"RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated digital content, such as blogs, news feeds or podcasts. Consumers of RSS content use special browsers called "aggregators" to watch for new content in dozens or even hundreds of web feeds. The initials "RSS" are variously used to refer to the following standards:

~ Really Simple Syndication

~ Rich Site Summary

~ RDF Site Summary"

RSS allows publishers such as myself to automatically syndicate updates to my website and blog by publishing a feed link (see "Subscribe to My Website" section in the margin of my site). You can subscribe to it by registering with an aggregator (also called a "feed reader" or a "news reader").

This sounds REALLY confusing, but it's actually incredibly simple.

Before we discuss the "how", let's discuss the "why". Let's say you regularly visit 10 blogs/websites, are a news junky who's addicted to CNN, and are trying to keep up with the gossip that AOL's Instant Messenger shares on the start-up screen (latest celebrity info).

Normally, you would need to visit 12 websites/blogs and search for the updated/late breaking information.

BUT, by subscribing to an RSS feed, you can go to your feed reader (sounds much less intimidating than "aggregator") and read, IN ONE PLACE, the updates from all of the above. No more visiting 12 separate sites!

Think of the time savings! You can keep up with the latest business articles, blog postings, the Iraq War and know whether Britney Spears is wearing underwear this week -- all in one place and at NO COST!

Now that you get the "why", let's discuss the "how".

Step 1: Get a feed reader.

This a tool like an email program. It's like getting an email every time one of your subscriptions updates their content, except no email address is required. There are many feed readers -- some are online (like a webmail account), some are offline (you download the program to your computer), some are free and some aren't.

You may have come across feed readers already without realizing it. If you use personalized home page services like My Yahoo, My AOL, Google or My MSN, you have a feed reader -- that's how content like news, weather and stock quotes appear on your personal page.

Step 2: Subscribe to feeds.

You can now add content from any site to automatically get updates. Just click on the "My Yahoo" or "My AOL" image on any website or blog that you are interested in and you will automatically get updates from that website publisher. The updates will show on your personalized Yahoo, AOL, MSN, etc. page. No more having to visit several websites or blogs to keep up with your interests!

You're done and just need to relax and enjoy the information as it is gathered and presented to you.

So what are you going to do with all the time you're saving?