RSS - What is it and how to use it

What is RSS and How do I Subscribe?

What is RSS and Those Orange XML Buttons?

The orange buttons link to a file, called an RSS file. This RSS file is a computer readable description of the human readable Webpage you are reading. Applications can use these files to notify you when new content is available on the Website or blog. Because there’s no default RSS handler in Windows XP, clicking on the orange buttons often produces very cryptic looking code. You would need online or desktop software to make the code human readable. Again, using RSS readers makes it easier for you to be notified when new articles are published. Its easier, because with an RSS reader you can have all of your favorite content from multiple websites, on various subjects syndicated in one location. From worldwide news, to websites about puppy dogs, some RSS readers will search the web for you if you enter the subject you want. If the site uses valid RSS, the RSS reader can read it.

Recently they have added a new icon to indicate that there is RSS synidcated content available. This will soon replace the xml orange rectangle thingy. Now it is the little quarter circle looking orange thingy as shown below.

How to Subscribe using RSS

1. First, you need an RSS reader. There are many to choose from, but we’ll start with these. Look for the RSS readers they offer either online or downloadable. You can always ask them for help.

2. Optional- It is strongly recommended that you use a USM client.
There goes those technical terms again. To keep this simple, it will allow you to subscribe to a site that uses RSS with just a click of the xml button. It will use your default RSS reader. The above websites have readers that you can either download or use online that will work with the USM client. You can download the USM client here http://www.kbcafe.com/rss/usm.msi.

3. After you have downloaded the USM client (if you are using it), just click the subscribe button. (the orange XML thingy)

OR use an easier way