RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication." An RSS file contains headlines, summaries and links that are formatted in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) so that they may be read by a program.
The most common use of RSS is viewing news with an RSS reader, also known as a news aggregator. There are three types of news aggregators: stand-alone programs, e-mail-integrated applications, and Web-based aggregators.
E-mail newsletters are usually delivered at a time chosen by the publisher. RSS gives you more control by always being available and staying updated. Another advantage RSS has over e-mail is that you don't have to supply an e-mail address to get the headlines.
RSS is usually a slimmed-down version of a Web site. Images and other supplementary information are not included in an RSS feed.