RSS (Really Simple Syndication) provides an easy way to get fresh content delivered to you whenever an update is made on one of your favorite sites such as hktdc.com. When you subscribe to RSS feeds, you don't need to travel all over the Web to find the information you want. Instead, you get headlines and summaries collected for you in one easy-to-find place. If you want to read more on a particular item, you click a link to be taken to the full story.

RSS uses XML (extensible markup language) to share and distribute content. RSS feeds are often denoted by an orange or icon.

Why would ordinary web users like RSS?

Instead of remembering to visit a favorite web site, the news comes directly into your computer daily or at whatever interval you want.

What's more, most RSS feeds contain just links, headlines, or brief synopsis of new information only. That means the small amount of web data can be sent to any XML-compatible device - a cell phone, pager, or handheld computer - without a lengthy download process.

More importantly, RSS gives you control over receiving information you want without revealing information about yourself. Unlike subscribing to an e-mail newsletter, you never have to give out your e-mail address with an RSS feed. That avoids the possibility of receiving spam or unwanted junk e-mail from the Web site.

In order to access RSS content you must install an RSS reader (also called aggregators). There are many different RSS readers available, some available at no cost and some available for a small fee. Some of the readers are accessed via a web browser (e.g. Bloglines.com) while some of them are downloadable software applications. Below is a link to a directory of several commonly used RSS readers. Once you have installed your RSS reader, please refer to your reader's instructions to configure your settings.

Directory of RSS readers

Once you've obtained a feed reader, subscribing to an RSS feed is as simple as looking for the appropriate XML code. Most web sites that publish an RSS feed will display a tiny orange box or button labeled or .

Click the button and your web browser typically goes to a page of cryptic code. Just copy the web "address" or URL of that page and plug it into your feed reader. The software will then automatically retrieve and display that site's latest information.

* HKTDC provides RSS feeds as a free service for any individual for information purposes only. Use is restricted to non-commercial purposes only. HKTDC does not endorse nor provide support to any specific RSS reader or other 3rd party applications. The use of any RSS reader is at your own discretion and risk.

HKTDC reserves the right to discontinue this service at any time and further reserves the right to request the immediate cessation of any specific use of its RSS service.

By accessing HKTDS's RSS feeds you are indicating your understanding and agreement with the terms and conditions above.