What is an RSS Feed?

As I’ve talked to people, even my technical friends, I’ve found most just plain don’t know what an RSS feed is. Basically, it lets you keep track of a site that often updates comments. Follow web comics, Twitter, job boards or Business Week?  You’ll find usually find an RSS logo. Once added, you can check all your favorite sites on one page. If there’s something new, you’ll be able to read an excerpt (or more). Not interested? Skip it. Want more? Click the link. Done.

How Do I Use RSS?

Most commonly, you’ll find the logo in the address bar but occasionally it appears on the page itself or in a drop down menu. Note that here on BiB we have both. In the address bar you’ll see the RSS logo on the right hand side and in the columns (also on the right), you’ll see different RSS options.

For those of you who want everything, either use the address bar or click The Whole Boxer. If you’re only interested in one category, such as Weekly Show Details, use the menu on the right. Want 2? Go through the process again for the second. Or the 3rd.

From there you have choices. Firefox (and IE 7) will ask you to pick a Feed Reader. Personally, I recommend using Google, but any service will do. If you have a Yahoo or Bloglines account, for example, it’s probably more convenient.

If you select Google, you’ll be given 2 choices. Google Homepage or Google Reader.

OR

I use Google Reader, but I also have a Google account for other services (Docs, Calender, YouTube, etc). If you don’t use any other Google stuff, the home page is probably better. You’ll still need to create an account, but you’ll only need to go to Google.com to log in.

And you’re set!

RSS Summery

Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find direct support for RSS in Internet Explorer 6 (Microsoft), though I understand it’s in Internet Explorer 7. Firefox has fully supported RSS for years and, though I don’t use a Mac (Apple), I’m told Safari has full support.

• If you didn’t catch all of the above, don’t worry. As is the key to all technology, try out the steps and explore. You’ll learn something new.
• RSS feed is often described as Really Simple Syndication. If your reader isn’t Simple, use a different one.
• If you have any suggestions for this article, feel free to toss me an e-mail (Brent2@BrentsInBo. . .) or, better yet, post a comment.
• For more information on RSS feeds, check Wikipedia.