What can I do with RSS?
We all have a list of some five to ten or even more websites that we regularly scan. Some of these contain news messages that we want to keep track off, because we know that regularly there is something that we want to know. This regular scanning of those sites can be a tedious job, especially when you haven't got the time to do it or you don't want to look at the static content of the site again and again.

With an RSS reader you have a sort of agent that scans these sites for you. And as soon as there is something new on the site of your choice you can read the headlines and the introductory text in your newsreader.

There are a few conditions in order to make this work. The website of your choice needs to bring its content in a structured order. These sites notify you about the possibility of RSS feeds via this logo: .

What do I need to use this RSS service?
As a client you will need a RSS-reader. Below is a list of apps that you may choose (feedreader is my personal favourite). If you have Thunderbird as your e-mail client then you can use that as well.

A selection of RSS-readers :

• Feedreader (Windows; free)
• Mozilla Thunderbird (Linux, Mac, Windows; free)
• RSSReader (Windows; free)
• Sharpreader (Windows; free)
• AmphetaDesk (Linux, Mac, Windows; free)
• NetNewsWire(Mac; free)
• NewzCrawler (Windows; commercial)
• Radio UserLand (Mac, Windows;commercial)
• Syndirella(Windows; free)

What does RSS cost?
Most RSS-feeds are free services. Those of EARLabs as well.

If I don't use the RSS, will I miss anything?
No. You are welcome to visit the EARLabs site as often as you like. Of course!!

More about RSS?
Of course there is extensive information published through [ wikipedia ].

A few steps to reading the EARLabs RSS on your desktop:

1. download and install the RSS reader of your choice

2. in your reader, open the screen for adding a new service

3. choose what service you like from EARLabs.org

4. copy the url's of the RSS page (right mouse-click > copy link address) into the screen of the RSS reader and click OK (or done, or install, or whatever looks like that's what you need to do. Most often 'cancel' is not what you want)

5. most often you're done. You will see the first headlines turn up. The reader will look for new items every minute or hour or day and notify you about added items.

6. should you encounter problems of the kind "I can't read this because it is not formatted well", please try another reader. I know the Feedreader is working perfectly well. Perhaps someone can suggest a Mac and a Linux reader?