whois(1N) (TCP/IP) whois(1N)
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.
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