Using RSS feeds/Describing RSS

What is RSS?
RSS is a notification system that alerts you when updates are made to your favourite web sites which provide an RSS feed. It allows content to be sent to your computer without you having to search for it by visiting an actual website. This is particularly useful for websites which update content regularly, for example blogs or news lists.

How does RSS work?
RSS uses a standardised web format which RSS readers and other software can interpret. This standard XML format can include, for instance, the title, the author, date and time published, the website URL, and the text of the notification. Users can subscribe to websites which provide an RSS feed typically indicated by one of the following icons: ; ; ; or a "subscribe to RSS" link.

An RSS feed reader, or sometimes called an RSS aggregator, is a software program which operates in the background and automatically checks for new content posted on the websites to which you have subscribed. When something new is posted to the site you’re subscribed to, the notification gets sent to your feed reader immediately. In this way, information comes to your computer rather than having to visit the source website.