Reading RSS Feeds

RSS feeds provide information, often from news Web sites or blogs (Web logs), that is available for a one-time download or by subscription. When you subscribe, updated information is periodically sent to your computer. And okay, here's yet another abbreviation to add to your list: RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication.

Get Your Feed

In Internet Explorer, go to the Web site that has the RSS feed you want.

Click the RSS button. The button is available only when there are available RSS feeds on that Web site.

On the Web page that appears, review the page to make sure you want to subscribe to this feed, and, if so, click to subscribe to the RSS feed or feeds that you want.

In the Internet Explorer dialog box that appears, make any changes you want to the name or location of the RSS feed.

Click Subscribe.

Tip

Not all Web sites that provide RSS feeds use the same methodology, so sometimes the RSS button won't be available. In those cases, follow the directions on the Web site to subscribe to the RSS feed.

Read Your Feed

Click the Favorites Center button to display the Favorites Center.

Click the Feeds button if it isn't already selected.

Click the feed you want to view.

Use the Search In Feed box or other tools to find the material you want in the feed.

Read the information.

Try This!

Open the Favorites Center and click the Feeds button. Point to an RSS feed and click the Refresh This Feed button. Now click the feed. Note that only the latest information is shown.

Tip

Internet Explorer is only one of many different RSS readers. You can also use an RSS gadget in the Windows Sidebar, or in a different program. The list of RSS feeds you subscribe to in Internet Explorer should be available in any other RSS feed readers you use.