RSS Feeds - What are they and why do I want them?

First of all, what are RSS feeds? Simply put, RSS is an acronym for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary. They're basically simple text files that will allow subscribers to see content within a very short time after it's updated. In other words, you don't have to visit websites to get the latest updates - RSS feeds bring the content to you.

Anytime you see the RSS icon, you can install the feed into a reader or portal, such as Yahoo, Google, or save it in your browser's favorite feeds(e.g. Internet Explorer) and even have it delivered right to your inbox in Outlook. Here is an example of what it looks like in a Yahoo page:

My Yahoo page is now automatically updated with listings (in this case, for Clarendon1021 Condo). If you want to look at the complete listing with photos, simply click on the link to be taken to the detail page.

RSS Feeds on your iPhone

Got an iPhone? Get the RSS feeds directly on iPhone. There are several feed reader apps available - here is one: http://www.iphonefeedreader.com/

RSS Feeds in Outlook

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a way for content publishers to make news, blogs, and other content available to subscribers. You can view RSS content in Microsoft Office Outlook 2007. Using RSS, publishers can make content and updates available for download by subscribers automatically. The content on all Web sites is not available as an RSS Feed, but the list is growing daily.

How does RSS work in Microsoft Office Outlook 2007?
RSS readers, such as the one built into Office Outlook 2007, allow you to subscribe to RSS Feeds and then read content or follow links for additional information. Whenever you see a link to a feed, or an RSS icon such as the one at the top of this page, just click. Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 will automatically subscribe you to that RSS Feed.

Get started
Using Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 to subscribe to an RSS Feed is quick and easy and does not involve a registration process or fee. After you subscribe to an RSS Feed, headlines will appear in your RSS folders. RSS items appear similar to mail messages. When you see a headline that interests you, just click or open the item. For more information, in Outlook, click on help and search for 'RSS Feeds'. Here is an example of how the feed for the custom search 'Just Listed This Week' will look in Outlook with the preview pane in the lower half: