RSS is a
family of web feed formats used to publish
frequently updated content such as
blog entries, news headlines or
podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a
"feed," "web feed," or "channel," contains either a
summary of content from an associated web site or
the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to
keep up with their favorite web sites in an
automated manner that's easier than checking them
manually.
RSS content can be read using software called a "feed reader" or an "aggregator." The user subscribes to a feed by entering the feed's link into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon in a browser that initiates the subscription process. The reader checks the user's subscribed feeds regularly for new content, downloading any updates that it finds.
