The RSS feed

The abbreviation RSS actually means “Really Simple Syndication”. RSS is used by websites, that have updates or changing information on them, such as a newspaper or a blog such as my own.

This is an advantageous tool for those, who want timely updates on their important sites. It can also be of great help if you do not want to spend the time visiting a site. It is a great notifier, and keeps you constantly updated.

Using the RSS

Conventionally, RSS ‘feeds’ used to be updated by web services such as Google reader, but now you can do it directly from your web browser.

For example:

This is a demonstration with Firefox

As you can see, there is a small RSS icon next to the yellow star. If you click on it, you will see a list of the feeds, available on the page.

Google Chrome

For Google Chrome, there are no native tools for subscribing to the RSS feeds, however there are numerous add-ons. This is the one I use.

And it is as simple as that. After you subscribe, you will get an update of the new feeds available. Here is an example of what the feeds updated would look like if you installed that particular Google chrome add on.

I personally think, that the RSS is a piece of technology that is barely used by students, especially the ones I’ve met.

It can be used to quickly check for updates on your school website. Also, news and other feeds to websites of your interests can quickly be tapped into.

I use it on an everyday basis, and something that I find immensely useful when it comes to keeping myself up to date.