Is RSS for you?

If RSS is so great, why doesn't everyone use it?

Well, the average computer user may not realize the few simple basics to RSS.
1. The Reader. Before you can start subscribing to your favorite RSS feed, you need a reader. That means you'll have to download an RSS reader or find a Web-based one.

2. The button. Ever notice those orange "RSS" buttons (sometimes marked "XML")? They identify a RSS feed on that website. If you click on it, then copy and paste the URL into your RSS reader, you will then be able to get the feed and download the articles.

Unfortunately, RSS use is still relatively low. Most people who use the technology don't even realize they're using it. Don't let that stop you though, RSS technology is extremely useful for consumers, publishers, and advertisers alike, all for the same reason--it's constantly updated, so consumers get the content all day, every day, without having to keep going back to a Web site.

What's going down the pike for this technology? Google's making it simple for most people by using a Web-based RSS reader that doesn't mention XML, Atom, nor even RSS--it simply is about subscribing to "feeds." Internet Explorer 7, when it's released will have RSS built in. And more and more sites are integrating RSS and subscription buttons prominently into their site design.