How to use RSS feeds



RSS feed icon Subscribe to the Cre:source blog via RSS





Standard RSS feed iconRSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication" – it’s a format for distributing and gathering content from sources across the Web, including newspapers, magazines, and blogs. With RSS you can quickly and easily get the latest updates from all your favourite websites in one place, rather than having to visiting them one by one. To do this you use an RSS reader that automatically checks for news and updates.

 

How can you tell if a website has an RSS feed?

Often you will see a small orange feed icon RSS feed icon saying 'RSS', 'subscribe' or 'feed' next to it. Usually you just copy and paste the feed link into your RSS reader. Another great thing about RSS feeds: No spam and complete user control; Unsubscribing to RSS feeds are as easy as it can get – delete it, and it's gone. Period.

 

Choosing an RSS reader

There are many different 'feed readers' (also known as RSS readers, RSS aggregators or simply newsreaders) to choose from, but they can be divided into two main types: web-based and application based. Web-based readers have the benefit that you can check your feeds from any computer, while the stand-alone applications often have more features and greater flexibility. Browsers such as Internet Explorer 7, Firefox and Safari also have built-in RSS readers, although these are not as flexible and versatile as using a separate application.

 

Web Based RSS Readers

 All you have to do is to sign up for an account and you can add as many feeds as you want. Below are a few of the most popular; some sites will  have buttons that allow you to add it to these RSS readers automatically. Otherwise, just copy and paste the RSS feed link into your  reader and you’re up and running. 

Locally installed RSS Readers

 If you prefer, you can download an RSS reader and install it on your computer, below are links to a few of the most popular. Some of these are freeware/open source, others charge a licence fee:

RSS feed icon Subscribe to the Cre:source blog via RSS





PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Maestro
Secured by Thawte
Stock Photo & Image Bank Crestock has the stock photography industry's highest standard in royalty free stock photos & images
and also offers a daily free stock photo via RSS. Additionally, Crestock features design and stock photography forums as well
as a popular design & photography blog with resources, expert advice, commentaries, tips & tricks.