RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication and is an XML file (feed) with which websites publish frequently updated content such as news, product updates, headlines, blogs and podcasts. These files are stored on a website and users subscribe to the feed with a client program called an aggregator. The aggregator determines how to display the content and includes such programs as:

• Web browsers (IE 7, Firefox 2 , Safari)
• Application-based News Aggregators (SharpReader, NetNewsWire)
• Web-based News Aggregators (GoogleReader, Bloglines)
• Email programs (Outlook 2007, Mozilla Thunderbird)

RSS content can also be integrated into personalized home pages such as iGoogle and My Yahoo.

Once a feed has been subscribed to, the aggregator can be set check for updates at user-defined intervals. A user can subscribe to any number of feeds, creating a quick way to scan hundreds of articles in a fraction of the time it would take to visit dozens of websites separately.

Another benefit of RSS is its delivery method. The content is 'pulled' to the aggregator as opposed to being ‘pushed’ to users like email delivery. The user decides what content to subscribe to and can manage those subscriptions personally.

This icon indicates when content is available for subscription. The associated URL is copied and pasted into an aggregator's subscription list.

• Get Random Access

• Understanding Tech

• Print this article

• Shop Online