RSS readers are either computer software or website interfaces that aggregates information from multiple sources, hence the name aggregators. Based on type, there are search aggregators, which fetch information from search engines, news aggregators, that scan news sites, review aggregators, that retrieve information from review sites, and even poll aggregators, which keep us up to date with polling data resulting from upcoming elections
Aggregators collect and organize information from blogs, social network services, video sites, news companies and many other sources, hence they are convenient to stay both organized and informed about updates, just by clicking on an RSS or XML button or link, although many news readers accept copy and paste operations to add URLs, besides an integrated search function to scan for news from inside it.
RSS aggregator are available in two main formats; downloadable software that runs in either Windows, Mac, or Linux based computers as a stand-alone application or desktop tool, and web-based aggregators, which are free or paid online services. Selecting an RSS aggregator is a personal matter because each of us have different tastes and needs.
Software is however easier to customize and usually comes with more features to customize the information retrieve, unlike most of their online counterparts. But not all aggregators are free software either; some are trial or shareware versions, or they can only be obtained after paying a price. This way, price tag is not always a determining factor to select between desktop and online readers.
Example of desktop aggregators include FeedDemon, a user-friendly aggregator that includes an RSS collection already installed to start retrieving news from different websites. Other features include podcast receiver, tabbed interface, feed storage, integrated search and watch list to filter junk feeds. However this is software is only available as a trial version that only works embedded on Internet Explorer.
Some online aggregators include My Yahoo service, Bloglines and Newsgator, an Outlook-type online reader for Windows that provides custom news channels, and data synchronization between this service (free for standard use) and handheld devices.
Desktop and online news readers are alike offering blog headlines, automatic subscription, and search feed capabilities. Some may include a built-in RSS directory, keyword filtering, feeds storage and custom layout design and feeds display.
It is recommended try several aggregators to find the right one that meet your specific needs. Some people may simply want to retrieve news, while others enjoy collecting information and displaying it in a digest format.
Security and RSS
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