RSS is a technology that lets you see at a glance what’s new on your favourite websites.  The websites feed  information out to you and you choose whether to read or not. This saves time.

You can use RSS to keep track of whole websites, parts of websites, blogs or podcasts.

The availability of a feed is often indicated by an icon like this

When you see a feed that looks interesting you subscribe to it by clicking on the icon. Subscribe doesn’t mean you have to pay. It simply means add to my list.

Getting Started

First choose a feed reader.  There are many to choose from and most are free, but there are three methods to chose from.

1. Web-based, for example Google Reader, Bloglines or Newsgator
2. Most web browsers (eg, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari)  have  inbuilt feed readers. 
3. Specialist feed readers, which you download and run on your computer.

Don’t worry about which method you choose – you can change your mind later.
This short video offers an excellent summar.  See also our more detailed Guide to RSS

For a simple and quick start try Google Reader.

What is a podcast?

A podcast feed is similar to a news feed but it contains audio recordings rather than text. 

Note, you do not require an iPod to listen to  podcasts. You can listen using a computer or  any portable media device or MP3 player. About podcasts (Wikipedia)

For details IRISS news feeds and podcasts see News feeds and podcast directory. If you would prefer to receive e-mail announcements instead then please join our mailing list.

Support

If you have a technical problem or question about our feeds please contact Lesley Duff.