"RSS" stands for Really Simple Syndication. RSS is a standard for publishing regular updates to web-based content. Using this standard, web publishers provide updates, such as
latest news headlines or weblog postings. Consumers use RSS reader applications, or one of a growing number of online services to collect and monitor their favorite feeds in one place. RSS content from a publisher, viewed in one of these readers, is often called a "feed."
For consumers, RSS makes it possible to review a large number of sites in a short amount of time.
For publishers, RSS allows instant widespread distribution of content updates to consumers.
So, who publishes RSS feeds? Some of
biggest names on
Internet now offer content using RSS feeds:
* Yahoo!
* CNET
* BBC News Headlines
* ABC News
* Amazon.com
* Plus...many, many more!
In addition, thousands of weblog authors publish feeds to keep themselves better connected to their readers. Weblogs, also known as blogs, are a driving force behind a recent surge in interest for RSS and syndicated content. Many experts believe that in
very near future,
number of top-tier sites not syndicating any content will be in
minority.
If you're interested in collecting and browsing feeds, you have a multitude of choices. However there are two primary categories of feed reading applications: installable desktop programs and online services. There are also many desktop applications for Windows and Mac OS system users, but two of
most popular ones are FeedDemon (Windows) and NetNewsWire (Mac OS X).
Both require a small purchase price, but are at
head of
class for user-friendliness. They also come pre-loaded with dozens of feeds, so you can start exploring
syndication "universe" immediately. Free readers are also available. Just perform a search for "RSS Reader," using your favorite search engine.