How to use RSS

Friday, September 21, 2007

How to use RSS

Note: If you haven't read my post on what RSS is I would recommend doing so.

The first thing you need to do is find a feed reader (RSS reader). There are two kinds of feed readers.

Web based feed readers

First there are web based feed readers. These are web sites that work as feed readers. You usually just have to make an account and then you can start adding feeds by URL or you can search for different feeds depending on the reader you choose.

I prefer web readers as then I don't have to download the feeds to my computer (although this can be a bummer if you want to view feeds offline).

Here are some web based feed readers:

Google Reader (this just came out of Google Labs
Bloglines
Newsgator online
Of course there are a bunch more. You can Google "web based feed readers" to see a few.

Feed readers that live on your PC (or Mac, of course)

Second there are feed readers that are actual programs that you download. Some of them cost, some of them don't. These sometimes offer more features than web based readers. Here are a few to check out.

Newsgator
FeedDemon
Again there's many more if you look around!

I also might be helpful to know that many web browsers have built in readers. the latest versions of Firefox, IE and Safari all have built in feed readers. These might be good for people who are just starting out with using RSS or only want to read a few feeds.

Once you have a feed reader you are pretty much set to go. For more info check the help area of the reader you choose.

More tips to maximize your web life.