RSS feeds allow you to see when websites have added new content. You can get the latest headlines and video in one place, as soon as its published, without having to visit the websites you have taken the feed from. This reduces the time and effort needed to regularly check websites for updates, creating a unique information space or "personal newspaper."
The RSS icon (
) is frequently used to indicate that you can subscribe to a feed. Once subscribed, an 'RSS reader' (or more correctly, 'aggregator') can be used to keep track of these updates.
Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox both provide built in RSS reader facilities for subscribing to updated content. However, the disadvantage of using a browser based RSS reader is that the contents can only be accessed from a single computer.
Many users therefore prefer web-based RSS readers, that are remotely accessible, but nevertheless intended for personal use. Examples include the popular Google Reader, Bloglines, or Techmeme. Because the application is available via the web, the individual user can access their personal feed subscriptions from any computer with an Internet connection.
