RSS (really simple syndication) is a method whereby you can easily check if certain websites have updated their content - without actually having to log onto that website.

You will need a piece of software called a feed reader.  These can be web based, or you can install them directly onto your own computer.

Your feed reader will show you when your selected websites have updated their content and you can then decide whether you want to go visit a particular website and see the content for yourself. 

The feed reader gathers new information into one place and saves you the trouble of having to continually check a multitude of websites in order to find out whether it had been updated with new content.

The following websites have good explanations of how RSS feeds work and what they do.

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/feedfactory/help_what.shtml
• http://www.irishtimes.com/feeds/rss/
• http://www.rte.ie/extra/rss.html