RSS

Introducing News Feeds (RSS)

News feeds are an easy way to keep up with websites without having to constantly visit them. When a website is updated, that site's newsfeed can notify you and give you a link to the new content.

All you need is a feed reader (also known as an "aggregator"). Most current web browsers have feed readers built in. You can also use web-based readers or dedicated software.

How do I start using News Feeds?

To get started you need a feed reader. The four most common types are:

Web browsers

Websites

Feed reader software

Email software (MS Outlook 2007)

Web browsers

If you are using a current browser like Internet Explorer 7+, Firefox 2+, Opera 9+ or Safari 2+, your browser already has a feed reader built in. All you need to do is click the link to a news feed and your browser will display the feed and/or prompt you to subscribe.

Websites

Aggregator websites collect feeds from multiple sources into one single website. It's an easy and convenient way to use feeds, particularly if you use more than one computer. Popular aggregator websites include:

Many web portals and customisable start pages include user configurable feed modules.

Feed reader software

Feed readers run on your computer like any other program. Some examples:

PC/Windows

Mac/OSXs

Cross-platform

For more options, see the DMOZ Feed Reader, News on Feeds listings or Wikipedia's RSS Reader entry which links to lists of feed readers.

Email software (MS Outlook 2007)

Visit the Microsoft Office website for instructions on how to add a feed in Outlook 2007.

How do I find feeds and subscribe to them?

Finding Feeds

News feeds on this website are linked using the industry-standard orange icon.

There is a "feeds" module in the right-hand column of most pages, which lists a selection of feeds.

Subscribing to feeds manually

When you see the feed logo in a web page

Right-click the icon or link
Select "Copy shortcut" or "Copy link location"
Go to your chosen feed reader
Paste the link into your reader's "add feed" process (the exact procedure varies)

Subscribing using browser features

For each page on the website, the most relevant feed is attached using an "autodiscovery" link. What this means is compatible browsers will display the feed logo in their location bar or toolbar. For example, Internet Explorer 7 displays a "Feeds" button:

While Firefox shows the logo in the location bar:

When you see the logo in your browser:

Click the feeds button
Your browser will display the feed and/or prompt you to subscribe to the feed

Each browser and reader is a little different. If in doubt, you should view the help file for your software.

Terms & Conditions

By accessing a News Digital Media RSS Feed ("News Digital Media Feed") from News Digital Media sites you agree to be bound by the Standard Licence Terms.