What is an RSS feed?
An RSS feed contains information for a particular topic from a website, such as state government press releases. Each content item in a feed (for example, each news story) typically includes a headline or title along with a link to the full content online. By subscribing to the feed, you will automatically receive the latest content to your feed reader software, and you'll be able to see what's new at a glance without visiting the source website.
What is an RSS feed reader?
An RSS feed reader or "aggregator" is a small software program that collects and organizes feed content and provides simple ways to read it. It allows you to scan headlines from a number of news sources in one location, so you can spend less time searching for content and more time enjoying it.
Some browsers, such as the current versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, and Safari, have RSS readers built in. If you're using a browser that doesn't currently support RSS, there are a variety of RSS readers available online. Some are free to download and others are available for purchase.
Some popular free feed reader programs:
- Amphetadesk - http://www.disobey.com/amphetadesk/ (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Awasu - http://www.awasu.com/ (Windows)
- NetNewsWire - http://ranchero.com/netnewswire/ (Mac OS X)
- RSS Reader - http://www.rssreader.com/ (Windows .NET)
- SharpReader - http://www.sharpreader.com
- FeedReader - http://www.feedreader.com/
- Website readers - These readers are useful for anyone who cannot install one of the other readers for some reason.
How do I get started using RSS feeds?
Please see the instructions located at the State RSS feed index.
RSS news feeds are often marked with small orange icons, such as RSS or XML similar to these:
These icons usually link to the address that you'll need to copy into your feed reader software in order to subscribe to the feed. Some feed readers will "auto-discover" RSS feeds on sites you visit, so you don't have to cut and paste.
How can I find more RSS feeds?
Look for the RSS or XML icons on websites you visit. You can also search for feeds that interest you, using such services as Feedster.
For more information on other government RSS feeds, go to the following links: