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RSS information
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RSS and related terms defined
- RSS (usually translated as "Really Simple Syndication") is a way to publish frequently updated content. It is commonly found on blogs or news sites.
- The RSS file, or "feed', contains a headline, a summary, or the fulltext from the provider site.
- Users subscribe to RSS feeds and store them in an intermediary page set up inside a "feed reader" or "aggregator".
- An aggregator or feed reader collects web content in a single place for easy viewing.
- This reduces the time and effort required to check individual websites for updates, and is more easily organised than email alerts.
- The user subscribes to feeds which the feed reader then checks for new content. The user can read, organise, and store or delete content as required.
- Most web-based aggregators require users to create a free account in order to use their service.
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Choose an aggregator (feed reader)
Built into web browser
- Firefox has a built-in feed reader, called Live Bookmarks.
- Internet Explorer 7 offers a similar feature called Feed Reader.
- Internet Explorer 6 has no built-in reader.
Web-based aggregators (these require a free account)
Windows-based readers
Mac OS X-based readers
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Subscribe to an RSS feed
Live Bookmarks in Firefox
The RSS symbol  appears in the address bar if a site offers an RSS feed. Follow steps to add to Firefox bookmarks or another designated web-based aggregator.
Feed Reader in Internet Explorer 7
The RSS symbol appears in the address bar if a site offers an RSS feed. Follow steps to add to bookmarks.
Internet Explorer 6
- This version does not display the RSS symbol in the address bar. RSS information is displayed as a page of XML code.
- Users must cut and paste the address of the XML page into a feed reader where they have an account.
From within an aggregator
- Browse to a site with an RSS feed.
- Feeds are usually indicated by one of these symbols:
 
- The resulting RSS feed information is often displayed as a page of XML code.
- Cut and paste the address of the page into your aggregator.
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University of Otago RSS feeds
Last revised:
7 January, 2008
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