The first thing you will want to do when checking out a personalized start page is to locate how you add content. This is usually very simple and straightforward. Most websites will spell it out by having a link or button called "add content" at the top of the page, usually at the top-left or top-right.
There are two basic types of content you can add to the page: web feeds and widgets.
A web feed, also known as an RSS feed, is used to read the news and can bring you the latest entries from your favorite blogs. In fact, any website that supports an RSS feed can be read from your personalized start page.
Very popular feeds like CNN news will usually be available through the menu system provided with the adding content screen. Also, most of them list popular blogs. But your favorite blog or web feed may not be listed, so you may have to add a custom web feed. Most personalized start pages provide you with the tools to add custom feeds.
The second type of content provided are components called widgets. These widgets are sometimes called gadgets or other similar terms. Regardless of what they are called, their intent remains the same. They provide functionality that goes beyond just reading the news and scanning blogs.
Popular widgets used on personalized start pages include widgets that check email, a notepad for writing down reminders, a local weather checker, a scheduler, and search features for various websites or even the entire web. Some personalized start pages even allow you to add your favorite custom widget.
