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RSS, which stands for "Really Simple Syndication (or "Rich Site Summary")," offers an incredibly efficient method of keeping up with current news that interests you.
RSS allows you to select feeds containing the type of information you want. A feed is essentially a group of headlines, brief summaries, and links to full text.
By signing up for a RSS feed, headlines linking to full articles from all sorts of sites will automatically come to you as often as you choose. RSS is also a great way to keep up with changes on your favorite news sites or weblogs. To begin using RSS, you will need to first download an aggregator. We have included some free ones on this site.
AmphetaDesk [Mac or Windows] AmphetaDesk features an intuitive web-browsing interface. This is a great aggregator for anyone starting out with RSS, especially those who don't want to learn how to operate a new piece of software. Also, many sites offer "quick subscribe" links to add their feeds to AmphetaDesk automatically, instead of requiring you to copy and paste the URL.
SharpReader is an excellent full-featured aggregator. Its highly-customizable three-pane interface is simple and intuitive. Each feed can be customized individually. A master "subscribed feeds" view lets you see every item in all of your feeds. The "link cosmos" feature lets you find blogs that link to any item. And its full support for different versions of RSS means that every feed will behave as expected. Highly recommended for heavy RSS users.
FeedReader [Windows Only]
FeedReader is a simple aggregator that lacks some of the features of SharpReader, but is faster and more efficient. Ideal for slower machines or users who don't need the advanced customization features of SharpReader.
NetNewsWire Lite [Mac OS X]
The "Lite" NetNewsWire is freeware, but doesn't include several features of the full version. Has a three-pane display similar to SharpReader. This is one of the most popular aggregators around.
Bloglines [Online]
Bloglines is a website that functions as an online aggregator. You don't have to install any software, and you can conveniently access your account from any Internet-connected computer. And because it stores your aggregation information online, you don't have to guess at what you have and haven't read when you check it from multiple locations. The list of feeds is blog-centric, but you can add any RSS feed you like.
NewsIsFree [Online]
Another online aggregator, NewsIsFree offers many configuration options (such as individual pages with different sets of feeds) and a rich list of feeds to choose from, arranged by categories. There are also "popular sources" lists, and even a nifty "Random News" link.
There are several ways to find RSS feeds. The easiest method is to select from feeds included with your aggregator. Most aggregators come with a huge list of feeds. But obviously, feeds that are created after you download your software won't be included, so it will help to know how to find more.
Occasionally, you'll simply stumble across feeds. This icon is the unwritten standard for indicating an RSS feed: If you click on it, it'll bring you to the feed code. You want the url. Copy it from your address bar and paste it into your aggregator program. Some sites offer convenient "subscribe" feeds that intereact with popular aggregators. Google Alert allows you to configure an RSS feed of any Google search you want!!
The Organic Broadcast Project, a "free searchable streaming video based news and information service," lets you subscribe to search results as well as select from a number of pre-configured feeds.
Topix.net features headlines and articles arranged by topic. Each topic and subtopic has an RSS feed, so you can track news about the headlines that catch your eye.
Syndic8 has a browsable and searchable list of syndicated news content, specially designed for easy access to RSS urls.
NewsIsFree has a decent searchable list of RSS feeds, arranged by category. If you find a title you like, click on it, then click the "Syndication" link for information and feed options. Also includes a robust online aggregator.
Moreover has a list of free RSS news feeds in over 330 categories.
AmphetaDesk's Find More page has some good places to hunt, and a few more tips on getting started.
Reuters.com's RSS page features several high-quality feeds.
Lockergnome's RSS resources page is an excellent gatherum of tools, articles, aggregators, and other resources. Definitely worth a look!
RssWeather.com allows you to create feeds for any US city, and hundreds of worldwide cities. Get the most current weather and forecasts for Hanover, your hometown, or anywhere else!
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