Software Needed for this Website
To view our newsletter archives you will need a pdf reader such as Adobe Reader* or Foxit Reader*.
Using RSS
Our website is built using WordPress as a content management system or CMS. This system allows us to share our content over dynamic web pages. Certain dynamic and frequently updated content like news headlines is accessible through RSS, or Really Simple Syndication. If you see one of these icons in your browser, it likely means that an RSS feed is available for subscription.
So now that you know how to look for an RSS feed, how do you use one when you find it? In many cases, your browser will allow you to view a feed automatically, just by clicking on the RSS icon. An RSS feed should appear as a list of headlines or blog posts. You can click on the individual items to be taken to the page where the article actually exists.
Being able to browse headlines is useful, but why do it through a feed? The useful thing about RSS feeds is that you can subscribe to them. If you subscribe to a feed, you will be able to check the feed for new updates whenever you want. Instead of having your email inbox filled up with messages that you may never read, you can choose which items in the list you would like to read and ignore the rest, without having store the full documents on your computer.
In any case, you need a feed reader to subscribe to an RSS feed. If you have newer versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Macintosh Safari, or Mozilla Firefox, you can likely subscribe to a feed as a bookmark. In such a way, you can check your bookmarks to see what new items have appeared since you last opened your browser. Another option for a feed reader is your e-mail client. Newer versions of Outlook, Mail or Thunderbird allow you to subscribe to feeds. You may also use dedicated feed readers, which can be online services like Google Reader, or standalone programs like Feed Demon. Look at this Wikipedia entry* for a comparison of different readers.
No matter which option you choose, you will need to enter the feed’s web address into the reader to subscribe. Once subscribed, you are ready to go. Keep checking your reader for updates on topics that interest you.
*These links lead to external websites.
