How to Use Google Reader

Google has taken the task of RSS feeds and made it easy. Google Reader is a tool that allows you to keep up with your favorite blogs and news. Use Google Reader and find out how easy it is to have blogs and news readily available in one place, no matter what computer you are using.

Instructions

Sign Up for Google Reader

1. Sign up for a Google account. Follow the directions from the main Google webpage. You can use any email address or sign up for a Gmail account.

2. Navigate to the main Google Reader page. The first time you visit the Google Reader page, you will have the options to watch an introduction video, get started by adding subscriptions or take a tour. Each of these will walk you through obtaining information.

3. Find a blog or a news feed you would like to subscribe. There are plenty of content sites out there. Finding interesting, newsworthy or readable blogs is easy and fun. You can Google for results on a favorite subject and you will have many choices. Google also offers packs, such as news, entertainment and others.

Use Firefox Browser to Subscribe to RSS Feeds

1. Identify an RSS feed. When a webpage has an RSS feed, Firefox notes this by placing an orange chicklet in the address bar.

2. Click on the RSS feed chicklet. You will then have the option to subscribe using several different RSS readers. Chose the Google Reader selection and pick "subscribe." If you want Google Reader to be your default, you can check the box that says, "Always use Google to subscribe to feeds."

3. Decide how to view the feeds. Your choices are to have it added directly to your Google Homepage or added to the Google Reader. Select Google Reader. You are then subscribed to the RSS feed.

Sign Up for RSS Feeds by Other Methods

1. Come across RSS feed options. Blog authors and newsreaders offer various options. Many use the orange chicklet somewhere in their webpages. Others use a Google Reader button.

2. Subscribe to the blog. Click on the chicklet or the button. This will take you to the option of add to the Google homepage or to the Google Reader. Choose the Google Reader.

3. Add feeds directly from your Google Reader. On the left hand column you can enter the URL of the blog or news feed you would like to add.

Manage Google Reader

1. Locate the manage subscription button on your Google Reader. It is in the lower right column. This will take you to a page that lists all your subscriptions.

2. Unsubscribe to any of the RSS feeds you no longer wish to read. Place a check in the box in front of the feed. At the top of the page there is an unsubscribe button. It will ask if you are sure. Checking yes will unsubscribe you from that feed.

3. Explore other options. Here you can add tags, import from other feed readers and even find directions on how to add feeds with bookmarks.

Resources

• Google Reader is the place to start