Current awareness Tools
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RSS (Really Simple Syndication), is an XML-based format that makes it possible to stay abreast of constantly changing information available from a wide variety of Web sites without actually having to visit any of them. RSS feeds push updates from relevant websites to subscribers. They help you keep up with information from many websites without having to visit them individually. RSS in plain english (screencast) A short explanation of RSS and how it helps you save time What everyone should know about RSS feeds A non-technical outline of RSS basics and feed reader options Benefits of RSS feeds:
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Getting an RSS Reader
To receive RSS Feeds you will need to use a Feed Reader. A Feed Reader allows you to grab the RSS feeds from a variety of websites and displays them for you to read and use. Popular Readers include:
Some browsers also have built-in readers (e.g., Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome).
How to find an RSS feed
You can't subscribe to an RSS feed without knowing the feed's URL. A few years ago, most websites had RSS feeds and obvious RSS icons to access them. These days, many websites still have RSS feeds, it can just be a little harder to find them.
Here are a few ways to find a website's RSS feed:
Here are a few ways to find a website's RSS feed:
- Find the RSS icon
. If a website does have an RSS link, it should be present at either the top or bottom of the website (in the header or footer) or in a widget on the side, above or below the article. The RSS icon looks very similar to the Wi-Fi icon. Some sites also have a page with options to subscribe where you can find the RSS link.
- Search Google. You can perform a web search for a website's RSS feed. All you have to do is search for "[website] RSS feed", and if the website has one, it'll probably be the top answer.
- Check the website's source code. Load the website you want the RSS feed for, then right-click the screen somewhere and select "View Page Source". Use the browser's search function by pressing Ctrl + F and search for "RSS". Look for an RSS URL, then copy that into your reader.
- Use an RSS reader. Some RSS readers have an integrated search function that will automatically find a website's RSS feed if you paste the website's URL into the app's search bar. Even better, some RSS readers will actually create an RSS feed for you based on specific parameters.
