Welcome to the
Malaysian Family Physician, a peer-reviewed open-access journal of family practice
and primary care research.
IT TUTORIAL
KEEP YOURSELF UPDATED WITH RSS
FZ Zainal MMed (FamMed, UKM), Family Medicine Specialist, Klinik Kesihatan Putrajaya, Malaysia
Address for correspondence: Dr Zainal Fitri Zakaria, Klinik Kesihatan Putrajaya, No 1 Jalan P9E Presint 9, 62250 Putrajaya, Malaysia. Tel: 03-88883057, Fax: 03-88883054, E-mail: drzainal2000@gmail.com
Zainal FZ. IT Tutorial: Keep yourself updated with RSS. Malaysian Family Physician. 2008;392):118-122
Ever wonder how you can keep yourself updated with the recent medical knowledge despite your busy schedule? Don’t have time to browse medical journal website for new information? To help you overcome those problems, let’s learn a new technology called RSS.
What is RSS?
RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication. It is frequently updated content published by a website. Any information that can be distributed in this format is called a "feed." RSS feeds are used to stay current on topics of interest by monitoring selected web sites for new information and then feeding that information to a web page for you to access at your convenience.
Why should I use RSS?
RSS is a timesaver especially for a busy doctor. For example, lets say that you visit a number of sites (such as American Family Physician sites, Medscape headlines, BMJ news sites, or other related sites) several times. Rather than spending 4 - 5 minutes scanning each site looking for new information, you can subscribe to RSS feeds for those sites and the new articles will be delivered to you as they become available.
How do I know if a website offers feeds?
You will see this icon 
to indicate an RSS feed is available. Some web sites use this icon 
to display RSS feed capability. In addition your browser will tell you that the website offers feeds (see later in step by step instruction).
Does RSS only available in medical sites?
No, RSS available in any websites such as news, blog, stock exchange, email, etc.
Why use RSS feeds?
- Stay current with your favourite sites and journals stored on one page!
- RSS helps you manage and organize content. Organize your feeds by subject, research interest, news, fun and more!
- No more email overload!
- No more filing through bookmark lists.
- RSS works well with e-mail and web browser
- RSS maintains privacy and anonymity. You fully control the subscription to and removal from RSS feeds. You don’t have to provide your e-mail address or any other personal information when selecting the feeds you want to syndicate.
Does RSS subcription cause money?
No, it's usually free.
What do I need to do to read an RSS feed?
Get a feed reader. There are two types:
Web-based: With this type of reader, you can check your feeds from any computer, which is very convenient but it comes at a cost: limited functionality and speed eg Google Reader and Bloglines.
Application-based: FeedReader, Microsoft Outlook etc.
This month I will show you how to subscribe RSS feed using Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 3 browser.
