WHOIS

Several operating system provide a WHOIS utility. To conduct query from the command line the format is:
whois -h hostname identifier (e.g. whois -h whois.aim.net )
Command flag can be added to obtain more specific information. Flags can be categorized under query type and only one flag may be used from a query type.

• Query-by-record-type
• n Network address space
• a Autonomous systems
• p Point of contact
• o Organizations
• c End-user customers
• Query-by-attribute
• @ Search for matches by the domain-portion of an email address
• ! Search for matches by handle or id
• . Search for matches by name
• Display flags
• + Show details (aka "full") but cannot be used with the record hierarchy sub query
  
• - Show summary (aka "list")
• Record hierarchy
• <>
• > Display record related down the hierarchy. For network, display subdelegation or subnet, below the network
• Wild card queries
• WHOIS supports wild card queries. Append the query with *. This can be used in combination with any flag define above

There are five types of queries that can be carried out on a WHOIS database.

• Registrar - This gives information on potential domains matching the target.
• Organizational - This lists all known instances associated with the particular target and the number of domain associated with the organization.
• Domain - This can be used to find the company address, domain name, administrator and his/her phone number, and the system's domain servers.
• Network - This gives all information related to a particular network of a single IP address. Network enumeration can help ascertain the network block assigned or allotted to the domain.
• Point of Contact (POC) - Display all information related to a specific person, typically administrative contacts. Also known as query by "handle".

If the organization is a high security company, it can opt to register a domain in the name of a third party, as long as they agree to accept responsibility.

SmartWhois
SmartWhois is a network information utility that allow available information about an IP address, hostname or domain name, including country, state or province etc.
SmartWhois is available for download at www.tamos.com.