What is RSS? (Really Simple Syndication)

RSS (Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary) is becoming more and more popular all the time.
But what is it?

"RSS is an XML-based format for content distribution. Webmasters create an RSS file containing headlines and descriptions of specific information. While the majority of RSS feeds currently contain news headlines or breaking information the long term uses of RSS are broad."
- RSS-Specifications.com



RSS was first invented by Netscape. They wanted to use an XML format to distribute news, stories and information. Netscape refined the version of RSS and then dropped it. Userland Software took control of the specficiation and continued to develop it releasing a newer version. A non-commercial group picked up RSS at the same time and based on their interpretation of the Netscape's original concept of RSS they too released a new version. UserLand was not happy with the non-commercial version and continued development of their own version of RSS (Really Simple Syndication), eventually UserLand released RSS v2.

So how can you use it?
There are many RSS readers freely available at the moment but most people will be happy to use RSS readers that are now built into most browsers such as Firefox, Maxthron and Netscape. However, the leading broswer, Microsoft's Internet Explorer still does not support any RSS integration. Version 7 of the browser, due out next year, will address this but to what extent is still not known.

Google provides a decent interface for you to keep up with your latest RSS feeds but the main downside is that you need to find the feeds first. The advantage of using a browser with a feed reader is that you are told when a RSS feed is avaible so you can simply click one button to subscribe.