Reading and Subscribing to Feeds

A feed (New!) delivers frequently updated Web content to your browser on a continuous basis. A feed, also known as RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed, XML feed, syndicated content, or Web feed, is usually offered on a subscription basis and typically free of charge. A feed can deliver text content in the form of news headlines or blogs, or digital content in the form of pictures, audio, and video. When audio content is delivered usually in the MP3 format, it’s referred to as a pod-cast. When you visit a Web site, Internet Explorer checks for available feeds. If it discovers a feed, the Feeds button changes color and plays a sound. You can view an individual feed or subscribe to one to get content automatically. When you subscribe to a feed, Internet Explorer checks the Web site and downloads new content so you always stay updated with the latest site content. Internet Explorer manages a common feeds list, which allows other programs, such as Windows Sidebar or e-mail, to use them.

View and Subscribe to a Feed

Visit a Web site with a feed.

The Feeds button changes color and plays a sound.

Timesaver:

You can also press Alt+J to check for feeds.

Click the Feeds button.

If multiple feeds are available, a list of feeds appears.

If available, click the feed you want to see.

A Web page opens, displaying a lists of topics, articles, and other elements you can read and subscribe to.

Click the Subscribe to this Feed button, and then click Subscribe to this Feed, if necessary.

Type a name for the feed, and then select a folder location for the feed.

Click Subscribe.

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View Subscribed Feeds

Click the Favorites Center button.

Click Feeds.

If needed, click a folder to display related feeds.

Click the feed to visit the Web site for the feed.

Click off the pane or click the Close button.

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Did You Know? What formats are feeds available in? The most common formats are RSS and Atom. All Web feed formats are based on XML. XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a platform-independent universal language that enables you to create documents in which data is stored independently of the format so you can use the data more seamlessly in other forms. XML is a markup language just like HTML. You mark up a document to define the structure, meaning, and visual appearance of the information in the document. You can change feed settings. Click the Tools button, click Internet Options, click the Content tab, click Settings in the Feeds section, specify the options you want, and then click OK twice.