So What is RSS?

RSS is a term used widely online today. It stands for Really Simple Syndication. RSS was created to make it easy for people to get all of the information they wanted from their favorite sources delivered to one central place.

Check out this video quickly, it makes understanding RSS really easy.

How does RSS work?

RSS allows you to have content delivered to you, all you have to choose is a destination.

The first step as a reader is to choose a place to receive all the new updates. I suggest creating an account with Google Reader.

When you go to a website and decide that you like the information they offer, the next step is to look for the RSS subscription button. You may have to hunt a little bit but most websites now offer an option to subscribe through RSS.

A few examples are pictured below, they take many different forms but the circle and the two lines are consistent in every example.

After you click the RSS button you will be prompted to choose where you’d like the content to be delivered. This is the destination that we chose above, if you setup a google reader account, then select google reader from your list and you’re all ready to go.

Here’s a quick re-cap on how to use RSS feeds.

1. Setup an account at Google Reader

2. Find a website that you like

3. Locate their RSS button

4. Click the button

5. Choose Google Reader as the destination

And that’s it! Now, anytime new information is available on the sites you chose, you’ll be updated in Google Reader.

Was this explanation helpful? How do you explain RSS? Let us know in the comments below.