What Is RSS?

RSS feeds allow quick scanning of the latest headlines from hundreds of Web sites in a spam free way. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication (or Rich Site Summary). Icons represented by and indicate that online information such as news items, tables of contents, short summaries, or links to full-text articles can be automatically delivered via subscription to your personal news reader/feed aggregator.

1. You will need to set up a special reader or aggregator for your feeds. See below: How do I find an RSS Reader/Aggregator
2. Find content with the RSS or XML feed icon. See below: Sample RSS Feeds
3. By clicking on the RSS information icon, you can use the URL to subscribe to the feed with your RSS reader/aggregator.

Several types of free readers are available: Web-based readers, desktop readers, and readers via Web browsers. Popular Web-based readers include Bloglines, My Yahoo!, and NewsGator. Browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Safari also offer integrated RSS feed readers. RSSReader is a popular Windows desktop reader. For a more complete list for all platforms seeRSS news readers.

Sign up for Bloglines (free)

• Open a second browser window.
• Go to www.bloglines.com and sign up for a free account. You will need to give your e-mail address and select a password. You will receive a confirmation e-mail from Bloglines.
• Check your e-mail and follow the instructions to complete registration.

Subscribe to RSS feeds

• Log into Bloglines if you aren't already logged in.
• In the upper left hand corner, make sure you are on the 'My Feeds' tab and click on the 'Add' link.
• In the frame on the right side, enter the URL of the RSS feed.

Example: Subscribe to the Table of Contents for NewScientist

• Click on the link to the journal New Scientist. For links to other RSS feeds see Sample RSS feeds below.
• To subscribe to Breaking News, click on the RSS2.0 link just under the blue icon. A new page will open. Copy the URL line (it should read: http://www.newscientist.com/feed.ns?index=online-news)
• In your Bloglines account, paste the URL into the frame on the right side, next to Blog or Feed URL.
• Click the 'Subscribe' button.
• Bloglines will ask where you wish to store your feed. If you wish to organize your feed in a new folder, select 'New Folder' and type in a name of your choice.
• Scroll down the page and click on the 'Subscribe' button at the bottom of the page.

• Your new New Scientist - Latest Headlines feed should appear in the upper left of the browser under the 'My Feeds' tab. The number of new unread items appears just to the right of the feed name.
• Click on New Scientist - Latest Headlines. New entries you haven't read will appear on the right side of the screen.

Subscribing to RSS Feeds Using Bloglines (2:45 min)
Using Bloglines: Adding a Subscribe Button (1:50 min)