How to Use a Feed Reader

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To understand how to use a feed reader, you first need to understand what one is. A feed reader is a dedicated software program for following the latest news, blog updates or other content that changes frequently and that you want to stay on top of. Also known as a news aggregator, feed readers can be very simple or very powerful, depending on your particular needs. Most are free; some feed readers require you to pay for additional features. Still others are web-based programs that require no additional software.  You just register to use the feed reader online. But all are easy to use and are especially great for news junkies who don’t want to miss a thing while they are working on their daily projects.

All your favourite sites in one place!

To use a feed reader, first do some exploration on the different types available. Look at the interface and see if it’s intuitive and easy to get around. Generally most feed readers make checking for new content as easy as it is to check your email. Some readers even look very similar to popular email programs. A feed reader gives you access to all your favorite sites in one place and can allows you to add new feeds from other interesting sites you come across. If a site you visit offers a feed you will see a link, sometimes text and sometimes an icon, inviting you to subscribe to the site’s RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feed. With a simple click, you’re now getting constant updates whenever the content you’ve subscribed to changes.

When determining how to use a feed reader on the go, a web-based reader may be your best bet. One of the most popular is Google Reader. Any mobile phone web browser will work with Google Reader, so you can check for updates from just about anywhere you have a cell phone signal. In fact, you can access your reader from any computer that’s connected online. So no matter where your travels take you, you’re never out of touch.

When you master how to use a feed reader, one of the most attractive benefits is that you’re in control. You decide what information you want to subscribe to, when you want to look at it, and if you want, you can choose to unsubscribe from the feed. Whatever you decide, a feed reader can deliver you the information you need and want quickly and efficiently.