSS button from the floating menu that appears, then choose the command "Subscribe in NewsGator".

Finding a Suitable RSS / Atom Reader?

At the time of writing, many different RSS Readers are already available and new versions appear regularly. Most can read both RSS and Atom formats.

Note: make sure that the RSS Reader you choose is designed for your computer's operating system.

Here's a few popular RSS news reader sources:

For PCs that use the Microsoft Windows operating system:

• Awasu
• My Yahoo
• Newz Crawler
• FeedDemon
• Bloglines
• NewsGator

Editor tip: at the time of writing, here's an especially easy-to-use and exciting RSS / Atom feed newsreader: check out SharpReader - well worth a closer look.

• Here's a more comprehensive list of RSS newsreaders currently available

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