Rather than visiting this website regularly to see what’s new you can be notified of changes automatically. This is done by using a feed reader.
What is a Feed Reader?
Feed Readers reduce the time and effort needed to regularly check websites for updates, creating a unique information space or “personal newspaper.” Once subscribed to a feed, a feed reader is able to check for new content at user-determined intervals and retrieve the update. The content is sometimes described as being “pulled” to the subscriber, as opposed to “pushed” with email, instant messaging or, indeed, paper. Unlike recipients of some “pushed” information, the feed reader user can easily unsubscribe from a feed.
A feed reader provides a consolidated view of the content in a single browser display or desktop application. Such applications are referred to as RSS readers, feed readers, feed aggregators, news readers or search aggregators.
What options are there for Feed Readers?
There are 4 primary methods for subscribing to feeds:
- Using web based software: there are websites dedicated to allowing you to create a list of news feeds that you are interested in. Examples of these are Google Reader and Bloglines, both of which require you to create an account with them. If you already have an account with any other Google service (GMail, Picasa, Google Docs, etc) you already have access to Google Reader. These services give you an instant view of new and unread items.
- Using dedicated software: you can download software that you install on your computer that is specifically designed to be Feed Readers. There are many options here including FeedReader, FeedDemon and Active Web Reader. [I am not recommending any of these products in particular – I have installed them and they appear to work. If you want to choose another have a look at your options here.]
- Using the features of your browser: both Firefox and Internet Explorer provide capabilities for subscribing to feeds. They will appear as a special item in your bookmarks. Using this will require you to check your bookmarks regularly to see if there are new items.
- Using a plug-in to your browser: you can install a plug-in to your browser that is specifically designed to handle news feeds. These tend to use the bookmarking features of your browser so are a bit like using your browser’s built-in features.
If all these options are too confusing, I recommend that you get a Google account and use Google Reader – I do!
Got one of them – what now?
If you click the orange icon on the right of this page (near the link that got you here) you will be shown what the feed might look like. If your browser is doing the right thing it should also offer a set of options for subscribing to the feed. Just select your prefered tool and it should automatically be configured as a feed for you.
If your browser doesn’t do this, just right-click on the icon and select “copy this link” (or similar). Select “Add New” (or similar) from your chosen tool, paste the link and your tool should subscribe for you!
Where can I learn more?
You can learn more by looking at:
- Google’s description
- Wikipedia’s article and their list of feed aggregators
- You can find a list of downloadable software options at the Open Directory Project