Blogger is an open source blogging platform which is easy to post text, photos, and videos from the web or your mobile phone. It has unlimited flexibility to personalize your blog with themes, gadgets, and more.

https://www.blogger.com

TypePad’s intuitive interface allows you to add content, pictures and links quickly and easily. Whether you know a little bit about technology or a lot, you can go from blank screen to live blog in minutes. It is a premier blogging service for professionals and small businesses. TypePad hosts many popular blogs and small business websites.

http://www.typepad.com

WordPress is an open source blogging platform which enables you to start a blog in seconds without any technical knowledge. Upgrades for things like CSS editing and custom domains are available to purchase . WordPress has been incredibly successful and risen from a handful of users to the most-used blog tool in its category.

http://www.wordpress.com

Google reader is an RSS aggregator. Use this link to access Google reader. Scroll down to the ‘quick video tutorial’ for a nice summary of how this aggregator works so you can get started.

https://www.google.com/reader/view/#welcome-page