Who is WHOIS?

WHOIS is a networking protocol that allows you to discover information about a domain. Following information can be obtained from a WHOIS server.

1) Owner information
2) Technical Contact
3) Administrator Contact
4) Registration date, expiry date, last renewal date
5) Registrar of domain

WHOIS is available as a service on port 43. WHOIS servers vary by the TLD (top level domain). Correct servers should be used to get information on the domain.

Although this information cab be fetched directly using simple tools like Telnet, it is easier to use tools like www.who.is.