This page is intended for users unfamiliar with web syndication (RSS and Atom feeds).

If you’re impatient, click on either the RSS or Atom feed in the right column and see what happens! Otherwise, read on…

Explanation

In a nutshell, web sites with frequently updated content (such as blogs, news, or podcasts) provide feeds so that users can automatically check for updates. Users subscribe to feed using an aggregator (aka. a feed reader or news reader). Exactly how you do this depends on the software you are using.

This makes it easy to stay up-to-date with your favorite blogs without manually having to go and check each one. Look for the symbol on your favorite sites for links to their RSS or Atom format feeds. I’ve listed some popular aggregator programs below, but there are many more.

You don’t need to create and account or log in to my blog to subscribe via RSS or Atom. However, you do if you want to leave comments. Eventually, I’ll add other features like commenting on photo galleries, exclusive content, and other goodies for registered users.

Software

Chances are you already have some kind of aggregator software on your computer. Clicking on the RSS or Atom feed links to the right should list some options.

Aggregators generally come in two forms: web-based and client-based. You can log into web-based software from any computer with a browser and Internet connection. Client-based software resides in your computer and pulls feeds from the Internet. Here are some popular choices (feel free to make suggestions!):

Web-based (Runs through your browser)

Software	URL(s)	Atom	RSS
Bloglines	Wikipedia Official	Yes	Yes
Google Reader	Wikipedia Official	Yes	Yes
See more listings on Wikipedia.

Client-based (runs on your PC)

Software	Type	OS	URL(s)	Atom	RSS
BlogBridge	Aggregator	Linux Mac OS X Windows	Wikipedia Official	Yes	Yes
Mozilla Thunderbird	E-mail	Linux Mac OS X Windows	Wikipedia Official	Yes	Yes
Safari	Web Browser	Mac OS X Windows	Wikipedia Official	Yes	Yes
See more listings on Wikipedia.

Personally, I use Mozilla Thunderbird, since it’s my e-mail software and it’s convenient to have everything in one place. I know plenty of Gmail addicts who love the web-based Google Reader. Anyway, have fun making the Internet easy!