RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an XML-based format for sharing and distributing content from the Internet. In particular it allows you to stay up to date with fast changing information, such as news headlines. Special software will automatically check the RSS feeds from your favourite web-sites and display any new features appearing on them.

News, information and entertainment:

Using an RSS reader, you can view data feeds from various news sources, such as Daelnet's Country News, including headlines, summaries and links to full stories. It's not just for news though; entertainment, sport and myriad other topics can be accessed through the system. In short, RSS allows you to pick and choose the information you want to view and delivers it directly to you.

Blogging:

Another way that many people use RSS is by incorporating content into weblogs or "blogs". Blogs are web pages comprised of often short, frequently updated items and web links. Blogging as a publishing tool is used for many purposes: traditional journalism, personal journals, group discussions around a topic, and many combinations in-between. If you want to know more about "blogging", simply follow the link at the end of this page.

The first thing you need is a piece of software called a news reader (also called News Aggregators). Many free and commercial news readers are available to download from web-sites such as FeedDemon and RSS Bandit.

OK, so you've chosen a news reader; now it's up to you to choose what content you want to view. Simply visit your favourite sites and look for the Orange RSS button . Clicking on the button will allow you to subscribe to the feed in a number of ways.

• Drag the URL of the RSS feed into your news reader.
• Cutting and pasting the same URL into a new feed in your news reader.

Here at Daelnet we're constantly updating the site so we can keep you up to date with life in the Yorkshire Dales. By using RSS, you can be the first to know about additions to Daelnet.

To view the Daelnet RSS feed in your RSS reader: Click the Daelnet RSS button on the home page (once you have downloaded an RSS Reader). Copy the URL/shortcut. Paste the URL into your reader.

You've made it this far, you must be keen. There's a wealth of information out there in cyberspace about RSS and how to use it to its full potential. If you really want to know more, our useful links provide a good starting point.