What is RSS?

“RSS” stands for “really simple syndication”. An RSS document, alao is called a “feed,” makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that’s easier than checking them manually.

RSS content can be read using software called an “RSS reader”, “feed reader” or an “aggregator”. The user subscribes to a feed by entering the feed’s link into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon in a browser that initiates the subscription process. The reader checks the user’s subscribed feeds regularly for new content, downloading any updates that it finds.

Why Subscribe Using RSS?

Subscribing to an RSS feed means that you as the internet user has less internet using to do! Once you set up an RSS feed the internet does all the rest of the work for you.

Bookmarking is fine if you only want to come to a site once and a while to scan the front page content, but having an RSS feed bring content to you means you don’t miss any content. Ever. If a site’s content does not change for a week, clicking on a bookmark 3 times a week to check for new content just wasted your time. If you subscribe, there are no longer any wasted click and this keeps your index finger much happier.

How to Subscribe Using RSS?

First thing is first: You have to pick what subscription format works best for you! There are plenty web based RSS readers out there for you to try. My recommendations are:

• Google Reader: This one has won me over personally. It is easy to use and learn and if you have a Google Account already then it’s one less account to create.
• iGoogle: This option is limited, but gets the job done ,especially if you already use Google’s personalized homepage on a regular daily basis.
• Netvibes: Similar to iGoogle in concept but way more customizable in the sense that you can select how many posts come to you. This web tool is definitely more over-whelming for new users!
• Email: This is the RSS option with the least learning curve because it’s honestly as simple as receiving email. So if you know how to receive email–then you know how to use this option!

I really do encourage anyone who’s ever been fearful of using new technologies to give Google Reader a try. There’s nothing better than the hands-on approach to defeat the learning curve. Most of the time the learning curve is simply getting past one’s inability to explore new options!

You won’t regret the time-saving opportunities RSS feeds will bring into your internet-content-consuming life!