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Using WHOIS to Find the Owner of a Domain Name
A WHOIS search allows you to find out who owns a domain name and other information about that domain name. Webopedia defines WHOIS as, "An Internet utility that returns information about a domain name or IP address. For example, if you enter a domain name such as microsoft.com, whois will return the name and address of the domain's owner (in this case, Microsoft Corporation). "
Basically, WHOIS is a database that holds information about domain name registrations. Registrars often have a privacy feature that allows the domain name owner to hide some of the information. The listing for thecomputergal.com in the Network Solutions WHOIS looks like this:
WHOIS Record For
thecomputergal.com
When you register a domain name, current policies require that the contact information for your domain name registration be included in a public database known as WHOIS. To learn about actions you can take to protect your WHOIS information visit www.internetprivacyadvocate.org.
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 or for the purpose or purposes of using the data in any manner that violates these terms of use. 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 direct mail, 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 all rights and remedies it now has or may have in the future, including, but not limited to, the right to terminate your access to the WHOIS database in its sole discretion, for any violations by you of these terms of use, including without limitation, for excessive querying of the WHOIS database or for failure to otherwise abide by these terms of use. Network Solutions reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.
© 2008, Nora McDougall