Use whois To Get More Information About A Domain Name With The Host Switch

Using whois can be a valuable tool to find out more information about a domain via the command line in Linux. A typical whois query can be performed to find out where the domain was purchased and using it again with the -h (host switch) can provide more detailed information about the domain. Using the -h switch will typically provide information such as who purchased the domain, when the domain was purchased, when the domain expires, etc. Below are a couple basic examples of how whois can be used followed by whois queries with the output.

Basic whois Query:

[root@hunter ~]# whois networksolutions.com

In the output of the above command you will learn that the whois server for the networksolutions.com domain is whois.networksolutions.com. The output will look similar to the below.

Domains Whois Server Detail:

Whois Server: whois.networksolutions.com

Once you know the “Whois Server” you can add that to your whois query as shown below.

Using Host Switch With whois Query:

[root@hunter ~]# whois -h whois.networksolutions.com networksolutions.com

Below are the same command as listed below along with the output provided by each command.

Basic whois Query:

[root@hunter ~]# whois networksolutions.com
[Querying whois.verisign-grs.com]
[whois.verisign-grs.com]
Whois Server Version 2.0
Domain names in the .com and .net domains can now be registered
with many different competing registrars. Go to http://www.internic.net
for detailed information.
Domain Name: NETWORKSOLUTIONS.COM
Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Whois Server: whois.networksolutions.com
Referral URL: http://www.networksolutions.com
Name Server: NS1.NETSOL.COM
Name Server: NS2.NETSOL.COM
Name Server: NS3.NETSOL.COM
Status: clientDeleteProhibited
Status: clientTransferProhibited
Status: clientUpdateProhibited
Updated Date: 26-apr-2009
Creation Date: 27-apr-1998
Expiration Date: 26-apr-2019
>>> Last update of whois database: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:04:14 UTC <<<
NOTICE: The expiration date displayed in this record is the date the
registrar's sponsorship of the domain name registration in the registry is
currently set to expire. This date does not necessarily reflect the expiration
date of the domain name registrant's agreement with the sponsoring
registrar. Users may consult the sponsoring registrar's Whois database to
view the registrar's reported date of expiration for this registration.
TERMS OF USE: You are not authorized to access or query our Whois
database through the use of electronic processes that are high-volume and
automated except as reasonably necessary to register domain names or
modify existing registrations; the Data in VeriSign Global Registry
Services' ("VeriSign") Whois database is provided by VeriSign for
information purposes only, and to assist persons in obtaining information
about or related to a domain name registration record. VeriSign does not
guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a Whois query, you agree to abide
by the following terms of use: You agree that you may 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, telephone,
or facsimile; or (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to VeriSign (or its computer systems). The compilation,
repackaging, dissemination or other use of this Data is expressly
prohibited without the prior written consent of VeriSign. You agree not to
use electronic processes that are automated and high-volume to access or
query the Whois database except as reasonably necessary to register
domain names or modify existing registrations. VeriSign reserves the right
to restrict your access to the Whois database in its sole discretion to ensure
operational stability. VeriSign may restrict or terminate your access to the
Whois database for failure to abide by these terms of use. VeriSign
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.
The Registry database contains ONLY .COM, .NET, .EDU domains and Registrars.
[root@hunter ~]#
[/sourcecode]
Again once the whois server is determined by the first query you can issue a more detailed query using -h to specify the whois server of the domain to obtain more detailed results such as below.
<strong>Specifying A Whois Server Host With A whois Query:</strong>
[sourcecode language="BASH"]
[root@hunter ~]# whois -h whois.networksolutions.com networksolutions.com
[Querying whois.networksolutions.com]
[whois.networksolutions.com]
NOTICE AND TERMS OF USE: You are not authorized to access or query our WHOIS
database through the use of high-volume, automated, electronic processes. The
Data in Network Solutions' WHOIS database is provided by Network Solutions for information
purposes only, 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 to abide by the following terms of use:
You agree that you may 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, telephone, or facsimile; or (2) enable high volume, automated,
electronic processes that apply to Network Solutions (or its computer systems). The
compilation, repackaging, dissemination or other use of this Data is expressly
prohibited without the prior written consent of Network Solutions. You agree not to use
high-volume, automated, electronic processes to access or query the WHOIS
database. Network Solutions reserves the right to terminate your access to the WHOIS
database in its sole discretion, including without limitation, for excessive
querying of the WHOIS database or for failure to otherwise abide by this policy.
Network Solutions reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.
Get a FREE domain name registration, transfer, or renewal with any annual hosting package.
http://www.networksolutions.com
Visit AboutUs.org for more information about NETWORKSOLUTIONS.COM
<a href="http://www.aboutus.org/NETWORKSOLUTIONS.COM">AboutUs: NETWORKSOLUTIONS.COM </a>
Registrant:
Network Solutions, LLC
Network Solutions LLC
13861 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300
HERNDON, VA 20171
US
Domain Name: NETWORKSOLUTIONS.COM
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Promote your business to millions of viewers for only $1 a month
Learn how you can get an Enhanced Business Listing here for your domain name.
Learn more at http://www.NetworkSolutions.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative Contact, Technical Contact:
Network Solutions, LLC nocsupervisor@networksolutions.com
Network Solutions LLC
13861 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300
HERNDON, VA 20171
US
570-708-8788 fax: 703-668-5817
Record expires on 27-Apr-2019.
Record created on 27-Apr-1998.
Database last updated on 21-Oct-2009 22:03:06 EDT.
Domain servers in listed order:
NS1.NETSOL.COM 205.178.190.164
NS2.NETSOL.COM 205.178.184.21
NS3.NETSOL.COM 205.178.190. 165
[root@hunter ~]#

As you can see the output of the second query is much more useful when attempting to locate more information about the domain or the company behind the domain. Some domains are registered privately which will limit the information available about the domain.