RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, which automatically updates you every time a new post is published. An increasing number of websites are using RSS as an alternative to email to distribute content, including the BBC and Financial Times.

How to sign up for an RSS feed

A ‘feed’ consists of a list of recent updates and brief descriptions, and usually a link to the full story for each. Unlike email, this allows you to scan updates much more quickly.

To receive RSS feeds you need to subscribe using an RSS reader, and a number of free readers are available, both desktop and web-based. A desktop RSS reader offers the benefit of constantly running in the background, and the easiest way to receive RSS feeds this way is by using Microsoft Outlook 2007. Subscribing is straightforward, simply follow the steps below.

Microsoft Outlook 2007 step by step guide

A number of excellent desktop RSS readers are available if you don’t use Outlook, including RSSReader and Feedreader.

Alternatively, a number of excellent web-based and desktop RSS readers are available. A web-based RSS reader works in a similar way to web-based email services (such as Hotmail), where you create an account with your chosen service. A number of excellent services are available, including Feedbucket, Bloglines and Google Reader.

If you have any trouble subscribing to the RSS feed, or have any questions about RSS in general, do not hesitate to call our marketing department on (+44)1494 486304.