(Who is?) Before the Web, WHOIS was strictly an Internet service used to query a host and find out if a certain user was registered on that system. Originally developed by the military, others followed with their own WHOIS databases, which provide white pages directories. See
finger.
WHOIS/RDDS
The Registration Data Directory Service (RDDS) is the protocol used to query the WHOIS database. The request is made through the registrar, and access to secured data may be available.
Directory of Domain Names
WHOIS databases have become the master directories for domain name registrations. When a new domain is added or changed, the information is sent to the appropriate WHOIS database. Domain name registrars may provide a search function on their sites that can access various or all of the WHOIS databases. Following are examples of websites that provide information from the WHOIS databases:
WHO-IS SITES
www.WhoIs.sc
www.BetterWhoIs.com
www.InternNIC.net
www.uWhoIs.com
www.EasyWhoIs.com
www.FreeWho.com (tracks Whois sites)
www.TekTips.us (tracks Whois sites)