What is RSS?
An RSS document, called a "feed," contains either a summary of content from a web site or the full text. The feed is the web site's way of notifying subscribers that the site has been updated.
An RSS reader or aggregator is software that is required to read RSS content. The user subscribes to a feed by entering the feed's link into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon or link in a browser that initiates the subscription process. The reader checks the user's subscribed feeds regularly for new content and downloads any updates that it finds. NewsGator (www.newsgator.com) and Bloglines (www.bloglines.com) are a couple of popular RSS readers.
What You Need
All you need is a RSS reader and the URL for the site's RSS feed. Once you find a site that syndicates content that you are interested in, you can add their RSS feed (the feed URL) to the list of feeds in your RSS reader and you're all set. The URL appears when you click on the RSS icon or link. You may notice from browsing FreshBrain that there are RSS icons throughout the site on the project and activity pages. Click on this icon and you will see the URL in the address bar above. This URL is the RSS feed you will need to add in your RSS reader. That only needs to be done once and you will start to receive updates to that page or section of the website whenever there are updates. It's a great and easy way to stay informed about the project you are involved in!
Why Subscribe to RSS feeds?
You no longer have to proactively visit the site or subscribe to get email as updates occur. RSS alerts you by retrieving the latest content from the sites you are interested in without email you. Also, RSS is unspammable because you control your subscriptions and it ensures your privacy since you don't need to give out any of your information.
Watch this Video, which explains RSS in plain English: