Re:How is RSS modules downloaded
The check to fetch new RSS data is probably done every time you reload the page if it has any RSS modules visible on it. I wouldn't be able to tell you where to look in the code though. If you connect to IRC and visit our #tikiwiki channel you may be able to catch one of the devs real-time. Have a look at this topic for more information on IRC: ConnectingToIrc
Regards,
Pat.