RSS Feeds help page

 

What is an RSS feed?

RSS (short for Really Simple Syndication) is a format for delivering regularly changing web content.  It allows the user to subscribe for website, blog or even news updates and be notified automatically through an application called an “RSS reader” when new information has been posted.

The benefit of an RSS feed is that instead of actively visiting and sifting through many websites to find updated content, the user needs only to open the RSS reader program to view the new updates which have been instantly sent to it.


What is an “RSS reader” and how do I use it?

There are two ways to view RSS web based content on your computer.  The first is to download and install an RSS reader. If you do not feel comfortable downloading and installing applications onto your computer, the second way to view RSS content is to use a Web-based RSS reader.  Even some popular web-browsers have RSS reader capability built in.


How do I find an RSS feed?

When you are visiting a website, look for this logo:rss-logo and click on it or the applicable link to subscribe to that particular feed.  Usually it will open a webpage with some code on it that may not make much sense to read.  This is where the feed reader comes in.  Simply copy the RSS feed’s URL and paste it into the appropriate field in your RSS reader.
Most RSS reader applications have built in feed suggestions to get you started.


Where can I get an RSS reader?

Glad you asked.  There are many reader applications available online for free or for a small charge. Depending on your computer setup, certain readers may work better on different operating systems.  Below is a list of the most commonly used applications listed by operating system as well as some popular online readers.

(Please note that these links are provided as a convenience and are not endorsed by the Civil Service Commission or the Manitoba Government.)

Microsoft

Apple

Linux

Online

Browser-Based