What Is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It's an easy way for you to keep up with news and information that's important to you, and helps you avoid the conventional methods of browsing or searching for information on websites. Now the content you want can be delivered directly to you without having to bookmark multiple web pages. This content is called a "feed." RSS feeds usually include headlines and descriptions with links back to the publishing site for the full story. RSS buttons are commonly labeled with this icon:

RSS is written in the Internet coding language known as XML (eXtensible Markup Language).

What Is an RSS Reader?

An RSS reader is a small software program that collects and displays RSS feeds. It allows you to scan headlines from a large number of news sources in one central location. Because they're automated, the feeds keep readers up-to-date without expecting them to remember to visit throughout the day.

Where Can I Get an RSS Reader?

Desktop software applications known as news readers or aggregators can collect, update and display RSS feeds from a wide variety of sources. Many of these are available at no cost. Some browsers, such as the current versions of Firefox and Safari have built in RSS readers. If you're using a browser that doesn't currently support RSS, there are a variety of RSS readers available on the web; some are free to download and others are available for purchase. Free services, such as iGoogle or MyYahoo, also allow you to easily add RSS feeds to your personalized page. USCourts.gov does not endorse any particular browser or software.

How Do I Use RSS Feeds?

The first step is to choose an RSS reader. Each reader has a slightly different way of adding a new feed, also called a "channel." Follow the directions for your reader but, in most cases, here's how it works:

• Click on the link or small RSS icon or link near the content you want on our RSS Feeds Library page. You will see a page displaying XML code.
• From your web browser's address bar, copy the URL (web address). For example, the URL you would copy for uscourts.gov: Newsroom is: http://www.uscourts.gov/newsroom/2008/newsRSS.xml.
• Paste that URL into the "Add New Channel" section of the reader. The RSS feed will start to display and regularly update the headlines for you.
• Repeat to add as many feeds as you like.

U.S. Courts RSS Feeds Library

USCourts.gov RSS feeds are based on content published to our web site and are updated frequently. They are provided free of charge.

See our library of RSS feeds