What is RSS?

RSS (an acronym for Really Simple Syndication) is an XML-based format for syndicating Web content, such as headlines, summaries, links, and articles.

Enough with the geek speak! Why should I care about this?

Websites with "RSS feeds" allow you to use an RSS-aware program, usually called an "RSS reader", to get the latest information from a website without having to visit the website. The RSS reader will tell you when there is something new to see and provide a direct link to it.

So, the Roches have an RSS feed?

Yes! The Roches have two RSS feeds. One for the website in general and one for the Roche Talk Bulletin Board. If you use the RSS feeds, you don't have to check the website for new information. Your RSS reader will tell you when there is something new to see. The front-page feed is updated when new content is posted to the main website or when there is big news. The Roche Talk Bulletin Board feed is updated whenever anyone posts a new message to the bulletin board.

That's cool. Where do I get an RSS reader?

There are RSS readers available for every operating system. Many can be downloaded for free. You can find them by searching Google for RSS reader or News aggregator. When you download a reader, follow its instructions for how to set up news feeds. You can find the addresses of our feeds by pressing the buttons on the main page and the bulletin board page.

Isn't it even simpler on a Macintosh?

You bet! If you use a Macintosh with a recent version of the Safari browser, you already have an RSS reader built into Safari. Use "Safari Help" from the "Help" menu and search for information on RSS. All the information you need is right there.

Wait a minute there, aren't you just shilling for Macintosh?

You caught me. There are browsers available for Windows that have integrated RSS readers. Firefox is one such browser that runs on both Macintosh and Windows. It is quite a good browser. Firefox calls RSS feeds "Live Bookmarks". If you are still using Internet Explorer on Windows, try Firefox. You will love the "Live Bookmarks" and "Tabbed Browsing". If you prefer to stick with Internet Explorer, though, you'll have to download an RSS reader until Microsoft gets a round tuit large enough to add RSS support to IE.