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Learn more about RSS

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RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication". RSS is an easy way for you to keep up with news and information published on websites because instead of searching for information, you can get new content delivered directly to you. RSS allows you to be notified when websites have added new content.

What is an RSS Feed?

RSS feeds (sometimes also known as "news feeds") are web pages designed to be read by RSS readers. When you subscribe to an RSS feed using an RSS reader, you can get the latest information in one place, as soon as it is published, without having to visit the website you have taken the feed from.

Federal and State Government RSS Feeds

• U.S. Government RSS feeds
  USA.gov has a list of government agencies with RSS feeds that you can subscribe to.
• Mass.Gov RSS feeds
  Mass.Gov portal and state agency RSS feeds for press releases, news and updates.

What is an RSS Reader?

An RSS reader (also called an aggregator) is a piece of software that checks the feeds that you have selected and provides you with any new content that has been added. There are many different versions, some of which are accessed using a browser, and some of which are downloadable applications.

Different news readers work on different operating systems, so you will need to choose one that will work with your computer.

How do I get an RSS Reader?

There are many different news readers available. Here are some examples:

For Windows computers

• Newz Crawler
• FeedDemon
• Awasu

For Mac computers

• Newsfire
• NetNewsWire

Web-based RSS feed readers

• Bloglines
• FeedZilla
• Google Reader
• Microsoft Live
• My Yahoo!
• NewsGator

Browser-embeded RSS feed readers

• Mozilla Firefox
• Internet Explorer 7
• Safari

More options can be found at:

• RSS Compendium - RSS Readers
• Open Directory information on Feed Readers 

How do I subscribe to RSS feeds?

Each RSS reader has a slightly different way of adding a new feed, which may also be called a "channel." Follow the directions for your reader,  but it usually works in one of two ways:

1.  Click on the "Subscribe" link for the feed you want: 

2. Select your feed reader from the list that appears

3.  OR, if you see a page displaying XML code instead, copy the URL from the web address bar

4. Paste the URL into the "add subscription" option in your feed reader

Where can I find out more about RSS?

RSS in Plain English

Video | Transcript
This short, clever, Creative Commons licensed video from Common Craft uses paper and pencil to explain RSS in 3 Minutes, 52 seconds.

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Information provided by the Information Technology Division, Mass.Gov Office. Last reviewed: January 7, 2010.