Can You Explain RSS?

Sure, Microsoft employees are more tech-savvy than most. But if you ever feel that technology is moving too fast to comprehend, well, there's plenty of company.

According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive for Windows Live, fewer than half (43 percent) of adults in the United States somewhat or strongly agree that they are knowledgeable about the latest tech buzzwords and their meanings.

Examples: 71 percent have never heard of RSS (Really Simple Syndication) and 46 percent aren’t clear on the definition of Internet tagging. Both, defined below, are common applications that are quickly gaining acceptance and popularity with U.S. Internet surfers. This is especially true among women, who are significantly less likely to know the meaning of these terms than men, the survey said.

“Many people seem to shy away from using new technologies,” said Windows Live director Phil Holden. “But just because these things sound complicated doesn’t mean that they are. These technologies are built into many services people already use on a daily basis, such as instant messaging and e-mail. Once people master the terminology, they will understand that what is behind these buzzwords can [help] – and in many cases already is helping them simplify their lives.”

Deconstructing, defining buzzwords

Blogs: Weblogs, or “blogs,” are personal Web sites where people can write entries and post photos on a specific topic of their choosing, from actors to Zagnuts. Blogs can be used as online diaries or scrapbooks and are great ways to share news and photos with family and friends around the world.

VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol allows people to have PC-to-PC voice conversations, or enables a person to use a PC to talk with someone who has a regular phone. Available through many instant messaging services, VoIP is a fun, easy and inexpensive way to communicate. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently reported that in 2005, the number of U.S. VOIP subscribers more than tripled, to 4.5 million.

Beta: Beta is the term used to describe Web sites or products that are still in a test, or preview, version before they are officially released. The main benefit of making a beta version available is that people can provide useful feedback on how to improve it.

RSS: Really Simple Syndication allows Internet users to subscribe to the information that appeals to them online, such as updates to a blog or newspaper Web site. Once they subscribe to a site’s RSS "feed," they can receive real-time updates to their e-mail inbox or to a special Web page. It is like having a personalized newspaper that updates in real time.

Tagging: Tagging is similar to the bookmarks people make on their personal Web browsers, except that tagged Web pages are stored on the Internet and can be accessed from any computer at any time. The tag is one word that describes the page, enabling someone to quickly find it again.

“The Internet and technology are moving at lightning speed. It can be difficult to keep up with all the innovations without being put off by the names and jargon,” Holden said. “Once they scratch beneath the surface; people can discover new and wonderful ways to use the Internet.”