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What is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It's an easy way for you to keep up with news and information that's important to you, and helps you avoid the conventional methods of browsing or searching for information on websites. Now the content you want can be delivered directly to you without cluttering your inbox with e-mail messages.

What is an RSS feed?

An RSS feed contains information for a particular topic from a website, such as state government press releases. Each content item in a feed (for example, each news story) typically includes a headline or title along with a link to the full content online. By subscribing to the feed, you will automatically receive the latest content to your feed reader software, and you'll be able to see what's new at a glance without visiting the source website.

How do I get started using RSS feeds?

The first step is to choose an RSS feed reader and install it on your computer.

NOTE: Each reader has a slightly different way of adding a new feed, also called a channel.

Follow the directions for your reader, but in most cases, here's how it works:

  1. When you see a feed link on a website, click on the link or small RSS button for the feed. For help in identifying RSS feeds, go to How do I know when an RSS feed is available?

    NOTE: Depending on your browser, you may get a page of XML code. This is fine, as it will still work with the feed reader program. Newer browsers, such as the current versions of Internet Explorer 7, Firefox, Opera, and Safari, will display the list of news links and give you the opportunity to bookmark the link in one of the more popular web-based RSS feed readers like Google, Yahoo, or Bloglines. You may also choose your feed reader program you already have installed.

  2. From your browser Address field, copy the URL (web address) by highlighting the URL with your mouse and pressing CTRL and C on the keyboard, or right-clicking the mouse and selecting Copy.

  3. Paste that URL (web address) into the Add New Channel section of the feed reader.
    NOTE: The RSS feed will start to display and regularly update the headlines for you.

Or

  1. When you see a feed link on a website, right-click on the link or RSS button. For help in identifying RSS feeds, go to How do I know when an RSS feed is available?

  2. Select Copy Shortcut or Copy Target Address.

  3. Paste that URL (web address) into the Add New Channel section of the feed reader.
    NOTE: The RSS feed will start to display and regularly update the headlines for you.

Some feed readers will "auto-discover" RSS feeds on sites you visit, so you don't have to cut and paste. Check the instructions for your feed reader software for more information.

What is an RSS feed reader?

An RSS feed reader or "aggregator" is a small software program that collects and organizes feed content and provides simple ways to read it. It allows you to scan headlines from a number of news sources in one location, so you can spend less time searching for content and more time enjoying it.

How do I get an RSS feed reader?

Some browsers, such as the current versions of Internet Explorer 7, Firefox, Opera, and Safari, have RSS readers built in. If you're using a browser that doesn't currently support RSS, there are a variety of RSS readers available online. Some are free to download and others are available for purchase.

Some popular free feed reader programs:

How can I find more RSS feeds?

Look for the RSS or XML icons on websites you visit. You can also search for feeds that interest you, using the services Feedster or Syndic8.

Access Washington's State RSS feed index