NAME

whois - Internet user name directory service

SYNOPSIS

whois [ -h host ] identifier

DESCRIPTION

whois searches for an Internet directory entry for an identifier which is either a name (such as ``Smith'') or a handle (such as ``SRI-NIC''). To force a name-only search, precede the name with a period; to force a handle-only search, precede the handle with an exclamation point.

To search for a group or organization entry, precede the argument with * (an asterisk). The entire membership list of the group will be displayed with the record.

You may of course use an exclamation point and asterisk, or a period and asterisk together.

EXAMPLES

The command

     whois Smith

looks for the name or handle SMITH.

The command

     whois !SRI-NIC

looks for the handle SRI-NIC only.

The command

     whois .Smith, John

looks for the name JOHN SMITH only.

Adding ... to the name or handle argument will match anything from that point; that is, ZU ... will match ZUL, ZUM, and so on.