RSS is short for Really Simple Syndication. It's an XML file that can be read by special feed reading software or a web service you can use from your web browser.

Put the address of the RSS feed into your reader, and it will display the latest headlines, each one with a synopsis and link that will take you to the full story.

That means you can stay in touch with many different sources of news and information. It's quicker than revisiting a site several times a day to check for updates, and rather than having to look for new headlines, feed readers scan for updates and display them for you.

How to use RSS feeds?

To view our RSS feed you need software called a feed reader or aggregator. Feed readers you could try include:

For PC users : FeedDemon
For Mac users : NetNewsWire
Windows/Mac/Linux : Amphetadesk
Web-based reader : BlogLines

Setting up a feed differs from one aggregator to another, but it usually involves copying the URL of the feed (from the address bar on your browser) and pasting it into the reader.