"RSS is an XML-based format that allows the syndication of lists of
hyperlinks, along with other information, or metadata, that helps viewers
decide whether they want to follow the link.
RSS allows a person's computer
to fetch and understand the information, so that all of the lists that person
is interested in can be tracked and personalized for them."
from
bytowninternet.com
Examples of rss readers:
RSS Owl,
Sage FireFox plugin ,
Mozilla ThunderBird