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RSS
An enlarged RSS icon
What is RSS?
RSS stands for 'Really Simple Syndication' and is a way of presenting information in a format that computers can read rather than humans.
What is RSS used for?
Websites publish 'RSS feeds' to allow other websites to take a copy of their information.
Feed readers also exist that allow people to list their favourite feeds in order to see information from multiple websites all in one place.
RSS feeds are typically represented by a small square orange box (pictured top right). Some other icons may also have 'RSS' or 'XML' written on them.
How can I use RSS?
To make use of an RSS feed you will need to use a feed reader. Feed readers can be websites, or they can be a program that you download to your computer. A list of feed readers is provided at the bottom of this page.
If you are interested in News for instance may use a feed reader to read in feeds from multiple websites such as BBC News, Reuters and Sky News. News headlines (as well as a link, and possibly a short description) would then be available from all three of these sites, all in one place.
To copy a feed into a feed reader you will need to click on an RSS icon (the icons are usually orange, see above). The page that is displayed may look like computer code, or it may even be readable. On this page, select and copy the address in the address bar of your browser, and paste it into your feed reader.
A feed reader called Bloglines
RSS on Shrewsbury.gov.uk
On Shrewsbury.gov.uk we publish feeds that you can use. look out for the 
icons around the site as we add more and more feeds. Our feeds include:
News What's On Jobs Consultations Chief Executive's Blog RSS Feed Planning Applications in your area (find your address in the pop-up window first)
We also read in and display RSS feeds from other websites, notably in our news, business and food safety sections.
Further information about RSS
Web-based feed readers
- Bloglines
- Rojo
- NewsGator
- Google Reader
- FeedLounge (not free)
Downloadable feed readers
- Awasu
- FeedDemon (not free)
- Newzcrawler (not free)