"RSS is a lightweight XML format, used to standardise news and other material so that updates on website content can be sent to end-users who have requested them. RSS also enables content to be syndicated to other websites.

Effectively a mini-database of headlines and other summaries of new content, RSS is also being explored as a mechanism for content distribution services, which Microsoft’s Simple List Extensions will support. Money is being invested in medical and financial applications.

How difficult is it to master?

RSS is straightforward for those with a basic grasp of XML and/or HTML/XHTML. Most tutorials involve just a few hours’ work."