RSS or Truly Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary is the newest data management tool that is gradually earning popularity among internet users and web site owners. With RSS technology, it’s achievable to get the newest postings from your favorite websites. But clicking on the RSS or XML button in a homepage is not enough to give you the service you want. An RSS feed or code displayed inside 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’ll publish the RSS feed on your house page containing the title of the posting, which also serves as a clickable link to the website source. This RSS feed may or may not contain the entire article, a summary, and pictures, depending on what RSS aggregator you’re utilizing.
Aggregators come in two types: the downloadable program or desktop-type as well as the on-line or web-based kind. The desktop aggregator generally charges a particular amount for its services; this would include normal updating within the form of upgrades or patches to the original version. This type of RSS reader enables much more customization of RSS feeds along with page format or design over its on-line counterparts. But obviously, price may be a drawback.
On-line or web-based aggregators are totally free of charge. All you have to do is register an account with them then you are able to begin enjoying their services. Depending on the “brand” of the aggregator, customization is a lot more limited. Some even don’t enable you to customize at all.
Product and service advertisers are realizing the prospective of RSS aggregators in web marketing. In fact, several submit RSS codes to numerous common web-based aggregators to reach the growing technophile and internet-based marketplace. My Yahoo has been instrumental in popularizing RSS technology to both users and website owners and advertisers.
At present, there are numerous aggregators to select from and newer versions of the identical aggregator are continually developed by its programmers.
Below are some of these desktop and online aggregators: Desktop Aggregators 1. AmphetaDesk Advantages: - free - supports Linux, Mac, and Windows - easy 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 handle junk RSS feeds - search channel function that incorporates other RSS services e.g. Feedster - allows feed storage for long term use - tabbed browsers for channel navigation - built-in podcast receiver
Disadvantages: - supports only Internet Explorer (embedded) - paid software (`$29.95)
Online Aggregators 1. Bloglines Advantages: - all major browsers supported (e.g. Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, Firefox) - user-friendly particularly for beginners - free, web-based aggregator - easy registration - no advertisements - contains its own directory of RSS feeds of thousands of web sites - personal email account for subscribing to newsletter emails (optional) - allows 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 - allows translation of RSS articles into email format - synchronization of feeds in numerous devices feasible - browse and search feed capabilities save time on surfing - allows keyword filtering - blog headlines - button-click automatic subscription to news feeds
Disadvantage: - Outlook-based thus limited to Windows
3. My Yahoo Benefits: - Free web-based aggregator - user-friendly - customizable house 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
You can find also lightweight RSS aggregator extensions which are really 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, and so on. - easy installation
Disadvantages: - good for about 12 RSS feeds - limited use to Mozilla-Firefox and Mozilla-Firefox supported browsers
RSS developers promise much better features in future versions of their aggregators. Microsoft is planning to include a built-in aggregator in their next Windows version. These developments are certainly some thing to look forward to by all web aficionados.
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Reading RSS Feeds with an RSS Aggregator
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