What Is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication.

Wikipedia defines Really Simple Syndication as:

“RSS is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a “feed,” “web feed,” or “channel,” contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that’s easier than checking them manually.”

Basically, RSS is a way for you to keep informed from your favorite news sources and even on topics you choose by subscribing to feeds generated by those websites. So, instead of bookmarking all of your favorite sites and wasting time throughout the day checking for newly posted articles, you can just have them delivered to computer’s mail inbox or your favorite website reader such as Google Reader. I posted a picture below of Mac OS X Leopard that has your RSS feeds right inside your Mail program:

Click the picture for full size version.

And, if you don’t like reading, you can also subscribe to VIDEO podcasts (sometimes called vlogs/video logs or vodcasts/vcasts) or AUDIO podcasts. If you use iTunes, you may notice the podcast icon in the navigation list on the left. Subscribe to your favorite stuff there! If you want to browse a directory of podcasts that can be automatically delivered to you, go to the bottom right corner of iTunes and click “Podcast Directory.”

Click the picture for full size version.

While you’re at it, you can subscribe to my blog by clicking the RSS icon at the top right of my website!

Watch a video on “What RSS is:”