San Jose State University

What is RSS ?

RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication," it's a data format for publishing news and other information that is updated on a regular basis. The same information is typically posted on a regular webpage as well (like the CoB news, for example), but offering an RSS feed for the same information gives you another way to keep up with all kinds of information.

You wouldn't have much use for an RSS feed, unless you're using software known as an aggregator. Aggregators can be web-based (like Bloglines, or Newsgator) or client-based (like Feed Demon, or NetNewsWire). Once you've set yourself up with an aggregator, you can add the CoB feed, feeds from any major news organization plus thousands of other companies or individuals publishing content. It becomes a huge time saver. Instead of surfing to each of the sites you're interested in to check the news, you simply open your aggregator and see all the latest content in one place.