How do I allow visitors to register and receive updates?

I know you can get a plugin to add a subscription area on the right side of your page. Past that, I am asking something similar to your question on my own thread. The plugin I used allows newsletters, I don’t know how to do the updates yet. I also noticed that wordpress themes automatically have an area for registration. I am not sure how it all works.
?? Just thought I would give you my thoughts…