Guide Note

RSS Reader or RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a type of web feed or aggregator that allows web users to have access to frequently updated content. By using client software or a web application to simplify the gathering and compiling of syndicated web content. The content can vary, but blog entries, news headlines, vlogs and podcasts are the most updated types of feeds.

Fast Facts

1. Web based aggregators or readers such as Google Reader
2. Atom was developed as an alternative to RSS
3. Another type of reader is called planet aggregators, used to track internet communities
4. Client software aggregators (readers) collect feeds and display them on a "user-friendly" interface
5. Media aggregators, also known as "podcatchers" a catch phrase coming from the term podcast but also referring to video feed
6. Due to the volume of information being read or aggregated, users can tag entries using a relevant keyword to help organize
7. It varies as to what reader works with which operating systems
8. A number of web browsers such as Firefox or Opera will automatically aggregate feeds when a website with the RSS symbol on it is visited