Finger Protocol - TCP/IP Suite

The "finger" protocol is used to return information on users on a specific host. Information that can be gained by using the finger is to see if someone is actively logged on to a server, or find a valid username. The finger protocol is far less prevalent now than it once was due to some problems with the protocol. Back in 1988 an Internet worm exploited an error in the protocol, and additional it was used by mischievous people to find information about server users. Finger had the potential to provide one of these mischievous users with information such as login name, phone number, and the last time the user had logged on to the system.

The finger service is very well known, and runs on port seventy-nine (79). The client or user opens an active open connection to port seventy-nine (79) with a one-line query, which is then processed by the server. The server then sends back the output of that query and then closes the connection to the client.

As I mentioned early due to problems in the past with the protocol many servers have this service disabled entirely in which case when the client attempts to connect to the service and the server has no passive open connection it will send back a RST and drop the connection. Though more often than not there will be a firewall blocking this port entirely and you won't even get that far.

For the full technical description and inner workings of this protocol please refer to its RFC, the finger protocol is defined in RFC 1288.

Ken Dennis
http://KenDennis-RSS.homeip.net/

---

Some DSL Broadband Definitions

Often too many people get confused with all the definitions, here we have explained in easy to understand terms.ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - asymmetric meaning it's faster downstream than upstream.ASAM: Advanced Services... Read More

BT Broadband

Approximately 4 million people in the UK use ADSL with an extra 2 million using a cable connection, meaning 6 million people in the UK have an always-on internet connection. Of these over... Read More

How to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection for DSL or Cable Service

One of the common problems among internet users is testing their internet connection to pinpoint the exact problem. There is a big number of internet users who use DSL, and cable modem service.You... Read More

A Cheap Alternative To Broadband?

Are you a dial-up user looking for a faster connection, but don't like Broadband prices? If so, you should take a look at a new service called OnSpeed, which has received rave reviews... Read More

Dreams Come True With The Help Of Global Consciousness On The Internet

Dreams. There are two types of dreams: 1. When you are sleeping there are stories unfolding in your mind from a parallel dimension. 2. The aims one has in life. The latter is... Read More

Wanadoo: 17.99 Pounds 1Mbps Service

Wanadoo 17.99 pounds 1 mbps service getting good reviews.Want a smoking deal on broadband service? The real deal in smoking deals may have finally arrived. Wanadoo Broadband, one of the top three broadband... Read More

Broadband is State-of-the-Art Internet Access: How Can a Broadband Cable Benefit You?

We are now well ensconced in a time when the Web is riddled with graphics, animations, sounds, and videos, bringing about a necessity for superior internet access such as that which broadband can... Read More

Mind Machine Interfacing

SQUID:In 1984 I was partnered with a Cable TV engineer and founding father by the name of Ray Osborne. He was working with people developing oscillating noise loop broadband technologies. These technologies were... Read More

Google Talk Reviewed

So you're sick and tired of AOL Instant Messenger. You're looking for something fresh and new that will just work. Well Google feels the same way. On Wednesday August 24th they released their... Read More

Wireless Network Hammerin

The wireless network in my house went haywire. It worked on three PCs, one had a horrible connection, and one can't connect. Between Hubby and me, we spent a lot of time researching... Read More

Webmail - What are the Benefits?

There are so many different webmail services on the internet, from the huge ones like Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, to the much smaller ones from private websites and ISPs. There is a lot to... Read More

Beta Testing First Mobile Internet Satellite Broadband, Part II

We were the first beta testers of a Mobile Command Center with full Internet Access in 1999. Our mobile command center was also the first unit with WiFi and Internet Mobile Access.The next... Read More

Why Choose Dial Up ISP Services

Dial up ISP service is the cheapest choice of any of the ISPs and may be a good option for that family on a tight budget. The software upgrades have definitely increased the... Read More

Time to Redefine Telecom

Telecommunication, according to Wikipedia, is the extension of communication over a distance. In practice, it also recognizes that something may be lost in the process; hence the term 'telecommunication' covers all forms of... Read More

Internet ISPs

Choosing an internet ISP is often a rash and impulsive decision, but you should put more research and time into this decision to achieve the best results. Internet ISP's are the portal by... Read More

ICMP Protocol - Internet Control Message Protocol

The Internet Control Message Protocol communicates errors messages between systems that require attention. This error is not usually at the user level, the error is handled by the application layer. In the OSI... Read More

How Peer to Peer (P2P) Works

Peer to Peer (P2P) Technology- How it works:Ever wondered how P2P works? This guide will run down most of the major P2P services and how they work. Peer to Peer technology lets people... Read More

Wi-Fi Hotspot Security

You've set up your Boingo account, you're hanging out at the Home Turf sports bar in LAX and you figure you'll do a little business or check your e-mail while sipping a Chardonnay.... Read More

What are Your Internet Connection Solutions?

Of primary concern to all internet users is their actual connection to the internet.A user needs to look at all the factors and weigh the benefits and costsReliability - is the connection available... Read More

How to Test Your DSL and Cable Internet Connection Speed

There are two measured elements that determine your internet connection speed. They are: The download rate, and the upload rate of data measured in bits per seconds. Usually, it is expressed in Kilobits... Read More

Searching for the Right ISP

When searching for the right ISP there are a number of items to look at. How much is it going to cost me? What is the connection like? What are the Features? Is... Read More

Broadband

Broadband is the name given to a high-speed Internet connection that provide large bandwidth. It is a quick connection, typically "always-on" and capable of transmitting data at a much faster rate than a... Read More

Top 3 UK Broadband Providers

Every Internet provider today wants to make it sound like you are getting something for nothing. There are even some providers who will offer free access if you are willing to surf the... Read More

The Coming Television Revolution

The revolution is just getting started and will be begin to make its mark this year. By 2010, it will begin to take off. By 2025, it will be the standard for all... Read More

Compare Cable vs. DSL

Okay, so you are finally tired of those slow dial-up internet connections, and you want to go broadband. Good deal. But first, you may be wondering which type of broadband connection is best-... Read More

Whois Protocol - TCP/IP Suite

The Whois protocol is an information service not unlike the finger service. The Whois protocol provides the client or user with information about the owner of a domain or specific IP address. Information... Read More

Unlimited Bandwidth and Overselling

One of the most controversial topics surrounding web hosting is the practice of overselling bandwidth, and rightfully so. The practice of overselling has enormous potential for disaster ? ask any webmaster who has... Read More

Long Arm of the Law Reaches New Internet (RIAA, Internet-2, i2hub Lawsuit)

Have you heard of the new Internet? It's called Internet 2 and this time they're not fooling around. The Abilene Network , begun in 1999 provides the main backbone and they're a pure... Read More

How to Choose Best ISP for Your Needs

Well, the Internet access industry is starting to shake its way out. The much-anticipated consolidation of access providers is nearing its end. In broadband, this means that most users have little or no... Read More