 | Recommended: Click Here to Update All of Your PCs Outdated Drivers |
What is RSS?
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an addition to Internet technology that is used to keep people updated on their favorite websites. RSS works in conjunction with XML code, which continuously checks the contents of a website for updates. If updates are found, they are broadcast to all the subscribers of the website through a feed.
RSS is usually used with news websites and other websites such as blogs, although any type of website can choose to use RSS. When an RSS feed is sent out to subscribers, the feed contains a headline and just a small amount of text, which is usually the summary of the original content. The RSS is simply a teaser. Because of the RSS feed, subscribers don't need to visit the actual website to know what is going on because they'll receive automatic updates whenever the website is updated. Subscribers can then choose to visit the website when they see an update that piques their interest.
To receive the RSS feeds, one must have a news aggregator, a feed reader. There are many aggregators available on the Internet so you can easily find out an interface that appeals to you and your needs. Luckily, most of the news aggregators that you'll fine are free, with some of the most well known being Google Reader, NewsGator, and RSS Reader.
When you download the news aggregator of your choice, you'll need to select the websites that you want to receive feeds from. Luckily, this process is very simple because most websites have a small RSS or XML icon on their home page that will allow you to click on the icon and easily add that RSS to the aggregator list. You can also add the feed from a specific website by copy and pasting the URL of the feed into your aggregator. It doesn't really matter what method you choose to use, you will begin to receive RSS feeds as soon as you add it. If you find that you don't want RSS feeds from a website, you can simply take it off your aggregator list.
RSS feeds are simply considered an efficient way to send website updates. RSS feeds are sent instantly, so there is no waiting, no need to visit the website, it all comes to you at the moment the update is made. Users also do not have to worry about spam filters, as RSS feeds are not considered spam since you specifically request the information.
Benefits of RSS Feeds to Web Visitors
Website visitors can benefit from RSS feeds because they allow them to read only the information that interests them. The RSS feeds are a condensed version of what has been updated or added to the website, allowing the visitor to take in the same information in less time. If the visitor requires more information, they just need to click on the link to be taken to the actual website. Visitors can actually get their RSS feeds on their cell phones and PDA's making the feed very convenient.
Benefits of RSS Feeds to Web Masters
RSS is a good idea for webmasters because it allows them to provide their visitors with up to date content so that visitors come back again and again. Webmasters can change the contents of their website so that the search engine spiders will also visit more frequently, which will also make ratings and visits go up.
RSS feeds are simply a good idea so that we can get all the information we need in the least amount of time. Life is busy, sometimes we go without information we may need or want because we don't make time to visit a certain website. RSS feeds will give us all the information we need right at the moment it is put out there.
|
Bookmark What is RSS?
