Reading RSS Feeds with an RSS Aggregator
RSS or Really Easy Syndication or Rich Site Summary is the latest information management tool that’s gradually earning popularity among web users and website owners. With RSS technology, it is possible to get the latest postings from your favorite websites. But clicking on the RSS or XML button in a homepage isn’t enough to give you the service you need. An RSS feed or code displayed in the pop-up screen if not on the main page is composed of symbols and words that would only make sense to advanced RSS users and computer programmers and software enthusiasts. Another software tool called an RSS aggregator or reader is needed.
An aggregator works by scanning the worldwide web with latest postings based on the RSS code (containing the website’s URL) provided or added by the user. When it finds a new posting, news, or update, it will publish the RSS feed on your home page containing the title of the posting, which also serves as a clickable link to the website source. This RSS feed may or might not contain the whole article, a summary, and pics, depending on what RSS aggregator you are using.
Aggregators come in two types: the downloadable program or desktop-type and the on the web or web-based type. The desktop aggregator usually charges a certain amount for its services; this would include regular updating in the form of upgrades or patches to the original version. This type of RSS reader allows more customization of RSS feeds as well as page format or design over its on-line counterparts. But of course, price can be a drawback.
On-line or web-based aggregators are free of charge. All you need to do is register an account with them then you can start enjoying their services. Depending on the “brand” of the aggregator, customization is more limited. Some even don’t grant you to customize at all.
Product and service advertisers are realizing the potential of RSS aggregators in internet marketing. In fact, several submit RSS codes to several popular web-based aggregators to reach the growing technophile and internet-based market. My Yahoo has been instrumental in popularizing RSS technology to both users and website owners and advertisers.
At present, there are many aggregators to select from and newer versions of the same aggregator are constantly developed by its programmers.
Below are some of these desktop and on the web aggregators: Desktop Aggregators 1. AmphetaDesk Advantages: - free - supports Linux, Mac, and Windows - simple addition of RSS feeds
Disadvantages: - not maximized use of screen display - few options for customizing
2. FeedDemon Advantages: - user friendly - free trial version - contains prepared popular feeds - allows filtering of RSS feeds - configurable “watch list” to manage junk RSS feeds - search channel feature that incorporates other RSS services e.g. Feedster - grants feed storage for future use - tabbed browsers for channel navigation - built-in podcast receiver
Disadvantages: - supports only World wide web Explorer (embedded) - paid software (`$29.95)
Online Aggregators 1. Bloglines Advantages: - all major browsers supported (e.g. Netscape Navigator, World wide web Explorer, Firefox) - user-friendly especially for beginners - free, web-based aggregator - easy registration - no advertisements - contains its own directory of RSS feeds of thousands of websites - personal email account for subscribing to newsletter emails (optional) - grants privacy adjustments for personal blogs - allows saved searches - mobile version available - 10 languages supported - Additional add-on tools for automated blogrolls and subscription buttons
2. NewsGator Advantages: - free (consumer-standard version) - provides personalized news channel - grants translation of RSS articles into email format - synchronization of feeds in several devices possible - browse and search feed abilities save time on surfing - grants keyword filtering - blog headlines - button-click automatic subscription to news feeds
Disadvantage: - Outlook-based thus limited to Windows
3. My Yahoo Advantages: - Free web-based aggregator - user-friendly - customizable home page design - button-click subscription to RSS feeds - built-in directory and search tool for feeds - wide variety of feeds e.g. news (science, technology, local), weather - connects to all Yahoo features and services
Disadvantage - banner advertisements
There are also lightweight RSS aggregator extensions which are actually plug-ins to existing world wide web browsers. An example of which is Sage aggregator.
Advantages: - free of charge - beginner-friendly - reeds both RSS and Atom feeds - allows feed discovery - can be assimilated to Firefox bookmark (storage and live) - allows OPML feed lists imports and exports - customizable style sheets - supports a wide range of locales e.g. Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Slovenian, etc. - easy installation
Disadvantages: - good for about 12 RSS feeds - limited use to Mozilla-Firefox and Mozilla-Firefox supported browsers
RSS developers promise superior features in future versions of their aggregators. Microsoft is planning to include a built-in aggregator in their next Windows version. These developments are definitely something to look forward to by all internet aficionados.
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a tool useful for saving or retaining updated information on websites that you frequently visit or websites that are your favorite. RSS utilizes an XML code which scans continuously the content or subject matter of...
Entertainment RSS Delivered Straight Into Your HomesRSS which stands for really simple syndication is a format that is associated with the XML family of file formatting. It functions by continuously running through the websites to scan for updates. It then sends these updates to all of...
Learning the Basics of RSSWhat is RSS? You probably have seen this three-letter acronym in the course of your internet surfing. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary; syndicating means republishing an article that comes from another source such as a...
What’s RSS?What is RSS? RSS stands for more than one thing. Usually, RSS stands for \"really simply syndication,\" but it can also mean \"rich site summary,\" or \"RDF site summary\" -- RDF standing for \"resource description framework.\" That answers the question...
A Guide to RSS AggregatorsOne of the most popular features of Internet portals, websites, pages and even emails is a frame that features an organized list of news headlines and periodic updates from other web sources. Really Simple Syndication, formerly \"Rich Site Summary\" or...