How to use the whois command: 2-Minute Linux Tips

Hi, this is Sandra Henry-Stocker, author of the “Unix as a Second Language” blog on NetworkWorld.
In this Linux tip, we’re going to look at the whois command. It sends requests to what are called WHOIS servers. These servers maintain numerous details on domain registrations. So, when you ask about a particular domain, you get a pile of details.
Here's an example. If we ask about a domain called "notme.org", we'll see output like this:
And that's just a start. The name and location of the organization, contact phone numbers and domain registrant along with some cautions on how you are allowed to use the whois service.
The information provided is all considered "public", but no one is allowed to use the service extensively. Still the whois output can be very helpful if you want to know more about a domain, who owns it or other details.
You can also easily select to view particular details for a domain using commands like these – asking for contact information and location:
BTW, I'd never heard of the domain notme.org until I threw the name into a whois query and got the information just displayed.
NOTE: On some Linux systems, whois is a symbolic link to the rwhois command which is a newer and more flexible tool that likely runs faster, but functions in the same way as whois.
That’s your Linux tip for the whois command.
If you have questions or would like to suggest a topic, please add a comment below. And don’t forget to subscribe to the IDG Tech(talk) channel on YouTube.
If you liked this video, please hit the like and share buttons. For more Linux tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, YouTube and NetworkWorld.com.