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Internet Explorer 7

Using RSS Feeds

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, a two-way Web content distribution system based on feeds and readers. Websites offering RSS feeds—from major news organizations to personal blogs—automatically provide new and updated content that can be viewed with an RSS reader. RSS can give you an orderly and up-to-the-minute listing of the exact Web information you want.

An RSS feed is an actual web page (e.g., rss.cnn.com/rss/cnn_topstories.rss) consisting of simple headlines and brief summaries of recently added or updated content (e.g., news stories, blog postings). Each item is linked to the full document at the main website. A website's RSS feeds range from general (e.g., CNN's top news stories) to specific (e.g., Anderson Cooper's blog at CNN), and always include a link to subscribe to the feed.

Internet Explorer 7 has a built-in RSS reader, making it easier than ever to identify, subscribe to, and access RSS feeds. This document explains how to make the most of RSS technology using Internet Explorer 7.

return to topLocating RSS Feeds

In some instances, Internet Explorer 7 will automatically indicate that a website has RSS feeds by illuminating the FEEDS button. Other times, you will need to manually locate a website's Feeds page.

Locating RSS Feeds: The Feeds Button

  1. Navigate to a website
    EXAMPLE: www.cnn.com
    If the website provides an RSS feed, on the Command toolbar, the FEEDS button activates (i.e., turns orange).

  2. To view the default RSS feeds, on the Command toolbar, click FEEDSFeeds button
    Internet Explorer displays the site's RSS feed.
    EXAMPLE: Internet Explorer displays the page rss.cnn.com/rss/cnn_topstories.rss
    OR
    To view the topical RSS feeds, on the Command toolbar click theDown Arrow buttonon the FEEDS button » select the desired feed
    Internet Explorer displays the topical RSS feed (e.g., politics, entertainment, education).
    EXAMPLE: Internet Explorer displays the page rss.cnn.com/rss/cnn_education.rss
    NOTES:
    Not all websites with RSS feeds have topical feeds.
    For websites with topical feeds, it may be necessary to locate them manually from the site's RSS page.

Locating RSS Feeds: Manual

  1. Navigate to a website
    EXAMPLE: www.twincities.com (the St. Paul Pioneer Press website)
    Although the website has RSS feeds, the Feeds button does not activate.

  2. From the website's main page, locate the link for RSS feeds page
    HINTS:
    The link for a website's RSS feeds page is often located in the side menu or in the page footer.
    Websites may refer to RSS feeds with text or the RSSRSS logoor XMLXML logologos.

  3. Click the link
    The website's specific RSS links are displayed.

  4. Click the link for the specific RSS feed you want to view
    The selected RSS feed is displayed.

return to topSubscribing to RSS Feeds

By subscribing to an RSS feed, you can access it directly from the Feeds toolbar in the Favorites Center. Internet Explorer 7 makes subscribing to RSS feeds easy.

  1. At the top of the RSS feed page, click SUBSCRIBE TO THIS FEEDSubscribe To This Feed button
    The Subscribe to this Feed dialog box appears.
    Subscribe To This Feed dialog box

  2. OPTIONAL: In the Name text box, type a name for the feed

  3. To finalize the subscription, click SUBSCRIBE
    The selected feed is added to your Feeds folder.
    To cancel the subscription, click CANCEL
    The feed is not added to your Feeds folder.

  4. OPTIONAL: To configure a feed's properties,
    1. From the Favorites Center toolbar, access the feed page
    2. From the feed page, click VIEW FEED PROPERTIESView Feed Properties button
      The Feed Properties dialog box appears
      Feed Properties dialog box
    3. Make appropriate changes (e.g., edit feed name, set feed update schedule, change feed archive options)

    4. To save changes, click OK
      The new settings are saved.

return to topViewing RSS Feeds

After you have subscribed to an RSS feed, you can access it directly from the Feeds toolbar in the Favorites Center.

  1. Click FAVORITES CENTERFavorites Center button
    The Favorites Center toolbar appears.

  2. Click FEEDSFeeds button in Favorites Center
    The Favorites Center pane refreshes to display the RSS feeds you are subscribed to.

  3. To determine when a feed was last updated, hover your mouse over the desired feed
    A box appears telling you how many new or updated stories have been added to the feed and how recently it was updated.

  4. OPTIONAL: To refresh a feed, hover your mouse over the desired feed » click REFRESH THIS FEEDRefresh This Feed button
    The most current stories and updates are added to the feed.

  5. To view a feed, click the feed title
    Internet Explorer displays the selected feed page.
    The Favorites Center toolbar closes.

  6. To search for feed stories by topic, in the feed page text box, type a keyword
    NOTES:
    Stories matching the keyword are selected as you type; there is no search button.
    The feed page displays only stories related to the keyword; other stories are filtered out.
    Feeds Keyword Search text box

  7. To read a full article, from the RSS feed page, click the article title
    OR
    Click GO TO FULL ARTICLEGo To Full Article button
    Internet Explorer displays the full article at the feed provider's main site.

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