Looking Up Domains, Hosts, Contacts, and Names with Whois

CS 3000 -- Lab Assignment #5

DIRECTIONS: Before you start, scan the man page for whois. When you do the lab, type whois commands equivalent to the ones you see typed below, and examine the output. Ask questions.

Whois is a good command to use if you want to
  1. find out the names of the DNS servers for a domain,
  2. find the name of an administrative contact for a domain,
  3. find out the name of a company or organization whose domain name you know
  4. find out the domain name for a company or organization whose name you know,
  5. find out names of some hosts in a network whose domain name you know,
That's about all. The information you get from whois can be useful when a domain is making problems for you (sending junk mail, for example). The information is not guaranteed to be accurate, but it is what the official name registry has on file.

Frankly whois is not the easiest program to use. It has an arcane, under-documented syntax. When you are out on your own "doing your thing," you should probably try simple web searches first, and keep whois as an alternative to try when other methods do not pan out.

/* get info about a domain */
john@pollux: whois caltech.edu  

Whois Server Version 1.1

Domain names in the .com, .net, and .org domains can now be registered
with many different competing registrars. Go to http://www.internic.net
for detailed information.

   Domain Name: CALTECH.EDU
   Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC.

/* The line below tells us which host to query */

   Whois Server: whois.networksolutions.com
   Referral URL: www.networksolutions.com
   Name Server: TYBALT.CALTECH.EDU
   Name Server: NSX.LBL.GOV
   Name Server: MERCUTIO.NI.CALTECH.EDU
   Name Server: TEPID.NI.CALTECH.EDU


>>> Last update of whois database: Thu, 30 Dec 99 02:19:02 EST <<<

The Registry database contains ONLY .COM, .NET, .ORG, .EDU domains and
Registrars.

/* Try again, specifying the correct host to query */
john@pollux: whois -h whois.networksolutions.com caltech.edu

The Data in Network Solutions' WHOIS database is provided by Network
Solutions for information purposes, and to assist persons in obtaining
information about or related to a domain name registration record.
Network Solutions does not guarantee its accuracy.  By submitting a
WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this Data only for lawful
purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this Data to:
(1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail
(spam); or  (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to Network Solutions (or its systems).  Network Solutions
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.  By submitting
this query, you agree to abide by this policy.

Registrant:
California Institute of Technology (CALTECH-DOM)
   Information Technology Services
   014-81
   Pasadena, CA 91125

   Domain Name: CALTECH.EDU

   Administrative Contact:
      Logan, Robert S  (RSL9)  BOB@CALTECH.EDU
      (626) 395-4631
   Technical Contact, Zone Contact:
      Network Operations Center  (NO304-ORG)  noc@CALTECH.EDU
      626-395-4602
   Billing Contact:
      Logan, Robert S  (RSL9)  BOB@CALTECH.EDU
      (626) 395-4631

   Record last updated on 28-Jul-1998.
   Record created on 06-Jan-1986.
   Database last updated on 30-Dec-1999 14:13:30 EST.

   Domain servers in listed order:

   MERCUTIO.NI.CALTECH.EDU      131.215.254.99
   NSX.LBL.GOV                  131.243.64.3
   TYBALT.CALTECH.EDU           131.215.139.100
   TEPID.NI.CALTECH.EDU         131.215.254.100
/* Do it again, with wild card for getting "entire membership." Note the use of the escape character "\" in order to make the shell ignore the "*" and pass it through literally to whois. Of course, whois will use it in its own way as a type of wild card character. */
john@pollux: whois -h whois.networksolutions.com \*caltech.edu

The Data in Network Solutions' WHOIS database is provided by Network
Solutions for information purposes, and to assist persons in obtaining
information about or related to a domain name registration record.
Network Solutions does not guarantee its accuracy.  By submitting a
WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this Data only for lawful
purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this Data to:
(1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail
(spam); or  (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to Network Solutions (or its systems).  Network Solutions
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.  By submitting
this query, you agree to abide by this policy.

Registrant:
California Institute of Technology (CALTECH-DOM)
   Information Technology Services
   014-81
   Pasadena, CA 91125

   Domain Name: CALTECH.EDU

   Administrative Contact:
      Logan, Robert S  (RSL9)  BOB@CALTECH.EDU
      (626) 395-4631
   Technical Contact, Zone Contact:
      Network Operations Center  (NO304-ORG)  noc@CALTECH.EDU
      626-395-4602
   Billing Contact:
      Logan, Robert S  (RSL9)  BOB@CALTECH.EDU
      (626) 395-4631

   Record last updated on 28-Jul-1998.
   Record created on 06-Jan-1986.
   Database last updated on 30-Dec-1999 14:13:30 EST.

   Domain servers in listed order:

   MERCUTIO.NI.CALTECH.EDU      131.215.254.99
   NSX.LBL.GOV                  131.243.64.3
   TYBALT.CALTECH.EDU           131.215.139.100
   TEPID.NI.CALTECH.EDU         131.215.254.100

   There are 16 known hosts:

   CNS.CALTECH.EDU              131.215.135.4
   CSVAX.CS.CALTECH.EDU         131.215.131.131
   EQL.CALTECH.EDU              131.215.29.1
   ESUS.CACR.CALTECH.EDU        131.215.145.137
   GAP.CCO.CALTECH.EDU          131.215.139.43
   IPAC.CALTECH.EDU             134.4.10.10
   MERCUTIO.NI.CALTECH.EDU      131.215.254.99
   NS.KLAB.CALTECH.EDU          131.215.4.133
   NS.VIS.CALTECH.EDU           131.215.27.1
   OVRO.OVRO.CALTECH.EDU        192.100.16.2
   RIEFFEL.CALTECH.EDU          131.215.185.125
   SGI1.WAG.CALTECH.EDU         131.215.33.4
   SMAUG.BBB.CALTECH.EDU        131.215.5.202
   SMAUG.CNS.CALTECH.EDU        131.215.137.60
   TEPID.NI.CALTECH.EDU         131.215.254.100
   TYBALT.CALTECH.EDU           131.215.139.100

To single out one record, look it up with "!xxx", where xxx is the
handle, shown in parenthesis following the name, which comes first.
/* Use the form that matches company or organization names */
john@pollux: whois -h whois.networksolutions.com \.banjo

The Data in Network Solutions' WHOIS database is provided by Network
Solutions for information purposes, and to assist persons in obtaining
information about or related to a domain name registration record.
Network Solutions does not guarantee its accuracy.  By submitting a
WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this Data only for lawful
purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this Data to:
(1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail
(spam); or  (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to Network Solutions (or its systems).  Network Solutions
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.  By submitting
this query, you agree to abide by this policy.

BANJO IN THE HOLLOW (BANJO-IN-THE-HOLLOW-DOM)          BANJO-IN-THE-HOLLOW.ORG
BANJO MORIO (ARAIGUMA2-DOM)                                       ARAIGUMA.NET
BANJO, BANJO (BB18353)          BANJO@SWARE.8M.COM 465645665 (FAX) 45645645645
Banjo Buddies Dixieland Band (BANJOBUDDIES-DOM)               BANJOBUDDIES.COM
Banjo Buddies Inc. (BANJOMINNOW3-DOM)                          BANJOMINNOW.COM
Banjo Capitals (TECHSTOCKER-DOM)                               TECHSTOCKER.COM
Banjo Capitals (NETSTOCKNOW-DOM)                               NETSTOCKNOW.COM
Banjo Capitals (INFOSTOX-DOM)                                     INFOSTOX.COM
Banjo Capitals (STOCKCAMPUS-DOM)                               STOCKCAMPUS.COM
Banjo Capitals, Inc. (BANJOCAPITALS-DOM)                     BANJOCAPITALS.COM
Banjo Capitals, Inc. (38916-N2-DOM)                                  38916.COM
Banjo Charters (BANJOCHARTERS-DOM)                           BANJOCHARTERS.COM
Banjo Consulting (ROHTO2-DOM)                                        ROHTO.ORG
Banjo Creek Farms (BEESANTIQUES-DOM)                          BEESANTIQUES.COM
Banjo Creek Farms (BANJOCREEKFARMS-DOM)                    BANJOCREEKFARMS.COM
Banjo Creek Farms (HORSEDRAWNADVENTURES-DOM)          HORSEDRAWNADVENTURES.COM
Banjo Express (BANJOEXPRESS-DOM)                              BANJOEXPRESS.COM
Banjo Liquid Handling Products (BANJOCORP-DOM)                   BANJOCORP.COM
Banjo Maker, Inc. (BANJOMAKER-DOM)                              BANJOMAKER.COM
Banjo Morio (BANJO6-DOM)                                             BANJO.ORG
Banjo News Letter (BANJONEWS-DOM)                                BANJONEWS.COM
Banjo News Letter (BANJONEWS2-DOM)                               BANJONEWS.NET
Banjo Pete (BANJOPETE-DOM)                                       BANJOPETE.COM
Banjo Radio Group (BANJORADIO-DOM)                              BANJORADIO.COM
Banjo Safari (BANJOSAFARI-DOM)                                 BANJOSAFARI.COM
Banjo Soft (BANJOSOFT-DOM)                                       BANJOSOFT.COM
Banjo Wire Technology (BANJOWIRE-DOM)                            BANJOWIRE.COM
Banjo and Guitar Studio (CELTICGUITARMUSIC-DOM)          CELTICGUITARMUSIC.COM
Banjo, AAron (AB5606)           globe@MINDSPRING.COM              404-523-6520
Banjo, Ayokunbi (AB18239)       yinkab@ONLH.COM                   281-556-1131
Banjo, B (BB999)                grovenetwork@GROVENET.DEMON.CO.UK
                                                              +44-181-535 0080
Banjo, Felita (FBN22)           Felitaakeem@NETZERO.COM
                                                   4103238130 (FAX) 4103236178
Banjo, G Mr (GMB87)             gerhardb@INNSITE.CO.UK
                                                00 44 181 897 3071 (FAX) 00 44
Banjo, Marcus (MBR85)           admin@NIZON.COM                   212 740 7444
Banjo, Mr (MB882)               grovenet@GROVENET.DEMON.CO.UK +44-181-535 0081
Banjo, Tunde (TB13448)          tunde@OZ.SUNFLOWER.ORG            816-333-2818
Banjo, Tunji (TB9573)           Tunban@YAHOO.COM 01714744528 (FAX) 01713667920
banjo, jo (JB38204)             jeroenvv@YAHOO.COM                 na (FAX) na
banjo, tunji (TB9730)           tunban@HOTMAIL.COM
                                                 01714744528 (FAX) 01713667920

To single out one record, look it up with "!xxx", where xxx is the
handle, shown in parenthesis following the name, which comes first.
/* Now match a multi-word company name. */
john@pollux: whois -h whois.networksolutions.com \."banjo consulting"

The Data in Network Solutions' WHOIS database is provided by Network
Solutions for information purposes, and to assist persons in obtaining
information about or related to a domain name registration record.
Network Solutions does not guarantee its accuracy.  By submitting a
WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this Data only for lawful
purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this Data to:
(1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail
(spam); or  (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to Network Solutions (or its systems).  Network Solutions
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.  By submitting
this query, you agree to abide by this policy.

Registrant:
Banjo Consulting (ROHTO2-DOM)
   Laivanvarustajankatu 9 B
   Helsinki, 00140
   FI

   Domain Name: ROHTO.ORG

   Administrative Contact, Technical Contact, Zone Contact:
      Paunio, Pekka T  (PTP21)  pekka.paunio@KUNTALIITTO.FI
      358-400-876 424 (FAX) 358-9-6842 6440
   Billing Contact:
      Paunio, Pekka T  (PTP21)  pekka.paunio@KUNTALIITTO.FI
      358-400-876 424 (FAX) 358-9-6842 6440

   Record last updated on 05-Nov-1998.
   Record created on 05-Nov-1998.
   Database last updated on 30-Dec-1999 14:13:30 EST.

   Domain servers in listed order:

   NS1.REQUEST.NET              206.151.75.9
   NS2.REQUEST.NET              208.211.228.3
   NS3.REQUEST.NET              209.27.13.3
/* Want to try more and varied queries? Get current help info from server*/
john@pollux: whois -h whois.networksolutions.com \?

The Data in Network Solutions' WHOIS database is provided by Network
Solutions for information purposes, and to assist persons in obtaining
information about or related to a domain name registration record.
Network Solutions does not guarantee its accuracy.  By submitting a
WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this Data only for lawful
purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this Data to:
(1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail
(spam); or  (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to Network Solutions (or its systems).  Network Solutions
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.  By submitting
this query, you agree to abide by this policy.
To look up a domain name, just type it in. WHOIS will search the Shared
Registry and remote registrars for you. Use the ALl keyword ahead of
your target to search in a handle, name, hostname, or other field.  WHOIS
will do a very broad search on your input.  To narrow down the search or
change WHOIS' behavior, put one or more of the following keywords/characters
(shown below with their minimum abbreviation in all CAPS) before your input.

  To find only a certain record TYPE:      To search only a specific FIELD:
  -----------------------------------      -------------------------------
   DOmain      GAteway                          HAndle or '!'
   GRoup       HOst                             Mailbox or contains '@'
   NEtwork     ORganization                     NAme or leading '.'
   PErson^M    ASn 

  Other WHOIS keywords:

    EXPand or '*'               Show all parts of display without asking.
    Full or '='                 Show detailed display for EACH match.
    HElp                        Enters help program for full documentation.
    PArtial or trailing '.'     Match targets STARTING with given string.
    LOcaldomain                 Same as DOmain, but just in local database.
    Q, QUIT, or hit RETURN      Exits WHOIS.
    SUBdisplay or '%'           Show users of host, hosts on net, etc.
    SUMmary or '$'              Show summary always, even if just one match.

Add a trailing '.' to your input (or use the PArtial keyword) to make it a
partial search that matches everything STARTING with your input: "name mack."
finds names "Mack", "Mackall", "MacKay", etc.  "Arpanet" and "MIlnet" are
the same as "HOst" except they only match hosts on those networks.

                                EXAMPLES:

        dom root                .smyth.
        host nic                full %nic
        net 128.15              !lynn^M


To guarantee matching only a single record, look it up by its handle with a
handle-only search: "lynn" finds records with name, handle, mailbox, etc of
lynn, but "!lynn" or "ha lynn" finds ONLY the single record whose HANDLE is
lynn.  In record summary lines, the handle is shown in parenthesis after the
name, which is first on the line.

Type "HELP" for more complete help; hit RETURN to exit.
/* The commands described above seem to work alright if we put the parameter sets in quotes. For example:*/
john@pollux: whois -h whois.networksolutions.com "full or book j..."

The Data in Network Solutions' WHOIS database is provided by Network
Solutions for information purposes, and to assist persons in obtaining
information about or related to a domain name registration record.
Network Solutions does not guarantee its accuracy.  By submitting a
WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this Data only for lawful
purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this Data to:
(1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail
(spam); or  (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to Network Solutions (or its systems).  Network Solutions
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.  By submitting
this query, you agree to abide by this policy.

BOOK JACKETS (E514-OR)          bookjack@primenet.com
   BOOK JACKETS
   7215 Hannum Ave
   CULVER CITY, CA 90230
   US
   3103970570


   Record last updated on 30-Jun-2000.
   Database last updated on 4-Jan-2001 14:43:50 EST.


To see this organization record with registered members, repeat the command
with a star ('*') before the name; or, use '%' to show JUST the registered
members.

----------

BOOK JACKETS (BJ781-ORG)                no.valid.email@worldnic.net
   BOOK JACKETS
   7215 HANNUM AVE
   CULVER CITY, CA 90230
   US
   310 397 0570


   Record last updated on 30-Jun-2000.
   Database last updated on 4-Jan-2001 14:43:50 EST.


To see this organization record with registered members, repeat the command
with a star ('*') before the name; or, use '%' to show JUST the registered
members.

----------

BOOK JACKETS (Y553-OR)          bookjack@primenet.com
   BOOK JACKETS
   7215 Hannum Ave
   CULVER CITY, CA 90230
   US
   3103970570


   Record last updated on 30-Jun-2000.
   Database last updated on 4-Jan-2001 14:43:50 EST.


To see this organization record with registered members, repeat the command
with a star ('*') before the name; or, use '%' to show JUST the registered
members.

----------

BOOK JACKETS (B560-OR)          bookjack@primenet.com
   BOOK JACKETS
   7215 Hannum Ave
   CULVER CITY, CA 90230
   US
   3103970570


   Record last updated on 30-Jun-2000.
   Database last updated on 4-Jan-2001 14:43:50 EST.


To see this organization record with registered members, repeat the command
with a star ('*') before the name; or, use '%' to show JUST the registered
members.

----------

BOOK JACKETS (L578-OR)          bookjack@primenet.com
   BOOK JACKETS
   7215 Hannum Ave
   CULVER CITY, CA 90230
   US
   3103970570


   Record last updated on 30-Jun-2000.
   Database last updated on 4-Jan-2001 14:43:50 EST.


To see this organization record with registered members, repeat the command
with a star ('*') before the name; or, use '%' to show JUST the registered
members.

----------

BOOK JACKETS (BJ2399-ORG)               bookjack@primenet.com
   BOOK JACKETS
   7215 Hannum Ave
   CULVER CITY, CA 90230
   US
   3103970570 fax: 3103970571


   Record last updated on 12-Aug-2000.
   Database last updated on 4-Jan-2001 14:43:50 EST.


To see this organization record with registered members, repeat the command
with a star ('*') before the name; or, use '%' to show JUST the registered
members.

----------

BOOK JACKETS (Z555-OR)          bookjack@primenet.com
   BOOK JACKETS
   7215 Hannum Ave
   CULVER CITY, CA 90230
   US
   3103970570


   Record last updated on 30-Jun-2000.
   Database last updated on 4-Jan-2001 14:43:50 EST.


To see this organization record with registered members, repeat the command
with a star ('*') before the name; or, use '%' to show JUST the registered
members.

----------

BOOK JACKETS (Y552-OR)          bookjack@primenet.com
   BOOK JACKETS
   7215 Hannum Ave
   CULVER CITY, CA 90230
   US
   3103970570


   Record last updated on 30-Jun-2000.
   Database last updated on 4-Jan-2001 14:43:50 EST.


To see this organization record with registered members, repeat the command
with a star ('*') before the name; or, use '%' to show JUST the registered
members.

----------

book jungle (BJ806-ORG)         cedric1982@HOTMAIL.COM
   IRC
   droomfabriek
   VTM , NY 17502
   UNITED STATES
   5810359


   Record last updated on 19-Dec-1998.
   Database last updated on 4-Jan-2001 14:43:50 EST.


To see this organization record with registered members, repeat the command
with a star ('*') before the name; or, use '%' to show JUST the registered
members.